Tracheostomy Care

Our experienced teams of carers and healthcare professionals are committed to ensuring that residents with complex respiratory needs live as comfortably and independently as possible. We understand that tracheostomy care is a specialised area requiring expert knowledge, skills, and understanding to provide the highest level of care.

A tracheostomy is a medical procedure that involves creating an opening (stoma) in the neck, leading directly into the trachea (windpipe). This opening enables air to bypass the upper airway, allowing individuals with respiratory issues to breathe more easily. It is often used for residents with conditions such as chronic lung disease, neuromuscular disorders, trauma, or other conditions that impede normal breathing. While the procedure itself is relatively straightforward, ongoing management is essential to prevent complications and maintain a resident’s health and wellbeing.

This comprehensive guide outlines our approach to tracheostomy care, the role of our multidisciplinary team, and how we ensure the highest quality of life for residents who require ongoing respiratory support.

Our Approach to Tracheostomy Care

We believe in a holistic, person-centred approach to care, ensuring that residents with a tracheostomy are physically cared for and supported emotionally and socially. We understand that living with a tracheostomy can present unique challenges, and our team is here to provide compassionate support at every step of the journey.

Person-Centred Care

We recognise that every resident is unique, and as such, their care needs are also unique. Our approach to tracheostomy care begins with a thorough assessment of each resident’s individual needs, preferences, and goals. Our multidisciplinary team conducts this assessment, including nurses, carers, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and respiratory specialists. Based on this assessment, we create a personalised care plan tailored to each resident’s specific needs.

The care plan includes all aspects of tracheostomy management, from routine cleaning and maintenance to emergency protocols and ongoing monitoring. Our aim is to ensure that residents remain comfortable, safe, and able to engage in their daily activities as much as possible.

Collaborative Care Teams

Our tracheostomy care programme is overseen by a highly skilled and experienced multidisciplinary team. This team works closely together to ensure that all aspects of the resident’s care are addressed. Each team member brings their expertise, ensuring that residents receive comprehensive, well-rounded care.

• Nurses: Our nursing staff are trained in tracheostomy care and are responsible for performing routine procedures such as suctioning, cleaning, and changing tracheostomy tubes. They also monitor residents for signs of complications, such as infection or blockage, and respond promptly to any issues that arise.
• Carers: Our carers provide day-to-day support to residents, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. They are trained in basic tracheostomy care and work under the supervision of the nursing team to ensure that residents’ respiratory needs are met.
• Respiratory Specialists: Our respiratory specialists work with residents who require ventilatory support or have complex respiratory needs. They ensure that ventilators, humidifiers, and other equipment are functioning correctly and are properly calibrated to meet each resident’s needs.
• Speech and Language Therapists: Some residents with a tracheostomy may experience difficulties with speaking or swallowing. Our speech and language therapists work with these residents to improve their communication and swallowing abilities, helping them regain independence and confidence.
• Physiotherapists: Chest physiotherapy is often an important part of tracheostomy care, as it helps to clear mucus from the lungs and maintain respiratory function. Our physiotherapists work with residents to develop personalised exercise programmes aimed at improving lung function and overall mobility.

Ongoing Assessment and Monitoring

Regular monitoring is an essential part of tracheostomy care, as it helps us to detect any potential complications early on. Our nursing staff conduct daily assessments of the tracheostomy site, checking for signs of infection, skin irritation, or tube displacement. They also monitor the resident’s overall respiratory status, including oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and any signs of distress.

In addition to daily assessments, we also conduct regular reviews of each resident’s care plan. These reviews are carried out in consultation with the resident, their family, and the multidisciplinary team to ensure that the care plan remains appropriate and up-to-date. If any changes are needed, we implement them promptly to ensure that the resident continues to receive the best possible care.

Essential Components of Tracheostomy Care

Tracheostomy care involves a range of procedures and techniques aimed at maintaining the function of the tracheostomy tube and ensuring that the resident can breathe comfortably. Below are some of the key components of tracheostomy care:

Supporting Residents with Tracheostomy Care

Living with a tracheostomy can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. We are committed to providing holistic support that addresses all aspects of a resident’s wellbeing.

Emotional and Psychological Support

The experience of having a tracheostomy can be emotionally challenging for residents, particularly if it is a new or unexpected development. Many residents may feel anxious, isolated, or self-conscious about their tracheostomy, which can affect their mental health and overall quality of life.

Our carers and healthcare professionals are trained to provide compassionate emotional support to residents, helping them to adjust to life with a tracheostomy. We offer counselling and psychological support services, where residents can discuss their feelings and concerns in a safe and supportive environment. We also encourage residents to participate in social activities and engage with their peers, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community.

Family and Carer Involvement

We recognise that tracheostomy care can also be challenging for family members and loved ones. We believe that families play an important role in the care and support of our residents, and we encourage family involvement at every stage of the care process.

We provide training and education to family members who wish to be involved in their loved one’s tracheostomy care. This training includes guidance on how to assist with cleaning, suctioning, and other aspects of care, as well as how to recognise signs of complications. 

Our nursing staff are always available to answer any questions and provide support to families, ensuring they feel confident in their ability to contribute to their loved one’s care.

We also offer regular family meetings, where the care team, residents, and family members can discuss the resident’s progress, any concerns, and potential changes to the care plan. This open line of communication ensures that families are fully informed and involved in decision-making, helping to create a supportive environment for both the resident and their loved ones.

Education and Training for Residents

For residents who are able, we offer training and education on how to manage their own tracheostomy care, promoting independence and confidence in managing their condition. Our nurses and respiratory specialists work closely with residents to teach them skills such as how to clean their tracheostomy, perform suctioning, and manage their humidification equipment. This training is tailored to each resident’s abilities and comfort level, ensuring that they are fully supported throughout the learning process.

We also provide residents with written materials and resources, offering additional guidance on tracheostomy care. These materials are designed to be easy to understand, and we encourage residents to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspects of their care that they are unsure about.

Complications and How We Manage Them

Although tracheostomy care is generally safe and routine, there are potential complications that can arise, such as infection, tube blockage, or accidental decannulation (dislodgement of the tube). We proactively manage these risks by closely monitoring residents and providing timely intervention when needed.

Infection

If proper hygiene is not maintained at the tracheostomy site, infections can occur. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, discharge, or a fever. To minimise the risk of infection, our nurses and carers follow strict infection control protocols, including regular cleaning of the stoma site and the use of sterile equipment.

If a resident does develop an infection, we work closely with their GP or specialist to initiate appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics. We also monitor the resident closely to ensure that the infection is resolving and that there are no further complications.

Tube Blockage

Blockages in the tracheostomy tube can occur if mucus builds up and is not cleared through suctioning or coughing. This can cause difficulty breathing and may lead to respiratory distress if not addressed promptly. Our nursing staff are trained to recognise the early signs of a blockage and perform suctioning to remove the mucus and clear the airway.

In cases where suctioning is not sufficient to remove the blockage, the tracheostomy tube may need to be changed. Our nurses are skilled in performing tube changes quickly and safely, ensuring that the resident’s breathing is restored as soon as possible.

Accidental Decannulation

Accidental decannulation occurs when the tracheostomy tube becomes dislodged from the stoma. This can be a serious complication, particularly for residents who rely on the tracheostomy for breathing. We take steps to prevent accidental decannulation by securing the tracheostomy tube with appropriate ties and ensuring that the resident’s movements do not place undue strain on the tube.

If decannulation does occur, our nurses are trained to respond quickly, reinserting the tube or providing emergency respiratory support if needed. We also have emergency tracheostomy kits readily available in all areas where tracheostomy care is provided, ensuring that we are prepared for any situation.

Enhancing Quality of Life for Residents with a Tracheostomy

Our goal is not only to provide high-quality tracheostomy care but also to enhance the overall quality of life for our residents. We recognise that living with a tracheostomy can be challenging, but we are committed to helping our residents live fulfilling meaningful lives.

Social and Recreational Activities

We believe that social engagement and recreational activities are essential for promoting emotional wellbeing and a sense of community. We offer a wide range of activities that are tailored to the abilities and interests of our residents. These activities provide opportunities for residents to socialise, build relationships, and enjoy meaningful experiences, regardless of their medical needs.

For residents with a tracheostomy, we take extra care to ensure that they are able to participate in activities comfortably. This may involve modifying certain activities to accommodate their respiratory needs or providing additional support from our carers or nursing staff. Whether it’s joining a group activity, taking part in a creative workshop, or simply enjoying time outdoors, we strive to create an inclusive environment where all residents can engage and thrive.

Nutrition and Hydration

Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration is especially important for residents with a tracheostomy, as they may have difficulty swallowing or experience changes in their ability to eat and drink normally. Our dietitians work closely with each resident to develop a personalised nutrition plan that meets their individual needs.

For residents with swallowing difficulties, we offer a variety of soft or pureed foods that are easy to consume. We also ensure that residents receive adequate hydration, either orally or through other means if necessary. Our speech and language therapists may also work with residents to improve their swallowing function, helping to reduce the risk of aspiration (inhalation of food or liquids into the lungs) and improve their overall enjoyment of meals.

Communication Support

For some residents, having a tracheostomy may affect their ability to speak. This can be a frustrating and isolating experience, as communication is a vital part of daily life. We are committed to helping residents maintain their ability to communicate, whether through verbal speech, alternative communication methods, or a combination of both.

Our speech and language therapists work with residents to explore different communication options, such as using a speaking valve, writing, or using communication aids. We also encourage residents to express their preferences and needs, ensuring that they feel heard and understood.

Preparing for Transition and End-of-Life Care

We recognise that residents’ care needs may change over time, particularly as they approach the later stages of life. Our tracheostomy care programme includes support for residents who are transitioning to different stages of care, including palliative care and end-of-life care.

Transition to Home or Other Care Settings

For some residents, there may come a time when they are ready to transition out of our care facility and return to their home or move to another care setting. When this happens, we work closely with the resident and their family to ensure a smooth and safe transition.

This includes providing comprehensive training and support to family members or carers who will be responsible for the resident’s tracheostomy care. We also coordinate with community healthcare providers to ensure that the necessary equipment and resources are in place before the resident’s discharge. Our goal is to empower residents and their families to feel confident in managing tracheostomy care at home while ensuring that they have access to ongoing support as needed.

End-of-Life Care

For residents approaching the end of life, our focus shifts to providing comfort, dignity, and emotional support. We work closely with residents and their families to develop an end-of-life care plan that reflects their wishes and preferences. This may include decisions around tracheostomy management, such as whether to continue with certain interventions or focus solely on comfort care.

Our team provides compassionate palliative care that addresses not only physical symptoms but also the emotional and psychological needs of the resident and their loved ones. We are committed to ensuring that residents experience the highest possible quality of life in their final days, surrounded by support and care.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive and compassionate approach to tracheostomy care. Our commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred care ensures that residents with a tracheostomy receive the support they need to live as comfortably and independently as possible. Through the expertise of our multidisciplinary team, ongoing monitoring and assessment, and a focus on enhancing quality of life, we strive to meet the unique needs of every resident.

We recognise that tracheostomy care extends beyond just physical management; it also involves emotional, social, and psychological support. Whether a resident is adjusting to life with a tracheostomy, managing their ongoing care needs, or preparing for the next stage of their journey, we are here to provide the highest standard of care every step of the way.

Valorum Care Group is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve, offering compassionate, expert care to residents requiring tracheostomy and respiratory support.

Our Commitment