David Markham grew up in Benton County. Like many others, he moved away to pursue a career before eventually returning home to retire. But shortly after retirement, David faced a major health challenge when he required triple bypass heart surgery.
Surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown performed the procedure, using a vein from David’s leg to restore blood flow to his heart. After spending seven days recovering in Nashville, David’s medical team determined he still needed additional rehabilitation before safely returning home. That’s when the Swing Bed Program at West Tennessee Healthcare Camden Hospital became an important part of his recovery journey.
“I knew a little bit about the Swing Bed program,” David shared. “My sister was involved in a serious car accident several years ago and needed extra care after being discharged from Vanderbilt. She came back to Benton County and completed the Swing Bed program here. She told me the care was as good as anywhere in the state.”
David says his own experience confirmed exactly what his sister had told him.
“The care I received here was first class,” he said. “I knew some of the people who worked at the hospital already, and everyone made me feel comfortable. I got the extra attention I needed to get well.”
During his stay, David followed a structured recovery plan that included therapy, exercise, and dietary guidance.
“They had me walk three times a day,” David laughed. “I walked all over the hospital — outside when I could, but inside just as much. My therapist was encouraging and always let me know when I was making progress.”
Looking back, David believes going directly home after surgery would have slowed his recovery.
“Even though I was doing better, I knew I wasn’t ready to go home yet,” he explained. “My wife felt the same way. Staying in the Swing Bed program gave both of us confidence. The staff did a wonderful job preparing us for the transition home.”
Once discharged, David continued his recovery with daily exercises and activity restrictions while gradually rebuilding his strength.
“I was limited in what I could lift, and I still had to follow a strict diet,” he recalled. “But now I’m walking two miles a day.”
David and his wife have been married for 26 years and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. One recent milestone meant especially a lot to him.
“I got to watch my grandson play baseball in a tournament recently,” David said. “I hadn’t been able to see him play in over a year.”
Holly Bennett, RN, who works in Case Management at West Tennessee Healthcare Camden Hospital, explained that Swing Bed care provides short-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation services for patients who need additional recovery time after hospitalization.
“Swing Bed really means short-term skilled care,” Bennett explained. “That care can include IV therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and many other rehabilitative services patients may need before safely returning home.”
Bennett remembers David as a motivated patient determined to regain his independence.
“Mr. Markham worked very hard to recover and return home,” she said. “It’s normal for cardiac patients to feel anxious during recovery, but he remained positive and appreciative throughout his stay.”
She also emphasized the importance of helping family members feel prepared for the transition home.
“We worked closely with Mrs. Markham to help her feel comfortable and confident about David returning home,” Bennett said. “That support is a very important part of what we do.”
Many patients continue receiving care after being discharged through home health services.
“I’m a big advocate for home health,” Bennett added. “After patients leave the Swing Bed program, many continue therapy or nursing care at home for a period of time.”
Patients enter the Swing Bed program for many different reasons. Stroke patients, cardiac patients, individuals recovering from surgery, fracture patients, cancer patients, and those recovering from serious illness have all benefited from the program at Camden Hospital.
Mary Klopfenstein, an Occupational Therapist at West Tennessee Healthcare Camden Hospital, says the program is designed to help patients regain independence and improve quality of life.
“We’ve cared for recent amputees, patients recovering from COPD exacerbations, urinary tract infections, fractures, and many other conditions,” Klopfenstein explained. “Sometimes patients simply need additional therapy and support before they can safely manage everyday activities again.”
She recalled one patient who initially could not stand long enough to wash dishes at a sink.
“By the end of the program, she was able to stand, complete simple kitchen tasks, and continue living independently,” Klopfenstein said.
According to staff members, successful recovery requires collaboration across many disciplines.
“It’s truly a team effort,” Bennett said. “Our nurses focus on the clinical side of care, therapists focus on mobility and daily function, and physicians oversee the overall treatment plan.”
As patients prepare to leave the Swing Bed program, the care team helps coordinate equipment and services needed for a safe transition home.
“We can help patients obtain adaptive equipment such as shower benches, feeding utensils, bathroom safety items, and other tools that improve independence,” Klopfenstein added.
For many patients, recovering close to home makes a significant difference.
“Patients want to be near their families, friends, and support systems,” Bennett said. “One thing we hear often is that patients feel cared for here. They don’t feel like a number.”
For more information about the Swing Bed Program at West Tennessee Healthcare Camden Hospital, contact Holly Bennett at (731) 593-6300
