Ventilator Program

Missouri Rehabilitation Center is home to one of the largest ventilator units in the nation. Our weaning program has brought independence to many patients who had little hope of ever again being able to breathe on their own.

Patients must be stable with tracheostomy for admission to any of Missouri Rehabilitation Center's ventilator programs.

Ventilator weaning

Staff members employ all the elements of medical treatment, diet, exercise and general rehabilitation to help patients develop physically and psychologically for success in weaning. Our reimbursement method allows great time flexibility in meeting the goals. The patient develops at his or her own pace until total independence is achieved.

The patient must have the desire and/or ability to actively participate in a structured weaning program.

Caregiver program

This is a hands-on teaching program for families and friends of patients who are preparing to leave the center on a ventilator. Caregivers are trained to master designated tasks as outlined in the discharge program, including tracheostomy changes, ventilator settings, tube changes and administration of medications. Structured goals are set but with great time flexibility. Patients who are able are trained to care for themselves as much as possible.

There must be a primary caregiver or a skilled nursing facility designated to receive the patient when the program is completed.

Ventilator education

This program is for the patient who has the potential to return home but who has not been designated yet for the Caregiver Program. In this program, patients and caregivers are trained in ventilator care but are not given hands-on experience yet.

The patient must be nonsurgical and require a level of care above that provided by a skilled nursing facility.