Diagnosis: Respiratory Ventilator Patient with Pneumonia
At the young age of 58, Paul was admitted to Generations at Elmwood Park suffering from pneumonia caused by fluid and food build-up in his lungs and complicated by a painful bowel obstruction. These complex illnesses resulted in Paul being placed on a life-sustaining ventilator system in order for him to survive. He was transferred from Kindred Northlake Hospital to Generations at Elmwood Park in May of 2011. Upon his admission to Generations at Elmwood Park, his condition was considered very poor and his fate grim.
Personalized Treatment and Therapy Plan
Paul required the entire spectrum of quality high acuity health care and therapy services that Generations at Elmwood Park offers. When Paul was admitted to Generations at Elmwood Park, he required continuous ventilator care and received all nutrition through a feeding tube. A customized, 24/7 personal care and treatment plan was established by the respiratory, nursing and therapy staff for Paul to regain his strength and stamina.
Results
Through the hard work and dedication of Generations at Elmwood Park’s respiratory therapy and nursing staff, Paul has been successfully weaned off the life-supporting ventilator machine in three months and remains able to breathe on his own today. In order to regain his physical strength, the Physical and Occupational Therapy staff worked tirelessly with Paul for three months to help him progress from being bed-ridden to standing, strengthening his muscles and then gradually walking with the assistance of a walker and now independently without any assistive device.
With intensive therapy services and staff assistance, Paul has gone from a life-sustaining, bed-bound illness to full independence. He has now returned to his own home in the community and is grateful for the care and services he received at Generations at Elmwood Park.
Family Feedback
The professional staff at Generations at Elmwood Park saved his life.
Doug (brother and paramedic)
My son is going home!
Paul’s Mom
