Homecare, technology, and the management of respiratory disease.

Taking care of ventilator-dependent patients in the home is demanding and complex. The difficulties that families face can be reduced by provision of homecare services that are the result of the collaborative work of a variety of health care disciplines. These difficulties cannot be eliminated, however. Sensitive care requires that the nursing case manager be aware of signs that indicate the costs are exceeding the families' ability and plan to meet their needs and the needs of the patients.