Ventilator Dependent Program

Silver Lake Specialized Care Center was the first Long-Term Care Facility in the State of New York to be approved to open a Long-Term Ventilator Unit.  The program was developed in conjunction with the New York State Department of Health.  Our very successful program has been in existence since November 1991.  It has the reputation of being the premier ventilator/pulmonary care unit.

Each admission is evaluated for his or her individual rehab/weaning potential.  We have had excellent results in weaning individuals form mechanical ventilation.  Weaning is an interdisciplinary team effort which includes:
  

• Evaluation by each team discipline to formulate a comprehensive care plan
• Pulmonary Physician weekly rounds with team members
• Evaluation for and the use of speaking valves for ventilator and tracheotomy patients; an important part of our program

Problems with speech and swallowing are a universal concern for individuals on a ventilator.  Restoring the ability to swallow and communicate is not only important for the rehabilitation of the patient, but adds significantly to their quality of life.  Our interdisciplinary team - Speech and Language Pathologist and ENT Specialist - aggressively evaluate swallowing and when needed, arranges fgor specialized diagnostic tests such as video fluroscopy and other fiberoptic evaluations, at a nearby hospital.

Therapeutic Recreational Activities are an important part of the quality of life for our ventilator residents.  A recreational plan is develooped in conjunction with an individual's abilities and personal preferences.

Will a ventilator resident participate in recreational activities?   YES

The degree of participation will depend on their interests and abilities.

Discharging planning, including family education, is a priority.