Choosing a Home Care Company
This may be one of the most important things you will do to prepare for the arrival of a ventilator dependent person. If you have the option between several companies, research what they offer.
- Choose a home care company that fits your needs. The company you choose will deliver the ventilator and supplies. They will teach you how to use the equipment, answer questions and respond to your calls.
- Ask how often equipment is changed and when supplies will be delivered.
- Ask how often they will visit, and how long it takes for them to respond when you call.
- Make sure they take your insurance.
- Ask for references.
Preparing Your Home for the Patient
The home care company will send a health care professional to assess your home and help you set up for the patient's arrival. Your family member will spend a considerable amount of time in the room you choose, so it should be comfortable.
- The room should be cleaned prior to their arrival.
- There should be enough electrical outlets for equipment. Remember, NEVER use an extension cord for a ventilator.
- The room should offer privacy for personal care.
- Make sure there is enough lighting, both natural and overhead.
- If possible, a connected bathroom will make bathing much easier.
Furnishing the Room
Having a ventilator dependent person in your home means you will have equipment and supplies to store. It will be a lot easier if you take the time to organize your home.
- You will need a table or nightstand to hold the ventilator at the bedside.
- You will need another table or flat surface for items used during patient care.
- Hang shelves on the wall to hold supplies.
- Purchase stackable plastic storage bins that slide open from the front like a chest of drawers. Label the bins to keep organized and reduce clutter.
- You will need a trash can.
- Consider buying a baby monitor if you are afraid you won't hear the ventilator alarms.
Make the Room Comfortable for the Patient
There is no need for your loved one to feel as if he is still in a hospital room. There are several things you can do to make the room more inviting.
- Hang favorite pictures on the wall.
- Choose cheerful bedding and curtains.
- Allow natural light from the window into the room during the day.
- If there is space, move in a television or stereo.
- Place a comfortable chair in the room for visitors.
Call Your Utility Companies
Call your electric and phone company or write a letter notifying them you will have a ventilated patient in your home. The electric company will give priority to your home in case of outage. They will notify you if they need to turn off your power for any reason. The ventilator will have an internal battery and will run on battery from 1-8 hours. Consider buying a generator.
Practice the Skills You Need to Learn
While the patient is still in the hospital, the nursing and respiratory staff will teach you several skills necessary to care for your family member at home.
- Practice suctioning, changing the tracheostomy, giving medications, and other skills as much as you can with the healthcare professionals until you feel confident.
- Ask questions and get accustomed to handling the equipment.
- Enlist the help of family and friends. Encourage them to learn these skills with you, and you'll have someone you trust to care for your loved one while you are away.
- Take advantage of home nursing care. Even having someone there to help with bathing is a huge relief.
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Being well prepared for your loved one's arrival will make the transition home easier for everyone.
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