Caring for a loved one with complex health needs including ventilation support or airway management, can feel overwhelming – particularly if it is as a result of a serious illness or injury.
However, understanding their condition and the support available can make a big difference to your life and help your loved one to access the support they need.
How does airway management and ventilation help?
Airway management and ventilation may be necessary when someone cannot breathe well on their own.
This might be due to a range of conditions, illnesses or injuries, such as:
- Muscular dystrophy
- Motor neurone disease
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Strokes
- Respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Supported ventilation can take a number of forms, including a tracheostomy (a tube inserted into the windpipe) or equipment such as a CPAP machine that assist breathing, rather than taking it over completely.
While it can be a challenge to care for a loved one with ventilation needs, there are ways you can make it easier for yourself and for your loved one.
Supporting a loved one on ventilation/airway management
Every individual requiring ventilation or airway management will have different needs, so it is important to discuss your loved one’s care plan with their medical team, which may include:
- A medical doctor and respiratory specialist
- A physiotherapist
- An occupational therapist
- A community nurse
A speech and language therapist and nutritionist may also form part of your loved one’s team if their speech or swallowing is affected by their ventilation support.
Alongside the support offered by these professionals, there are steps you can take to manage your loved one’s condition:
- Learning about their equipment, how it works and what to do if something goes wrong
- Creating a calm and accessible environment
- Understanding how to monitor them and the signs of an issue.
In addition to the support offered by your loved one’s medical team, many people requiring ventilation or airway management choose to work with specialist complex carers for round-the-clock support – enhancing quality of life and independence!
Our team is here to support you in arranging the right care at home. We work closely with you, your family, and healthcare professionals to ensure your loved one receives the tailored care they need to feel safe and comfortable.
If you would like to find out more about the support we can offer for airway management and ventilation, contact our team today.