For individuals who depend on ventilator support or require intensive respiratory therapy, Gurwin Healthcare System offers one of Long Island’s most advanced and experienced respiratory care programs. Our dedicated Ventilator and Respiratory Care Unit combines cutting-edge technology, a specially trained interdisciplinary team, and a person-centered approach to help residents achieve the highest possible quality of life, whether their goal is greater mobility and independence while on ventilator support or a pathway to weaning from it altogether.
Long Island Respiratory & Ventilation Care
Advanced ventilator care and round-the-clock respiratory support at Gurwin's Commack campus
When to Consider Respiratory and Ventilator Care
Respiratory and ventilator care is appropriate for individuals with complex pulmonary or neuromuscular conditions who require ongoing medical support that cannot safely be managed at home or in a standard skilled nursing setting.
Respiratory and ventilator care may be recommended for individuals who:
- Are ventilator-dependent following a stroke, head trauma, or neurological event
- Have a progressive neuromuscular or pulmonary disease
- Require specialized respiratory therapy following surgery or a serious illness
- Need ongoing support with oxygen, suction, cough assist, or nebulization therapy
- Are candidates for ventilator weaning
Our Respiratory and Ventilator Care Unit
Housed in our Weinberg Pavilion at Gurwin in Commack, our 28-bed Ventilator and Respiratory Care Unit is designed specifically for residents with complex respiratory needs. The unit features piped-in oxygen and suction throughout, and a bi-axial room design that provides each resident with privacy while maintaining close clinical oversight.
VOCSN Technology: A Regional First
Gurwin is proud to partner with Ventech Life Systems, the creator of the VOCSN integrated ventilator system. We are the only adult long-term care facility in the New York tri-state metropolitan area utilizing VOCSN technology, which consolidates five therapies into a single portable, 18-pound unit.
- Ventilation
- Oxygen therapy
- Suction
- Cough assist
- Nebulization
This integration improves clinical efficiency and gives residents far greater mobility. Rather than being tethered to multiple devices, residents can move more freely, participate in therapy, and engage with programming throughout the facility, significantly enhancing both health outcomes and quality of life.
View the video below to learn more about Gurwin’s VOCSN technology and what it means for residents and families.
Respiratory Care Services
Our comprehensive respiratory care program includes:
- 24/7 respiratory monitoring and clinical management
- Ventilator management and adjustment
- Ventilator weaning support for eligible residents
- Oxygen therapy and suction support
- Cough assist and secretion management
- Nebulization therapy
- Respiratory therapy in coordination with physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Therapeutic recreation and socialization programming
Our Respiratory Care Team
Providing safe, effective care for ventilator-dependent residents requires a team with deep, specialized expertise. Gurwin’s respiratory care staff includes respiratory therapists with extensive backgrounds in ventilator and critical care, as well as nursing professionals who receive specialized training in ventilator management.
Beyond this core clinical team, an interdisciplinary group collaborates on each resident’s individualized care plan. This team approach ensures that every dimension of a resident’s health and wellbeing is addressed. For some residents, that means working toward ventilator weaning and a transition to a lower level of care, either within Gurwin or back in the community. For all residents, programming is available to encourage socialization and engagement with other members of the Gurwin community.
Insurance Coverage for Respiratory and Ventilator Care
Respiratory and ventilator care is typically covered as part of skilled nursing services. Coverage may include:
- Medicare for qualifying short-term respiratory care following a hospitalization
- Medicaid for eligible long-term residents
- Long-term care insurance, which frequently covers ventilator and respiratory services
- Private pay options
Our admissions and financial counseling team can help families understand their coverage and navigate the insurance process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory and Ventilator Care
What conditions are treated in the Ventilator and Respiratory Care Unit?
Our unit serves individuals with complex neuromuscular and pulmonary diseases, as well as those recovering from strokes or head traumas that have affected breathing and require ongoing ventilator support.
Can residents on ventilators participate in activities and therapy?
Yes. The VOCSN integrated ventilator system significantly enhances mobility, allowing residents to participate in physical, occupational, and speech therapy as well as recreational and social programming throughout the facility.
Is the goal always to wean residents off the ventilator?
Not always. For some residents, the goal is successful weaning and a transition to a lower level of care. For others, long-term ventilator support is necessary, and the focus is on maximizing comfort, function, and quality of life. Each resident’s care plan reflects their individual medical situation, goals, and preferences.