Chapter 14 - Tracheotomy education for home care

Summary

Many patients and their families find themselves at home feeling unsure of what to do to maintain even an adequate health status. To care adequately for a tracheotomy, there are four basic categories of skills that must be learned: suctioning; tracheotomy changes; caring for stoma and surrounding skin; and emergency skills. This chapter discusses the basic guidelines for patient and caregiver education in all four of these areas, in addition to the professional's responsibility. Mechanical and disposable equipment needs should be established and placed in the home environment before the person leaves hospital. The tracheotomy provides a direct window into the airway and lungs; therefore, daily care is required to maintain a healthy respiratory tract. There are many ways one can obtain training and education about tracheotomy care, but most agree that the best education comes from hands-on experience.