Imagine a place where individuals
requiring ventilators to breathe can benefit from increased
independence and socialization. Imagine that place staffed
24 hours a day with Respiratory Therapists who also meet
the needs of short-term patients requiring pulmonary rehabilitation.
Welcome to the ElderWood Respiratory Care Program.
Ventilator Care
ElderWood Health Care at Heathwood's renovation in 2000
created a dedicated respiratory care unit with medical
gases and a suction system installed into the walls of
patient rooms and common areas. This setting is ideal
for patients no longer requiring the intensive care monitoring
of the hospital setting.
Respiratory Care Program patients requiring ventilator
support benefit from advanced Pulmonetics™
ventilators weighing about 12 pounds. The size of laptop
computers, these ventilators can operate on battery power,
enabling patients to move throughout the facility and
attend activities, concerts and religious services, as
well as dine with family, friends and other patients.
The entire focus of the respiratory care team is to enhance
each individual's quality of life while providing excellent
medical care.
Although patients receiving care may be chronic or short-term
ventilator users, the staff is always focused on optimizing
rehab potential and weaning all patients from their ventilators
as much as possible. Since the start of the Respiratory
Care Program, several successfully weaned patients have
been discharged back to home.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
ElderWood's short-term pulmonary rehabilitation service
offers an in-patient approach to improving the level of
functioning and overall quality of life for those suffering
from pulmonary disorders. The goal is to help each patient
achieve the maximum level of independence possible based
on their condition and personal commitment. To achieve
this goal, ElderWood's respiratory care team educates
each patient to help them understand their current health
status and learn ways to lead an active, productive life
by conserving energy and pacing activities.
Patients admitted for pulmonary rehabilitation services
typically require therapies for one of the following conditions:
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema,
chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, bronchiectasis,
cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, or other medical
conditions that are controlled or stable. Also, individuals
who experience shortness of breath interfering with daily
activities or self-care, or have recurring hospitalizations
for chronic lung problems, are candidates for this service.
Each patient's length of stay is expected to not exceed
30 days.
The Care Team
Medical Care
Physicians, including
a Board-certified pulmonologist, oversee the program and,
in coordination with the attending physician, review each
patient's situation at least weekly.
Physical Therapy
Working with experienced
and licensed physical therapists, patients learn to increase
their physical strengths and improve ambulation. The treatment
program may include static and dynamic sitting/standing
balance activities, bed mobility training, energy conservation
techniques, gait and transfer training, and/or progressive
ambulation programs, as diagnosis allows. Physical therapy
is available up to six days per week. Frequency and length
of treatment sessions are dependent on therapist evaluation
and patient tolerance.
Occupational Therapy
Patients receive practical
training on how to improve the skills required to perform
a wide variety of activities needed for daily living.
The treatment program includes upper extremity exercises
to increase endurance, maximize oxygen consumption and
sharpen skills in task performance. Occupational therapy,
available up to six days per week, also teaches work simplification
and energy conservation techniques. Frequency and length
of treatment sessions are dependent on therapist evaluation
and patient tolerance.
Respiratory Therapy
Licensed respiratory therapists,
available 24 hours a day, provide an individualized program
that includes patient education and instruction on medications
and the different modes of administration; use of oxygen
therapy; chest physiotherapy; relaxation methods and breathing
techniques.
Speech Pathology Services
Patients are provided
with safe swallowing techniques and appropriate diet consistencies
to enhance nutrition. Voice, articulation and breathing
techniques are practiced to improve vocalizations and
reduce fatigue. Speech therapy is available five days
per week.
Nursing Care
A specialized nursing
staff assists patients by reinforcing skills learned through
the individualized treatment plan (such as activities
of daily living training). The nursing team provides education
on recognizing problems, including signs and symptoms
of infection, hypoxia and other symptoms of their disease.
Nutrition Services
A registered dietician
assesses each patient's status to ensure adequate nutrition.
Education on proper nutrition, as well as dietary planning,
are provided to meet individual needs.
Psychosocial Support
A social worker is available
to provide psychosocial support to each individual. They
also will help monitor any psychiotropic medication together
with nursing staff. A psychologist is available to evaluate
and assist residents experiencing any psychosocial problems,
such as depression or anxiety. The program social worker
also oversees patient discharges and assist patients and
families as needed.
Additional Support Services
Other services available
to Respiratory Care Program patients are: leisure time
activities, beauty and barber services and volunteer visits.
In addition, the business office works with the patient
and providers, including Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs and
private insurance, to evaluate and attain available financial
support.
ElderWood's Respiratory Care Program meets patients'
individual care needs in a truly unique setting. For
additional information
on the admissions process and qualifying criteria, please
contact ElderWood Senior Care's admissions team at
716-250-9663 or toll-free 1-888-826-WOOD
(9663) or request more
information.
