Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Just today I found out that my Aunt's father, who is probably in his late 80's has pneumonia.  He has a fever and is in the ICU.  In class we learned that pneumonia occurs when there is an inflammation of the lower airways.  The lungs restrict air to alveoli, which results in a decrease in oxygen exchange.  The alveoli fill with fibrinouse exudate.  Symptoms of pneumonia consist of sputum production, cough and fever.  We have also learned that long hospital or nursing facility stays can result in an acquired pneumonia.  My Aunt's father has been staying at a nursing home but has been freequently in and out of the hospital.  I am aware that a lot of ICU patients receive feeding tubes, ventiliators, or other such artificial means of keeping people alive.  I was curious as to whether or not a pneumonia patient would be put on a ventilator.  The website (provided below) I found stated that ventilators can cause pneumonia in a patient that has been on a ventilator more than 48 hours.  Ventilator-associated pneumonia occurs when the lung parenchyma and the lower respiratory tract get invaded by microorganisms.  Ventilation compromises the ability of the trachea and the oropharynx which allows gastric and oral secretions to block the lower airways. 

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/304836-overview