Helping Patients Transition Home

At Bridgton Hospital, the Swing Bed Program provides a skilled level of care in a safe and caring environment for patients who need extra time to recover after a joint replacement, general surgical procedure, or debilitating illness. Skilled-care treatments are often needed to regain strength, mobility, and independence to safely return home. Treatments may include intravenous antibiotics; daily wound care; comprehensive therapy services and nutritional support services.

Bridgton Hospital’s highly skilled clinical team is here to respect and support patients.  The team includes: Medical Director, Nurse Practitioner, Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Respiratory Therapists, Registered Nurses, Nurse’s Aides, Wound Care Specialty Nurse, Case Managers, Licensed Social Worker and Registered Dietician. Early in a patient’s stay, the team works in collaboration with the patient to identify specific goals. For most patients, the goal is to get home.

Stepping stones to achieving that goal(s) may include the ability to walk safely and independently for at least 100 feet, to get in and out of bed, to dress and undress, and to do necessary daily tasks including preparing meals, bathing, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, and driving. With the support of a caring team, the patient works towards achieving these goals.

Patient comfort is a top priority: all of the rooms at Bridgton Hospital are private, and visitors may come and go at almost any time. An individual bathroom with accessible shower offers privacy. Cable TV, telephone, and free Internet access are available to keep patients connected.

The team develops a safe transition home through providing patient education, caregiver training, home safety evaluations and comprehensive discharge planning.

Swing Bed care is usually paid for by Medicare, MaineCare, and many private insurance policies. The Bridgton Hospital Case Management team is ready to work with patients and their families to confirm coverage.

Bridgton Hospital’s Swing Bed Program welcomes visits and tours. To arrange a tour, contact the Case Management/Swing Bed Team at 207-647-6053 or 207-402-0753.