Pulmonary rehabilitation, a comprehensive medical therapy for chronic respiratory disease, has been shown to help patients achieve improvements in symptoms, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life.

“This program should be considered for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients who have shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms, reduced exercise  capacity, restriction in daily activities, or impaired health status” said Rey Nevarez, administrator of Orchard Villa, in Oregon, which offers a pulmonary rehab program. 

Program director Lenda Cordel RCP developed Pulmonary Rehab programs both in skilled nursing and acute care settings.

“Orchard Villa’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program offers a comprehensive inpatient program to serve the needs of our chronic lung disease patients,” Nevarez said. “Their goal is to improve the comfort, function, and understanding of their patients who struggle with these challenging diseases.”

Families of COPD patients can also receive training, education, and support in caring for their loved ones by the rehabilitation staff, skilled nursing, and respiratory therapy staff, Nevarez said.

Upon admission to the program at Orchard Villa, a thorough assessment will be completed by the pulmonary rehabilitation team, which consists of a full-time nurse practitioner and respiratory therapist, physical therapist, dietitian, social worker and skilled nursing staff. “Our team may then order further testing, medications, diet, and therapy based on the results of those assessments.” Nevarez said. “We will also begin our patient education program led by Lenda Cordell, and set goals for an individualized rehabilitation program with the patient and his or her caregivers.”

The care team meets weekly to evaluate progress, update goals and work in conjunction with the patient’s primary care physician and consulting pulmonologist.

“As discharge time approaches, we will coordinate the needs for equipment, nursing care and any therapy needed at home so that the patient can remain at home and possibly avoid further hospitalizations,” Nevarez added.

For more information about the pulmonary rehab program at Orchard Villa, call the Admissions Department at 419-697-4100. Patients may also discuss a referral with their physician or hospital discharge planner.

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