What Ventilator Patients Can Expect
It is not easy for ventilator patients to know what to expect with their respiratory care. When you entrust your care or the care of your loved one to ALRS, here’s what you can expect:
- You will be greeted by an experienced, licensed respiratory therapist when you arrive.
- Your respiratory service and care will be provided by skilled clinicians in a safe and clean skilled nursing facility.
- Your respiratory therapist will conduct a thorough patient assessment to determine your current respiratory care needs and will work with you, your family or caregivers, and a pulmonologist or nurse practitioner to develop an appropriate plan of care to help you reach your goals.
- An ALRS therapist will be available on-site to manage your care in-person, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Your respiratory therapist will work as a team with the facility’s other medical personnel who will also visit and provide care for you on a regular basis.
- If you would benefit from physical, speech, or occupational therapy and your facility offers those services to its patients, your respiratory therapist will ensure they are included as part of your treatment plan.
- Your respiratory status will be closely monitored around the clock, both in your room and elsewhere on the facility property, for your health and safety.
- Your therapist will be located nearby in your facility, so they can respond quickly and efficiently if needed.
- Your care will be our utmost priority, and we will treat you and your loved ones as members of our own ALRS family.
ALRS Admission Criteria
Patients who need ongoing respiratory care in a skilled nursing facility after they have been discharged from the hospital must meet certain criteria in order to be admitted to a ventilator unit. Generally, a patient must:
- Have a tracheotomy
- Utilize a medical ventilator that operates at certain identified setting thresholds
- Not require dialysis services
- Not be undergoing active cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy
- Not require any sort of movement restraints, whether chemical or physical
- Be medically stable
- Have at least one payer source
Other factors may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Patients
ALRS also offers programs for skilled nursing facility patients who do not require ventilator care but still need assistance with managing chronic respiratory issues.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a segment of the respiratory care field focused on helping patients better manage chronic pulmonary illnesses such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma through treatment and education. The goal of pulmonary rehab is to improve a patient’s quality of life by supporting and strengthening their respiratory function and making it easier for them to pursue their daily activities.
ALRS currently offers pulmonary rehab programs at its Memphis, TN location. If you would like to know more about how to participate, or you would like ALRS to provide a pulmonary rehab program in your area, fill out the form below and a member of our team will respond to you with additional information.
Reduce the risk of future readmissions
Research shows that pulmonary rehab can reduce the risk of future readmissions and emergency department visits for COPD patients who’ve been released from the hospital.
Lower risk of death
Pulmonary rehab can also significantly lower risk of death for COPD patients discharged from the hospital – but research shows very few patients who could benefit from pulmonary rehab actually receive it.
FAQ
What is respiratory care?
Respiratory care is a healthcare specialty focused on managing and improving patients’ pulmonary function through the use of evidence-based treatments and therapies.
What is a respiratory therapist?
A respiratory therapist is a medical practitioner who is trained to diagnose, assess, and treat patients with pulmonary dysfunction. Respiratory therapists work alongside a patient’s other medical providers to develop a care plan to improve the patient’s respiratory function, which may include the temporary or long-term use of specialized medical equipment like a ventilator to support or manage the patient’s pulmonary function.
What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a segment of the respiratory care field focused on helping patients better manage their chronic pulmonary illnesses such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma through treatment and education. The goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to improve a patient’s quality of life by supporting and strengthening their respiratory function and making it easier for them to pursue their daily activities.
Which patients need the type of respiratory care ALRS provides?
Ventilator patients with chronic pulmonary dysfunction who have been discharged from the hospital to long-term care would benefit from the ongoing respiratory care provided by ALRS’ trained therapists. Additionally, patients who suffer from chronic pulmonary illnesses and need help managing their symptoms would benefit from ALRS’ pulmonary rehabilitation services.
Why should I choose ALRS to establish a ventilator unit in my skilled nursing facility?
For more than three decades, ALRS has been the nation’s leading provider of respiratory care services. Our trained respiratory therapists are all state-licensed and are either certified or registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NRBC). ALRS also follows all American Association of Respiratory Care guidelines.
Our therapists integrate seamlessly with your medical personnel and work as a team with your providers to develop appropriate plans of care. We provide our partners with the latest in ventilator technology and all necessary respiratory supplies. And ALRS commits to providing in-person 24/7 care in each of its units, so you can be sure a skilled therapist will always be on hand to manage patients’ respiratory needs.
Why should I trust ALRS with the care of my ventilator patient?
For more than three decades, ALRS has been the nation’s leading provider of respiratory care services. Our trained respiratory therapists are all state-licensed and are either certified or registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NRBC). ALRS also follows all American Association of Respiratory Care guidelines.
Above all, our primary focus at ALRS is helping our patients achieve their best possible quality of life. Our experienced therapists will work alongside families and other healthcare providers to develop plans of care and treatment goals for each patient. We are committed to providing in-person, on-site, 24/7 care management and support for all of our patients. And we provide all necessary training to caregivers when patients are ready to transition to the home.
Ready to Get Started?
ALRS provides respiratory care for patients in skilled nursing facilities in the locations indicated on the map.
If you would like to know more about which facilities in your area partner with ALRS for respiratory care, or if you would like to request ALRS’ services in a location near you, please fill out the below form and a member of our team will respond to you shortly.
