At a glance
Three things to know.
A plan for one person
Care follows the person's clinical orders and needs.
People and equipment
Ask about trained staff, supplies, and backup plans.
Life beyond treatment
Include comfort, communication, and favorite activities.
Read the overview
A ventilator or tracheostomy is one part of a person’s life. A suitable residential plan connects qualified people, current clinical orders, reliable equipment, and everyday choices.
See the whole picture
Four supports around one person.
Select a topic to see its details.
The personComfort · choice · connection
Topic 1 · Clinical direction
Clinical direction
Current orders and an individualized plan guide care and the response to changes.
Topic 2 · Prepared staff
Prepared staff
Ask which professionals are present, how skills are maintained, and how shifts communicate.
Topic 3 · Equipment continuity
Equipment continuity
Ask about supplies, device checks, power, backups where ordered, and transport planning.
Topic 4 · Everyday life
Everyday life
Communication, relationships, recreation, and personal routines belong in the plan.
Tap a topic
Build your questions around what matters.
People and communication
Who will coordinate with physicians, respiratory professionals, nurses, equipment providers, and family?
How are changes and new orders communicated across shifts?
Equipment and backup planning
How are supplies, equipment checks, charging, and backup power organized for this person?
What is the plan for appointments, transport, and interruptions?
Individual care and everyday life
How does the plan address airway needs, communication, mobility, comfort, and personal goals?
Who explains the person's warning signs and response plan to staff and family?
Questions families ask
A few things worth clearing up.
Can an adult who uses a ventilator live in a group home?
Some adults can, when an appropriately approved specialized medical residence has the staffing, individualized plan, equipment, and emergency systems needed to support that person.
Does a ventilator automatically determine admission?
No. The review considers the complete clinical, residential, behavioral, equipment, staffing, funding, and safety picture.
How are changes in respiratory status handled?
The response follows the person's clinical orders and emergency plan. Ask the team how it documents changes, escalates concerns, and communicates with family.
Video coming soonA future family video
Watch the video.
Choose a narration language in the player. Translations still being prepared are clearly marked.
Preview image only. The visual guide on this page is available now.
Prepare here. Take it with you.
Feel prepared to talk with the care team.
Use these topics to understand how the team would support your loved one. It is okay to ask for an explanation in everyday language.
People & communication
Get to know the staff roles and your contact for questions or changes.
Which staff are present and what training do they have?
Why this matters
Clear contacts make it easier to know whom to ask, without expecting family members to take on clinical responsibilities.
Orders & planning
Ask how the team reviews instructions, equipment needs, and the person's response plan.
How are current clinical orders received and reviewed?
Why this matters
The clinical team should explain the plan for this individual. A general website guide cannot provide those instructions.
Everyday life
Talk about routines, communication, relationships, and meaningful activities.
How are routines, communication, and community participation supported?
Why this matters
The conversation should include the person's life and preferences, not only their equipment.
A little preparation you can take along.
Choose English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese. Download the one-page PDF to type your notes in a PDF reader and save your copy, or print a blank guide to write on.
Kreyòl ayisyen
Your answers are not sent to Excellent Care. If your browser cannot fill or save the PDF, download it and open it in a PDF reader.
No sign-in or personal information needed. These prompts support a conversation; they do not determine eligibility, admission, or clinical readiness.
Trusted information
