If the condition of a ventilator-dependent patient is stable, they can live safely outside the hospital by following a personalized care plan. Some people return home, while others are moved to a specialized adult family home or a skilled nursing facility. The correct setting is dependent on their medical and ventilator needs and the recommendations of their physicians.
When Can Someone Leave the Hospital?
A ventilator-dependent patient can be discharged from a hospital if they no longer need hospital-level treatment. But they still need ventilator support and need a place where they can get continuous medical and breathing assistance.
The medical team reviews the following things before discharging a ventilator-dependent patient from the hospital:
- Respiratory requirements
- What ventilator settings they need
- Medications
- Mobility level
- Nutrition requirements
- Ability to handle secretions
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute clearly mentions that a medically stable ventilator-dependent patient can leave the hospital and keep using a ventilator at home or in some care facility. But it is important that caregivers know how to operate the ventilator, recognize serious problems, and identify an emergency.
What Ventilator Care Options Are Available After Leaving Hospital?
Ventilator Care at Home
Families who can consistently provide the right equipment and trained caregivers can take their patient home.
But before moving home, make sure you have the following facilities:
- Trained caregivers
- Backup power and backup equipment
- Reliable ventilator and other equipment
- Availability during nights
- Handling emergencies and illness
- Consistent professional support
- Ability to handle the patient in the absence of caregivers
Specialized Adult Family Home for Ventilator-Dependent Residents
According to Washington State DSHS an adult family home is a smaller residential unit (with less than 10 rooms) where continuous medical support, nutrition, supervision, personal care, and other facilities are provided. Each resident has a private room.
A Specialized Care Home provides 24/7 professional ventilator care with private space, regular family involvement, and familiar routines. Families can learn more about daily life on our Residents page.
Skilled Nursing Facility
People who need broader rehabilitation or nursing services may need a skilled nursing facility. This option is considered based on the patient’s medical requirements and recommendations by the physicians.
What Support Does Long-Term Ventilator Care Require?
Long-term ventilator care requires many things, such as:
- Operating ventilator
- Airway monitoring
- Tracheostomy care
- Medication Administration
- Suctioning when required
- Assistance with movement and daily activities
- Personal care and Hygiene
- Nutrition support
- Regular Communication with respiratory specialists and physicians
At Rite Choice Ventilator Home, we provide all these long-term ventilator care services in one care setting. Other services we have include:
- Emergency planning
- Backup power
- Charged batteries
- Working alarms
- Respiratory supplies
- Trained staff
See our ventilator emergency preparedness infographic for a practical overview.
Planning a Safe Move From Hospital To Ventilator Care Facility
A detailed medical review is required before deciding to move a patient from a hospital to a long-term ventilator care facility.
The receiving team at the care facility needs the patient’s information, such as:
- Current physician orders
- Recommended ventilator settings
- Records of medication
- Equipment information
- Emergency contacts
- Current medical condition
Families should also provide personal information, such as:
- Daily routines of the resident
- Communication requirements
- Room preferences
- Personal goals
All these details are used to prepare a personalized ventilator care plan for each resident.
Our ventilator-patient admission process explains how Rite Choice reviews each case before accepting a new resident. Careful planning is essential to safely transition patients and reassure families that consistent, long-term support will be provided after discharge.
Contact Rite Choice Ventilator Home Team
To discuss your loved one’s long-term ventilator care needs, call Rite Choice at (360) 944-4471 or contact us online. Rite Choice is the best long-term ventilator care facility in Vancouver, WA, USA.