Breathing New Possibilities
Sunshine’s Ventilator Program is one of a few in Ohio that provides long-term ventilator support to individuals with developmental disabilities. The program has become a source of comfort and respite for families who struggle to find consistent in-home healthcare and support. Our approach to care is deeply collaborative, involving our teams of nurses, therapists, doctors, social workers, and family input. Together, we develop comprehensive care plans with the ultimate goal of gradually weaning individuals off of their ventilator dependency whenever possible. We support individuals who are ventilator dependent in their everyday life. We work closely with local schools, our transportation department, nurses, and healthcare providers to ensure each individual has the same opportunities to live as independently as possible. Whether attending events or going to camp, those on a ventilator can thrive.
Our Team
Our team of 50 nurses works 24/7 to provide clinical care to those with advanced medical needs. They work alongside our dedicated direct support professionals to ensure daily medical support, and they partner closely with families and medical providers to complete each individual’s care plan.
Sunshine also provides respiratory care in the home, supported by a pulmonary care team that rounds on each individual, ensuring they receive the specialized monitoring, treatments, and equipment needed to breathe safely and comfortably.
In-House Therapy Support
With advanced medical needs comes advanced therapeutic support. Our in-house therapy team consists of occupational, physical, and speech therapists who spend time building relationships with each individual we support. Our in-house team can offer more frequent and longer therapy sessions outside of a hospital setting, creating consistent and abundant support for Sunshine individuals.
Equipment
Our Ventilator Program uses the newest respiratory-care equipment—including advanced ventilators, high-flow therapy, mucus-clearance chest vests, and Cough Assist airway-clearance devices. This high-tech equipment, paired with our 24/7 clinical-care team, ensures each person’s breathing needs are met; secretions are cleared; comfort and safety are maintained; and care plans are managed.