Swing Bed Program
Healing Close to Home at Share Medical Center
At Share Medical Center, we understand that recovery is more than just medical treatment- it’s about being surrounded by familiar faces, in a place that feels like home. Our Swing Bed Program allows patients to transition seamlessly from acute hospital care to skilled nursing and rehabilitation in the very same bed, right here in Alva- without ever leaving our facility or transferring to a distant nursing home.
What is a Swing Bed?
A Swing Bed is a Medicare-approved program that allows qualifying patients “swing” from hospital-level care (covered under Medicare Part A as acute care) to skilled nursing and rehabilitation care (still covered under Medicare Part A) all while remaining in the same hospital bed. This eliminates the need to transfer to a separate skilled nursing facility, keeping families close and making recovery more comfortable.
Who Qualifies?
Patients typically qualify after a minimum 3-day qualifying inpatient hospital stay (any hospital, not just SMC) and require daily skilled nursing or rehabilitation services, such as:
Physical therapy
Wound care
IV medications or infusions
Respiratory therapy
Post-surgical recovery
Management of complex medical conditions
Common reasons for Swing Bed care include recovery from hip/knee replacement, stroke, pneumonia, fractures, cardiac events, or other conditions needing skilled support.
Why Choose Swing Beds at SMC?
No long drives for family- Loved ones can visit easily after work, bring grandchildren, or share meals—emotional support that speeds healing.
Familiar team, trusted care- The same nurses, therapists, and doctors who treated you in the hospital continue your recovery, reducing confusion and anxiety.
Personalized, daily rehabilitation- Tailored therapy plans with quick adjustments—patients often regain strength and independence faster than in larger facilities.
Financial peace of mind- Covered under Medicare Part A (same cost-sharing as hospital stay) with no surprise copays common in some skilled nursing facilities. We help explain coverage and connect qualifying patients to financial assistance.
Local dollars stay local- Your care supports jobs and services right here in Woods County.
Even if You Were Treated Elsewhere
You don’t need to stay at SMC for your acute care. If you receive qualifying hospital treatment at another facility (e.g., in Enid, Woodward, or Oklahoma City), you can transfer back to Share Medical Center for Swing Bed rehab under Original Medicare, recovering close to home with family nearby and our dedicated team.
Ready to Learn More?
If you or a loved one may need skilled nursing or rehab after a hospital stay, talk to your provider about Swing Beds at Share Medical Center. Our team is here to answer questions, explain eligibility, and make the process as smooth as possible.
Call us at 580-327-2800 or ask your hospital discharge planner to coordinate a transfer to SMC.
Healing close to home isn’t just possible- it’s what we do best.
