Home health care

Going Home with a Tracheostomy

There is a steady rise in the number of patients in the hospital as well as the community for tracheostomy. This is a medical procedure where tracheostomy tubes lead to a direct access to the trachea via an opening made surgically in the neck. The opening needs to be maintained once it has been made. Tracheostomy is carried under two conditions, once in an emergency for those patient shaving trouble getting off the ventilator or under theelective setting, when the patient is to be ventilated for the longer time. The purpose is to open the airway to help in breathing.

The tracheostomy may be permanent or temporary and is considered when there is a blockage in the throat or the person faces breathing difficulty or swallowing problems, has had a laryngeal surgery, etc. In case you have a loved one in your family undergoing tracheostomy, you should be well aware of the care that needs to be given, once the patient is brought home. The patient will be able to communicate with the help of writing. The health care provider will offers instructions for different communication techniques. The outer cannula is not to be removed till the health care specialist tells so. Talk to the doctor about the safety, precautions and other care needs for such patients with tracheostomy.

The tracheostomy patient at your home will need 24 hour care.  Unless and until you stay at home and are not working, you can take care of the patient or will have to call in the home care provider to assist you.

There is a certain way to take care of the tracheostomy tube and the routine tracheostomy care has to be done at least once a day. The home care personnel are well trained in these procedures and know how to take good care of the patient. However, you need to gather all the supplies needed for cleaning the tracheostomy tube like, non-sterile gloves, Hydrogen peroxide, fine mesh gauze pads, fine mesh gauze pads, small brush, washcloth, scissors, towel, etc.

The health care provider needs to be contacted immediately if the patient has irregular heart rate, increased discomfort, has difficulty breathing, etc.  Look for the secretions and see if they get thick or lead to crusting. The physician might suggest increasing the fluids intake

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