Four nursing home residents who rely on ventilators had a rare opportunity to attend a New York Mets game thanks to new technology rolled out by a New York-based skilled nursing facility.
It was the first time in three years that one of the residents got to leave the facility.
The Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, a 460-bed facility in Commack, NY, started using the VOCSN technology in mid-September. The VOCSN is a compact, portable multi-function ventitalor that allows people who depend on ventilators to be more mobile.
Gurwin is the only long-term care facility for adults in the New York metro area equipped with the Ventec Life Systems technology, according to a release.
“We were really just looking forward to the VOCSN technology to not only help us provide enhanced care, but also to help our residents be a little more mobile, leave their rooms for a bit, be a little more social and have a little better quality of life. We never imagined that we’d be able to take them out to the ballgame,” said Delta Young, director of the respiratory therapy for Gurwin’s Ventilator Care Unit.
“It was a great night,” one resident said after attending the game in late September.
The Mets beat the Atlanta Braves, 7-6, to end the regular season.
“This technology is truly a home run for our residents,” Gurwin COO Shua Sauer said. “What better way to celebrate our residents’ newfound mobility than a night at the ballpark to see the Amazin’ Mets.”
