Helping Seniors Breathe Easier

Elderly patients who need respiratory care often have a range of other healthcare problems as well. That presents special challenges for the registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) who work with these patients in hospitals and in their homes.

By Laura French, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: September 9, 2009 - 1:42 PM

Registered respiratory therapists (RRT's) work with seniors both in acute care facilities and at home, according to Paul LaMere, director of Clinical Education in the Respiratory Care Department at St. Catherine University.

"Due to increased levels of outpatient services, patients who are hospitalized seem to be more acutely ill than in previous years," says Judy Russell, clinical instructor of Respiratory Therapy at St. Paul College. "Because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or just the normal aging process, the elderly patient's overall health declines. The therapist has to be knowledgeable about multiple systems, not just the lungs."

Working As A Team

Working with older patients in acute care settings often requires respiratory therapists to work as a team with nurses and specialists in pulmonary medicine, cardiology and urology, Russell says. "Anything that we do as respiratory therapists has to be prescribed by a physician," LaMere notes.

When a patient is ready to leave the hospital, LaMere says, the physician may order follow-up care, such as oxygen or aerosolized medication delivered via a metered dose inhaler or nebulizer. The process of pulmonary rehabilitation may include classes in use and maintenance of equipment and background on medications. The patient's caregiver may get advice and training in adjustments to the home environment.

As Active As Possible

"One of the primary goals of pulmonary rehab is to help the patient to be as active as possible, knowing there may be adjustments in lifestyle to accommodate respiratory issues," LaMere says. For example, the RRT can provide the patient with advice about traveling with oxygen in their own cars or on airlines and other public transit. Someone going to the mountains might need advice on adjusting the amount of oxygen they use at various altitudes.

The increasing complexity of respiratory therapy means that training has evolved. Russell says that St. Paul College has a two-year associate degree program in Respiratory Care. Graduates can enter the workforce and then work toward a baccalaureate degree through Metropolitan State University or Concordia College. LaMere estimates that about 25 to 30 percent of all programs, including St. Catherine's, are now at the Baccalaureate level.

Special Skills

While respiratory therapists won't generally have a practice limited to geriatrics, the therapist does need some special skills to deal with seniors. "Someone can just go in and give a treatment or drop off a piece of equipment," Russell says. "The therapists that shine are the ones who have a passion for the patient. That's how I would want people to treat my loved ones."

For information on the respiratory care program at St. Catherine University, go to www.stkate.edu/RC/. For more on programs at St. Paul College, go to www.saintpaul.edu and click on Programs and Degrees.

Laura French is principal of Words Into Action, Inc., and is a freelance writer from Roseville.

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