Respiratory Care

Respiratory Care was created specifically to care for patients with chronic ventilator and oxygen dependency. Since 1979, Bethesda Hospital has specialized in respiratory care. Our two inpatient programs are Ventilator Dependent and Respiratory Rehabilitation.

Ventilator Dependent

Many patients in this program have reached a plateau in their recovery and have been diagnosed as being unable to breathe independently, now or ever. Despite this prognosis, Bethesda has one of the highest wean success rates in the country.

The typical inpatient stay lasts 4 to 7 weeks, and may be followed by participation in an outpatient program or in an ongoing support group.

Respiratory Rehabilitation

Oxygen dependent patients are admitted to an inpatient program where they participate in daily breathing training and education. Those with chronic respiratory problems receive respiratory, physical and occupational therapy.

The typical inpatient stay lasts 2 to 4 weeks. We also have a 6-week-long outpatient program.

Working toward independence

When admitted to either program, our team works with each patient to determine strengths, needs and preferences. We then set goals with input from the patient and family to address areas such as:

• Respiratory management
• General medicine
• Nutrition
• Strengthening, coordination and general endurance activity
• Ambulation
• Activities of daily living
• More

For more information

Learn more about the Respiratory Care program at BethesdaHospital.org.