Chippewa Valley Times

Western Wisconsin Health has introduced its Transitional Care (Swing Bed) Program to assist patients who are not yet ready to return home after hospitalization. This program acts as a bridge, providing necessary medical services and rehabilitation in a supportive environment. It aims to help individuals regain strength and independence before resuming their normal activities.

The program is designed for those needing extra time to heal, offering a structured setting where patients can gradually rebuild confidence in daily tasks like dressing and bathing. While Western Wisconsin Health may not always provide specific specialty procedures, it focuses on post-surgery or treatment care through high-quality rehabilitation.

"Our top priority is to help you return home as safely and as quickly as possible," states the organization. With 87% of swing bed patients successfully returning home after an average stay of 11 days, the program emphasizes safety and quick recovery.

Western Wisconsin Health highlights its comprehensive approach tailored to each patient's needs. The facility boasts a multidisciplinary team that includes nurses, nursing assistants, care coordinators, social workers, dieticians, therapists, and other specialists focused on complex care plans and pain management.

The environment plays a crucial role in recovery with private rooms designed for rest and healing. Patients have access to community spaces like healing gardens and patios. The recent addition of an on-unit rehabilitation suite enhances therapy options with state-of-the-art equipment for mobility improvement.

Nutrition is another key component; meals are freshly prepared using high-quality ingredients catering to specific dietary needs. This supports faster recovery by ensuring proper nourishment.

Alicia Myers from Western Wisconsin Health describes the program as "a hidden gem," emphasizing its unique value compared to nursing homes by offering higher support levels in a hospital setting. Former patient Ann Hoel praised the facility's staff for their competence and caring nature during her stay.

The Transitional Care Program serves various recovery needs such as stroke recovery, extended IV therapy, complex wound care, respiratory conditions requiring therapy, post-surgical recovery, teaching new healthcare skills requiring skilled nursing care.

For more information about the program or inquiries about potential benefits for loved ones needing transitional care services at Western Wisconsin Health, interested parties can visit their website or contact them directly via phone.