At one time, people who required ventilators to breathe had to live permanently in hospital. With the Home Ventilation Assessment and Training Service, many can now live in the community comfortably, safely and independently as possible.

This service provides:
• Assessment and training on the use of ventilators in a home setting for the purpose of enhancing independence upon the patient's return to the community;

• Education and training for both the patient and caregiver(s) about the disease, how to care for personal and equipment needs and how to handle emergency situations; 

• Recommendations by the service team for modifications to community living environments and for mobility and communication devices to enhance a patient's independence; 

• Assistance with arrangements for community support services, including referrals to qualified local physicians for ongoing medical follow-up;

• Regularly after discharge, then every 12 months, patients return for follow-up reassessments; short-stay re-admission may be offered if necessary;

• Access to Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care funding for ventilatory support equipment;

• An Oxygen Clinic and Tracheostomy Clinic are available on an out-patient basis to provide follow up for patients able to live in the community.

Eligibility: Adults (18 years of age and older) with chronic lung disease (see "Referral requirements" for more detail).

Funding: 
The cost of the service is covered for patients with a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card issued by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. See "Additional Information" for more detail on other costs.