The Vital Role of Respiratory Therapy at Bolger Short-Term Rehab

Whether patients are managing a chronic condition while recovering from surgery or dealing with a new respiratory diagnosis, respiratory care is a critical part of successful rehabilitation for those in post-acute care. Respiratory therapists provide personalized treatment plans, conduct diagnostic tests, manage equipment like ventilators, and educate patients to prevent hospital readmissions and improve quality of life.

Unlike many other rehabilitation centers, Bolger Short-Term Rehab is one of the few in the region with a dedicated respiratory therapist on-site every single day. That consistent care and preventive support make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes, comfort, and confidence.

Benefits of Respiratory Therapy

• Improves breathing and lung function: Respiratory therapy helps patients breathe more comfortably by managing airway inflammation, clearing mucus, and strengthening the muscles used for breathing.
• Prevents hospital readmissions: Early detection of breathing problems, like drops in oxygen levels, worsening COPD, or the start of pneumonia, helps prevent complications that could send a patient back to the hospital.
• Supports patient recovery: Respiratory therapy helps stabilize breathing so that patients can safely and successfully participate in other types of therapy, such as physical therapy.
• Enhances patient safety through daily monitoring: Therapists monitor oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and response to treatments, which helps them identify and treat issues early.
• Improves strength and endurance: When patients can breathe comfortably, they can walk farther, participate fully in rehab, and build stamina faster.

Daily Support From a Dedicated Respiratory Therapist

At Bolger Short-Term Rehab, a respiratory therapist is hands-on each day, working closely with our patients to understand exactly what they need to breathe easier and move forward in therapy.

When a new patient arrives, the respiratory therapist reviews their history, evaluates their breathing, assesses any oxygen needs, and ensures their breathing treatments fit into the rest of their rehabilitation therapy schedule. “I talk with patients about how they’re feeling,” said Christine McAuliffe, CRTT, Respiratory Therapist at Bolger Short-Term Rehab. “’Are you short of breath when walking?’ ‘Do your treatments feel helpful?’ And we build a plan from there.”

A Team Approach That Keeps Patients Safe

Our respiratory therapists collaborate daily with nurses, physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. If a patient’s oxygen levels drop, if they show signs of pneumonia, or if anything looks concerning, respiratory therapy can respond immediately and catch potential problems before they become emergencies.

“We don’t have a lot of surprises,” said Christine. “There are so many people looking out for our patients.”

Education for a Successful Recovery

For many rehab patients, they have just received a new diagnosis, like asthma or COPD, or it’s the first time they’ve had to manage oxygen or respiratory equipment. Hospitals can be hectic, and patients often arrive at rehab confused or with questions.

At Bolger Short-Term Rehab, education is a key part of respiratory therapy. Patients learn:

• How to use their inhalers, nebulizers, or oxygen devices
• How to clean and maintain equipment
• What to expect from their symptoms
• What to do at home if they feel short of breath
• How to prevent complications like pneumonia

“We have time to help them and answer their questions,” said Christine. “We want them to feel secure. If you do the same thing every day, it becomes a habit. Eventually they realize: This isn’t a big deal – they can do this.”

Completing the Interdisciplinary Team

If you can’t breathe well, you can’t participate in therapy. Good respiratory support gives patients the best chance to succeed in physical, occupational, and speech therapy and regain strength faster.

Respiratory therapists also support the nursing team by providing breathing treatments, monitoring oxygen needs, and helping manage conditions like COPD, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and asthma. The goal for every patient is the same – to breathe better, regain independence, and return home safely. Having a specialist on-site every day ensures patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care.

“Respiratory therapy completes the team,” said Christine. “We have everything the patient needs, all in one spot.”

Learn More About Whole-Person Healing at Bolger Short-Term Rehab

If you need rehabilitation therapy following an injury, surgery, or a hospital stay, Bolger Short-Term Rehab can help you get back to the vibrant, independent life you love. Our holistic approach, expert interdisciplinary team of skilled and friendly therapists, and welcoming community environment will ensure that you receive healing, comprehensive care. For more information, please call (201) 848-5855 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/Rehabilitation.