By: Karrine Brogoitti, Communications and Marketing Director, Grande Ronde Hospital and Cherise Kaechele, for Grande Ronde Hospital

Grande Ronde Hospital’s swing bed program isn’t new — but it’s getting renewed attention as more patients and families discover how it bridges the gap between hospital care and home recovery in a way that’s personalized, supportive, and close to home.

Designed for patients who no longer need acute care but aren’t quite ready to return home, the swing bed program allows patients to remain in the hospital while receiving skilled nursing care, physical or occupational therapy, and coordinated recovery support.

“It can be tough on patients to build a relationship with our staff and then be transferred to another facility to finish their recovery,” said Wade Twilegar, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer. “If a patient has a solid discharge plan and we can continue their rehabilitation here for a week or two, we’d rather keep them in an environment where they feel known and supported.”

The program is ideal for patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury who need additional time to regain strength and mobility — like a patient recovering from hip surgery who will face a multi-level home and a long road of physical therapy. Rather than transferring that patient to a distant nursing facility, GRH’s swing bed program enables them to stay in the same room, work with the same care team, and receive one-on-one therapy sessions in a familiar setting.

“Studies show patients do better when they stay in one place to complete their recovery,” Twilegar said. “They gain confidence. They’re more engaged. And our team gets to follow through on their care.”

Each swing bed patient is supported by a multidisciplinary team—including a provider, case manager, dietitian, and physical therapist—who meet weekly to adjust care plans and ensure progress stays on track. The program also provides a unique opportunity for patients newly diagnosed with a condition to receive education, support, and hands-on coaching on managing their health before returning home.

“There’s no set number of swing beds — it all depends on staffing and patient need,” Twilegar explained. “Our goal is to say yes whenever we can. This program is about doing what’s best for our community.”

Twilegar noted that some patients prefer to head home or transfer to a long-term care facility once they’re medically stable — and that’s perfectly fine, too. “It’s about choice. We want people to feel empowered to recover in the way that works best for them.”

It’s this comprehensive, personalized approach that makes the program so valuable—not only for patients but also for their families. The swing bed program offers something invaluable for families: time. Time to prepare the home with needed equipment, coordinate caregiving, and ensure everything is in place for a safe return.

“No one plans for a hospitalization,” Twilegar said. “The swing bed program gives patients and their families the breathing room they need to adjust — and return home with confidence.”