Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
S
SouthernSun Asked July 2021

Does anyone have experience with home care for a ventilator patient?

My brother is currently in a rehab/nursing home. He has been in several hospitals over 5 months for severe bladder infection that led to sepsis and respiratory issues. He also has post polio syndrome with very limited mobility. It is unlikely the ventilator can be weaned off, but he desperately wants to go home. Would appreciate hearing anyone's experience with a home care vent patient, availability of home assist, etc.

SouthernSun Jul 2021
I apologize if my question is repetitive or seems redundant. The center has discussed a mobile ventilator for home use. I will explore all options to allow, within reason, any quality of life for my brother beyond a nursing home bed.
lealonnie1 Jul 2021
I think the quality of life issue has to involve YOURS too, and not just your brother's. If he goes home and you are the only one who can care give for him 24/7, that will usurp your entire life. Before any decisions are made, both lives have to be taken into consideration b/c both of your lives matter, not just his.
JoAnn29 Jul 2021
https://www.agingcare.com/questions/my-brother-is-in-acute-care-hospital-with-trach-and-ventilator-he-wants-to-go-home-they-want-rehab-467848.htm

You asked this question before and most of the responses were, your brother cannot go home with a trach. You will need a nurse, probably at least an LPN. CNAs are not trained for this type of care. One of your last posts was you were filling out Medicaid forms and cashing in his insurance policy to help him qualify. If he needs Medicaid then he can't afford homecare.

I think what you need to do is have a care meeting with the Director of Nursing at least. Maybe you can be trained to do the care. Maybe you can get Medicaid to pay for in home. But these are all maybe's. Yes, it would be nice to get him home but the NH will not release him unsafely. There will probably be certain criteria he has to meet. Like aides 24/7 and IDT any government agency does 24/7 care. Are you willing to care for him 24/7?

My daughter has said some NHs will not deal with trachs. I don't blame your brother for wanting to go home but it just may not be possible.

ADVERTISEMENT


ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter