Skilled Nursing Care
Recover With Us
You’ve been in the hospital and it’s time to begin the journey home. Lucas County Health Center is here to assist with a safe transition while we help you get your life back on track.
The LCHC Skilled Care Team works closely with physicians to offer a safe, monitored environment for patients who require a “step-down” from acute hospital care. In private, home-like rooms, you will receive individualized attention and care plans that may include medications, nutritional consultation, and physical, occupational, speech, or other therapies.
We know you are eager to rejoin your family, so LCHC offers in-room sleeping accommodations so a loved one can stay with you. Plus, there is ample room for visitors when you feel up to having company.
For more information about Skilled Care at Lucas County Health Center, call 641.774.3267 or 800.404.3111 Ext. 3267, or email us.
What Is Skilled (or Swing Bed) Care?
Skilled care is a “step down” from the care patients receive during hospitalization for illness or surgery. Patients may “qualify” for skilled care if they are recovering but are still in need of care such as IV treatment, or physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
Successful skilled care patients are active in their treatment and rehabilitation therapies. Progress must be demonstrated toward health-related goals for patients to continue to meet mandated qualifications for skilled care.
Each patient receives an individual evaluation on admission day by the LCHC multi-discipline skilled care team. Rehabilitation is provided weekdays by the therapists. Nursing staff continues to work with patients through the weekend.
The evaluation to develop the patient’s individual care plan must be completed Monday through Friday, which is why a weekday transfer to LCHC is best for the patient. Being discharged from a hospital and traveling can be exhausting, so arriving at LCHC early - preferably before lunch - allows the patient time to rest before the evaluation.
Will I Qualify for Skilled (or Swing Bed) Care?
An individual evaluation of your health determines if your medical condition warrants skilled care. In order for a Medicare patient to qualify for skilled nursing care, he or she must meet Medicare mandated guidelines. There are too many details to cover here, but one important requirement is that the patient must have completed a three-night acute care hospital stay within the 30-day period immediately prior to the skilled nursing stay.
Many insurance plans provide coverage for skilled care. Patients covered under commercial insurance plans may have specific conditions of qualification mandated by their insurance companies. LCHC recommends each patient get prior approval of coverage from his or her insurance company before beginning a skilled care stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access Skilled Care at LCHC?
We are here to make the process as simple as possible following your hospital stay. Call the LCHC Clinical
Services Assistant at 641.774.3267.
What if I didn’t have surgery at LCHC?
No matter where you have your hospital stay for surgery, stroke or other illness, you can receive skilled care at LCHC to help you regain your previous health. Ask the discharge planner or social worker helping with your hospital discharge to contact LCHC to discuss your possible transfer to skilled care closer to home.
Is Skilled Care a long-term option?
Skilled care is designed and regulated to be a transitional care option for patients regaining their health. A typical skilled care patient stay at LCHC is approximately two weeks in length. It may be shorter or longer, depending on each patient’s
individual progress.
