A. HOME CARE PLANS

Many patients who receive breathing assistance in a hospital are weaned from a ventilator before they leave the hospital. But patients who require extended care at home must meet the following criteria before being eligible to our service:

• Breathing function is stable (airway, oxygenation and ventilation) and adequate to meet the patient’s needs at home
• Ventilation complications are prevented or minimized
• Disease prognosis and a therapy regimen are clearly understood (including home ventilator support)

Both patient and patient family should agree to a plan for care, prior to discharge from the hospital.
The home personnel (skilled nurse) should be able to help the person served (patient) with:

• Promoting respiratory function and maintaining patent Airway
• Maintain stability of tracheostomy tube
• Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) in the home care settings
• Physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy
• Skin care
• Mobility
• Rehabilitation
• Appropriate activities for daily living

B. HOME CARE SET UP

Preparing for home care can be overwhelming. Knowing about ventilator choices, home training and home setup will help make a smoother transition. The Registered Nurses in collaboration with the ARHHC General Physician and Registered Respiratory Therapy will plan the hospital discharge with the goal of making the patient as comfortable as possible.

Home Setup Steps:

1.    Prepare the home
The patient will spend a considerable time in the room, so set up the space for comfort and efficiency. The patient’s room should:

• Provide a clean, cheerful and clutter-free environment.
• Have sufficient electrical outlets for medical equipment (never use an extension cord or power strip for a ventilator).

2.    Organize supplies
Always have basic home ventilator care supplies on hand for noninvasive or invasive treatment.