For as long as I can remember, my grandmother was the most active person I knew. She was always on the move, cooking meals, tending to her garden, and taking care of everyone around her. But everything changed when she started experiencing severe back pain. The pain became so unbearable that she could no longer do the things she loved. She stopped eating, and most of her days were spent sitting on the couch, unable to move without discomfort. She didn’t like to admit defeat, but it was clear she needed help.
That’s when we discussed McCurtain Memorial Hospital’s (MMH) Swing Bed Program with her. After some convincing, she agreed to be evaluated for the program. Looking back, it was the best decision she could have made.
For two weeks, my grandmother worked daily with MMH’s dedicated medical team, which included therapists, nurses, and providers. She felt like she was at a resort rather than a hospital. The meals were so delicious that she would talk about them every day. The therapy team learned her routine down to the smallest details—exactly how she liked her coffee in the morning, how many warm blankets she needed before heading to therapy, and the little things that made her comfortable. The nursing team knew precisely how she preferred her medications and even what TV show she would want to watch at a given time.
For someone who spent her whole life taking care of others, it was a beautiful experience for her to be on the receiving end of such compassionate care. She even got to go out for a meal with family at a local restaurant on a day pass. The transformation was remarkable—within two weeks, she was back on her feet, eating again, and able to return home. Without the Swing Bed Program, she would have continued sitting in her living room, relying on others. Instead, we got our grandmother back, and it was incredible to witness.
The Swing Bed Program at MMH isn’t just for those recovering from weakness like my grandmother. It can help patients who are transitioning from hospital care but are not quite ready to go home. It’s also beneficial for individuals needing extended wound care, IV therapy, or those recovering from surgery or illness.
At one point, my grandmother had to be taken to a different facility with an ICU, but even then, she begged to be sent back to MMH because of the extraordinary care she received. That speaks volumes about the dedication and compassion of the MMH staff.
If you or a loved one could benefit from our Swing Bed Program, visit mmhok.net/swingbed to learn more. Let MMH help you regain strength and independence, just like they did for my grandmother.
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