Centers of Excellence

Silver Lake Specialized Care Center

In 1991, Silver Lake Specialized Care Center worked hand in hand with New York State Department of Health to develop the first ventilator unit that provided care for patients in a skilled nursing facility in the State of New York. It began on November 8, 1991 and continues to be a leader and resource for new and current ventilator residents. Silver Lake’s commitment and goal is to rehabilitate each patient to their maximum potential. They have determined through years of experience that the Passy Muir^® Valve has been a conduit in facilitation of weaning, swallowing, and improvement of quality of life. They utilize the team approach with emphasis on a natural way of rehabilitation.

The rehab team includes respiratory therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, nutritional support, and pulmonary medicine. The Silver Lake Team believes that the resident must have a strong foundation prior to commencement of weaning/decannulation. The rehabilitation team developed a regimen of set goals in the areas of nutrition, speech, physical and occupational therapy, psychological services and recreation. Once set goals are achieved, weaning commences. Their high level of communication between staff members allows them to successfully achieve these goals.

Silver Lake’s first resident utilized the Passy Muir Valve in December 1993. This man had been hospitalized for six months prior and was unable to verbalize. What a surprise when he called his wife on the telephone! She did not recognize his voice since she had not heard it for six months. She hung up the phone thinking it was a prank call. The speech therapist called her to advise her that it was her husband. She was overwhelmed with joy. Eventually the resident was weaned from the ventilator and went home. At that point, they knew that the Passy Muir Valve was a valuable tool to facilitate speaking, swallowing, breathing, and weaning. They also realized that the Passy Muir Valve was the tool to improve his quality of life. Silver Lake has learned over the years that the Passy Muir^® Valve is an integral tool to determine whether or not a person can commence with weaning. The clinicians at Silver Lake strongly support the use of this Valve. They hope that through education other facilities will utilize the Passy Muir Valve to get the same positive results that they have seen.

Success Story

Policy and Procedures

Click here to download Silver Lake’s Policy and Procedure Manual.