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Continue Your Recovery Close to Home
August 27, 2026
After a major surgery, illness, injury, or hospital stay, being discharged from the hospital is an important milestone. But for some patients, going directly home isn’t yet the safest option.
Mille Lacs Health System’s Swing Bed Program, also known as transitional care, provides short-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation for patients who no longer need acute hospital care but still need additional support before returning home.
Think of it as a bridge between the hospital and home.
Patients may benefit from Swing Bed care after a major surgery, an extended hospitalization, serious illness, or injury. Others may need services such as IV antibiotics, complex wound care, medication management, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation, or ongoing monitoring.
One option many patients and families may not realize is that patients can receive Swing Bed care at Mille Lacs Health System even when their surgery or initial hospitalization took place somewhere else.
Patients sometimes travel to another hospital for surgery or specialized care, but if they qualify for Swing Bed care, they can return to Mille Lacs Health System in Onamia for the next stage of their recovery. Patients and families should let their care team know if they would like to explore continuing their recovery closer to home.
Returning closer to home allows patients to be near family, friends, and their community while continuing to receive the skilled care they need.
Because the Swing Bed Program is hospital-based, patients have access to 24/7 skilled nursing care along with physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Care may include medication management, wound care, IV therapy, pain support, health monitoring, and patient education. Patients also have convenient access to respiratory therapy, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, nutrition services, social work, and medical providers.
Throughout the stay, the care team works with patients and families to discuss progress, recovery goals, and plans for returning home. The team can also help arrange services, equipment, education, or community resources that may be needed after discharge.
For Kris Young, whose husband, Peter, received Swing Bed care at Mille Lacs Health System, the experience provided peace of mind.
“The therapists, doctors, nurses and entire staff made us feel welcome and addressed all of our questions and concerns,” Young said. “I can leave for the evening knowing my husband will be well taken care of. I would recommend Mille Lacs Health System’s Swing Bed Program to my friends and family.”
Eligibility for Swing Bed care is based on medical need and insurance requirements. Medicare and private insurance plans have specific coverage requirements, and the Mille Lacs Health System team can help determine eligibility and coordinate care with the referring hospital and insurance provider.
If you or a loved one may need additional care or rehabilitation following a hospital stay, ask about Swing Bed care at Mille Lacs Health System. Planning ahead and knowing your options can help make the transition from hospital to recovery easier.
For more information, contact the Mille Lacs Health System Swing Bed Care Coordinator at 320-532-2556.