Respiratory Therapy & Ventilator Care
Delaware's only skilled nursing facility ventilator unit providing 24/7 respiratory therapy and ventilator management in Wilmington.
Respiratory Care
Delaware's Premier Ventilator & Respiratory Care Unit
Cadia Rehabilitation Pike Creek operates Northern Delaware's only skilled nursing facility ventilator unit, providing specialized respiratory care for ventilator-dependent patients and those with complex pulmonary conditions. Our Wilmington facility features 24/7 respiratory therapist coverage, state-of-the-art ventilator equipment, and a multidisciplinary team experienced in managing even the most complex respiratory needs.
Comprehensive
Respiratory Services We Provide
Mechanical Ventilation
Long-term ventilator support for patients requiring ongoing mechanical breathing assistance
Tracheostomy Care
Expert trach tube management, site care, suctioning, and inner cannula maintenance
Ventilator Weaning
Gradual protocols helping patients transition off ventilator support when medically appropriate
SpecialtySpeaking Valve Training
Passy-Muir valve placement helping ventilated patients regain their voice
Oxygen Therapy
High-flow oxygen, CPAP, and BiPAP for respiratory support and oxygenation
Nebulizer Treatments
Aerosolized medication delivery for bronchodilators and respiratory medications
Chest Physiotherapy
Airway clearance techniques and percussion therapy for secretion management
Pulmonary Rehab
Breathing exercises, aerobic conditioning, and lung function improvement programs
ABG Monitoring
Arterial blood gas tracking for oxygen and CO2 level management
Clinical Expertise
Conditions We Treat
Step-by-Step
Ventilator Weaning Program
Medical Assessment
- Physiatrist evaluation
- Pulmonologist review
- Weaning readiness criteria
- Baseline respiratory metrics
Gradual Reduction
- Slowly decreasing support
- Patient tolerance monitoring
- Ventilator setting adjustments
- Continuous assessment
Spontaneous Breathing Trials
- Practicing without ventilator
- Timed breathing exercises
- O2 saturation monitoring
- Respiratory effort tracking
Respiratory Muscle Training
- Breathing muscle strengthening
- Diaphragmatic exercises
- Inspiratory muscle training
- Endurance building
Trach Downsizing
- Smaller trach tube transition
- Trach button placement
- Speaking valve trials
- Airway assessment
Decannulation
- Tracheostomy tube removal
- Stoma closure monitoring
- Independent breathing
- Post-decannulation care
Expert Staff
Respiratory Care Team
Certified specialists managing ventilators and respiratory equipment 24/7
Lung disease specialists consulting on complex respiratory cases
Daily medical management and on-site immediate medical needs
Swallowing evaluation, speaking valve training, and communication strategies
Mobility training, strength building, and functional independence
Nutritional support optimized for respiratory patients and healing
Seamless Transitions
Hospital Transfers
Pike Creek
Northern Delaware's only SNF ventilator unit with 24/7 respiratory therapist coverage
View Facility →Referring Hospitals
We Accept Transfers From
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can patients on ventilators come off them?
Many ventilator patients can be successfully weaned. Our respiratory therapists work with physicians to implement gradual weaning protocols when medically appropriate. Success depends on the underlying condition, respiratory muscle strength, and overall medical stability. Some patients with permanent respiratory muscle damage may require lifetime ventilation.
What types of ventilators do you have?
We maintain a full inventory of ventilators including traditional volume-controlled and pressure-controlled ventilators, BiPAP machines, and portable ventilators. Our respiratory therapists are trained on all major brands and can accommodate patient-specific equipment when needed.
Can family members learn to help with care?
Yes, we strongly encourage family involvement. Our respiratory therapists can teach family members basic tracheostomy care, suctioning techniques, and how to assist with speaking valves. This education is especially important for families planning eventual home discharge with home ventilator support.
Do ventilator patients receive therapy?
Yes, physical, occupational, and speech therapy are provided as medically appropriate. Therapy is crucial for maintaining strength, preventing complications, and working toward weaning and independence. Our therapists are experienced working with ventilated patients.
What happens during respiratory emergencies?
With respiratory therapists on-site 24/7, we can respond immediately to any respiratory emergency including ventilator malfunction, tracheostomy displacement, or acute respiratory distress. Our RTs are trained in emergency procedures and work closely with on-call physicians. We maintain backup ventilators and emergency equipment at all times.
Does insurance cover long-term ventilator care?
Medicare Part A covers ventilator care in skilled nursing facilities when medically necessary. Coverage includes up to 100 days per benefit period (days 1-20 fully covered; days 21-100 with co-payment). Delaware Medicaid also covers ventilator care. Our admissions team verifies coverage and explains costs.
Call The Admissions Department of Your Preferred Facility
24/7 admissions · Medicare, Medicaid & most insurance accepted