Tracheostomy Resources Archives - Personally Delivered Blog

What Do Caregivers Do?

Posted on June 25, 2024
by Michelle Stepp

Caregivers are essential in supporting individuals who cannot care for themselves due to illness, disability, or aging. At Personally Delivered, we recognize caregivers’ importance and challenges in their daily responsibilities. This article discusses what caregivers do and how they significantly contribute to their loved ones’ or another individual’s well-being.

Understanding the Role of a Caregiver

Being a caregiver involves a variety of responsibilities and duties essential for providing quality care and support. Here are key areas where caregivers offer invaluable assistance:

Assisting with personal care

Caregivers can help with personal hygiene activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting to ensure comfort and dignity.

Administering medication

Another critical responsibility of a caregiver can be managing and administering medications according to prescribed schedules, ensuring proper dosage, and monitoring for side effects or interactions.

Providing emotional support

Creating a compassionate and supportive environment, offering companionship, active listening, and empathy to alleviate loneliness, anxiety, or depression is often an essential role of a caregiver.

Assisting with household tasks

Caregivers often handle tasks like meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, running errands, and grocery shopping to ensure a comfortable and organized living environment.

Effective caregiving requires unique qualities such as:

Compassion

Caregivers must have a genuine concern for the well-being of those they assist.

Patience

Understanding that tasks may take longer and individuals need time to communicate their needs is another essential quality a caregiver should have.

Empathy

They should also be able to understand and share the feelings of others.

Flexibility

Adapting to handle unexpected situations or changes in routine is also a critical skill for caregivers.

At Personally Delivered, we understand the significance of caregivers and their contributions. We offer various products and supplies to aid caregivers in their daily responsibilities. From incontinence products to mobility aids, our goal is to provide caregivers with the tools they need to enhance the care and well-being of their loved ones. Please explore our website to discover our selection of caregiver-friendly products.

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Challenges Faced by Caregivers

Caregivers provide vital support and assistance, but their role comes with challenges that can impact their emotional and physical well-being.

One significant challenge is the emotional and physical strain caregiving imposes. The demands can lead to increased stress levels and potential burnout. Witnessing the struggles of loved ones and bearing the responsibility for their care can take an emotional toll. Physical tasks such as lifting, bathing, and assisting with mobility can also be exhausting.

Balancing personal responsibilities with caregiving duties is another challenge. Many caregivers juggle work, family, and personal commitments while providing care, leaving little time for self-care or personal interests.

Another challenge is dealing with challenging behaviors, such as aggression, agitation, or resistance to care. Handling these behaviors requires patience, understanding, and effective communication strategies.

Seeking support and practicing self-care are crucial for caregivers to maintain their well-being. Reaching out for help from family, friends, or support groups, taking breaks, engaging in enjoyable activities, and prioritizing self-care are essential to prevent burnout.

At Personally Delivered, we recognize caregivers’ challenges and are dedicated to providing the products and support they need. Our range of caregiving supplies and resources aims to make their journey a little easier. We are here to support caregivers every step of the way.

Caregiving can come with emotional and physical challenges

Resources and Support for Caregivers

Caregiving can be both rewarding and challenging. Caregivers need access to resources and support to help them in their role. Whether you are a family caregiver or a professional, here are some valuable resources:

Finding local caregiver support groups

Connecting with others experiencing similar situations provides a sense of community and understanding. Local support groups offer a safe space to share feelings, exchange advice, and gain emotional support. These groups can be found through community centers, hospitals, or caregiving organizations.

Utilizing technology for caregiving

Technology advancements offer tools and resources to simplify caregiving tasks. Technology helps caregivers stay organized, track health conditions, from medication management apps to remote monitoring devices, and communicate more effectively with healthcare professionals.

Financial assistance options

Several options are available to caregivers, including government programs like Medicaid or Veterans Affairs benefits and non-profit organizations that provide grants or financial support for specific caregiving needs.

Accessing respite care services

Respite care provides temporary relief by offering professional caregivers who can step in while you take a break. These services are available through home care agencies, senior care centers, or government programs.

Here is a quick list of valuable programs and organizations that offer support:

Adaptiveequipmentcorner.com

Easter Seals

Eldercare Locator

Meals on Wheels

National Association for Continence

Senior Care

Remember, as a caregiver, it is essential to prioritize your well-being. Seeking support and utilizing available resources can make your caregiving journey more manageable and fulfilling.

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Disclaimer: Important Notice Regarding Medical Advice

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Low-Cost Medical Supplies at Personally Delivered

Posted on April 5, 2024
by Michelle Stepp

If you are on the hunt for low cost medical supplies without having to compromise on quality, look no further than Personally Delivered. We understand that the cost of medical supplies is a critical factor to consider when making a purchase. Our mission is to fulfill our customers’ medical needs at a price that fits comfortably within their budget. That is why we provide a wide range of affordable medical supplies to meet your needs.

At Personally Delivered, we firmly believe that quality healthcare should be accessible to all. We strive to offer competitive prices on all our medical supplies, from urological catheters to incontinence supplies, ostomy supplies, wound care, and more. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable products right to your doorstep.

Choosing Personally Delivered for Your Affordable Medical Supplies

Choosing Personally Delivered for your low cost medical supplies means choosing quality, affordability, and convenience. We take pride in offering an extensive range of affordable medical supplies that cater to diverse customer needs.

With Personally Delivered, you can order your affordable medical supplies online from the comfort of your own home. Our user-friendly website allows you to easily browse and select the products you need. Once your order is placed, our dedicated team ensures fast and reliable delivery to your doorstep. Say goodbye to the inconvenience of physical store visits and long waiting times.

With our Automatic Delivery program, saving money on home delivery medical supplies has never been easier. By opting in, you will enjoy a 5% discount on every shipment, allowing you to keep more money in your pocket without compromising on quality. You will never have to worry about running out of essential supplies again. Our automated system ensures timely deliveries based on your needs, providing peace of mind and convenience. And you can pause or cancel at any time.

Healthcare should be accessible for those of all ages, races, and genders.

Benefits of Choosing Affordable Medical Supplies

High-quality medical supplies are crucial to your health and well-being. At Personally Delivered, we understand the importance of affordability, so we offer low cost medical supplies without compromising on quality. You can save on essential medical supplies, enabling you to manage your healthcare budget more efficiently.

Choosing affordability does not mean settling for less. At Personally Delivered, we prioritize product reliability and durability. Our low cost medical supplies are sourced from trusted manufacturers, ensuring you receive products that meet the highest quality standards. From catheters and ostomy supplies to incontinence products, we offer a diverse selection of reliable supplies you can trust.

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Our Dedication to Customer Satisfaction

At Personally Delivered, customer satisfaction is at the heart of our operations. We understand the importance of low-cost medical supplies to our customers and strive to deliver the best products and services to meet their needs.

We demonstrate our commitment to customer satisfaction through our dedicated customer support team. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is always ready to assist you with questions or concerns. Whether it is help with product selection or post-purchase assistance, we are here for you.

Don’t just take our word for it – our customers consistently provide positive reviews and testimonials about their experience with Personally Delivered. We take pride in this feedback, which affirms our commitment to delivering high-quality products, exceptional service, and affordable prices.

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Trust Personally Delivered for your low-cost medical supplies. We are committed to exceeding your expectations with our products and customer support.

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A Tracheostomy: Navigating Life With One

Posted on August 28, 2020December 19, 2022
by Michelle Stepp

You may have many questions about the future if you or a loved one has recently had a tracheostomy while in the hospital. Everyone’s experience as to why they needed a tracheostomy in the first place and what their future looks like will differ. Many people live for a long time with a tracheostomy. However, having one usually requires several adjustments to your lifestyle and careful planning to ensure adequate care.

We will discuss what a tracheostomy is, why it would be needed, ways to cope, and some standard terms associated with a tracheostomy. We hope you will find this information beneficial as you or a loved one navigates through life with a tracheostomy, whether it is a temporary or permanent solution.

What is a Tracheostomy?

An assortment of tracheostomy tubes available at Personally Delivered A tracheostomy is an opening in the front of the neck that’s made during an emergency or planned surgery. A tube is inserted into this opening in the trachea, or windpipe, for the person to breathe. This opening makes an airway for those who cannot breathe independently or have a blockage affecting their breathing. A tracheostomy may be needed if a disease, such as cancer, is expected to cause difficulty breathing.

The tracheostomy opening is a stoma that looks similar to the lining inside the cheek. The stoma is pink or red and will be a hole in the front of the neck. Because a tracheostomy helps someone breathe, the larynx, or voice box, remains in place.

With a tracheostomy, if a person’s lungs still function well, they breathe through the tube directly in the trachea instead of breathing through their nose and mouth. If a person’s lungs are not working correctly or are affected by a disease, assistance from a breathing machine can help push air in and out of the tracheostomy tube.

What are the Reasons For a Tracheostomy?

There are three main reasons a tracheostomy is performed:

The upper airway is obstructed
To remove and clean the airway from secretions
To deliver more oxygen to the lungs

There are many reasons why sufficient air cannot reach the lungs, and a tracheostomy must be performed.

Airway Problems That May Require a Tracheostomy

Tumors in the throat or neck area
A large tongue or a small jaw that blocks the airway
Infection that causes swelling inside the trachea
Laryngectomy (removal of the vocal cords)
Tracheomalacia (collapse of the airway)
Vocal cord paralysis caused by nerve damage or disease
Blunt or severe trauma to the throat, neck, or mouth
Congenital abnormalities of the airway
Inhalation of corrosive material, smoke, or steam that burns the airway
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstruction from a foreign body

Lung Problems That May Require a Tracheostomy

Chest wall injury
Chronic pulmonary disease – the lungs become inflamed and obstruct airflow
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia – abnormal development of the lungs of infants that causes a breathing disorder and causes the need for prolonged respiratory support
Dysfunction of the diaphragm

Other Situations That May Require a Tracheostomy

Fracture of cervical vertebrae with spinal cord injury
Neuromuscular diseases that paralyze or weaken the diaphragm and chest muscles
Aspiration related to muscle or sensory problems in the throat
A severe allergic reaction
Long-term coma or unconsciousness
Facial surgery and facial burns
Other emergencies when breathing is obstructed, and emergency personnel can’t put a breathing tube through the mouth and into the trachea

Is a Tracheostomy Permanent?

A tracheostomy can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the problem being treated. If a medical issue needs to be resolved, a tracheostomy provides an alternate breathing route and is meant to be temporary. However, a tracheostomy may be the best permanent solution if a person needs to remain indefinitely connected to a ventilator.

If the plan is for a tracheostomy to be temporary, the length of time it is left in place depends on why it was done and how long that problem will take to get better. For example, if a patient needs help from a breathing machine, the issue that caused the tracheostomy will need to heal or be fixed before the tracheostomy can be removed. If the tracheostomy was done due to a blockage, injury, or disease, the tube would probably be needed for an extended period. A tracheostomy could be in place for the rest of the patient’s life if part of the trachea is required to be removed or if it doesn’t get better. The hole may close and heal on its own or be closed surgically.

What to Expect After Tracheostomy Surgery?

After tracheostomy surgery, several days will be spent in the hospital as your body heals. Learning skills necessary for maintaining and coping with your tracheostomy during this time are essential.

While you are in the hospital:

Learn how to care for your tracheostomy tube. Cleaning and changing your tracheostomy tube helps prevent infection and reduces the risk of complications. Your team of nurses will help train you on how to care for your tracheostomy tube.
You may need help speaking. A tracheostomy usually prevents speaking because exhaled air goes out of the tracheostomy opening rather than through your voice box. Speaking with the tube in place depends on the tube type, the width of your trachea, and the condition of your voice box. A speech therapist or trained tracheostomy care nurse will discuss communication options and help you learn to use your voice again.
Eating will be difficult. Swallowing will be difficult after surgery. You will receive nutrients through an intravenous (IV) line, a feeding tube that passes through your mouth or nose, or a tube inserted directly into your stomach. It may take some time and patience to regain the muscle strength and coordination needed for swallowing.
Discuss ways to cope with dry air. After a tracheostomy, the air you breathe will be much drier because it no longer passes through your moist nose and throat before reaching your lungs. You may experience episodes of coughing or excess mucus coming out of the tracheostomy. Secretions can be loosened by putting small amounts of saline directly into the tracheostomy tube. Having a humidifier or vaporizer in the room can also be beneficial, as they add moisture to the air.

When you get home:

Get plenty of rest. Getting enough sleep will help you recover, and remember not to overdo it.
Plan for time off work. Depending on your work type, plan on taking about two weeks off. Even if you work from home, focus on your healing, and take it easy. You never know how you will feel and what health issues may arise once you get home.
Fit in a little exercise. Aim for a daily walk. Start slow and work your way up to longer times. Avoid anything strenuous, like running or lifting weights. Walking is best and boosts blood flow, which helps prevent constipation and pneumonia.
Bathe carefully. Stick to bathing in a shallow bathtub and try to avoid splashing water into your trach. You can also try showering, but aim the stream away from your tracheostomy. Bacteria can quickly enter the tracheostomy, and you don’t want to get an infection. It would be best if you did not swim with a tracheostomy.

Diet

Eating. Can you eat with a tracheostomy? Yes, you can! You should be able to eat without a problem, but if food or liquid gets into your tracheostomy tube, suction it out immediately. It is helpful to sit up while you eat. The suction canister kit by Cardinal Health is an excellent option for this.
Drinking. Staying hydrated is also very helpful, so ensure your fluid intake is sufficient.
Regular bowel movements may be off. It is common to experience irregular bowel movements after surgery. Taking a fiber supplement or mild laxative may help move things along. However, you will need to contact your doctor if you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days.
Your stomach may become upset. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

What Kind of Food Can You Eat With a Tracheostomy?

An assortment of Thick-It ready-to-serve puree dishes available at Personally Delivered Eating and swallowing patterns are usually not affected by having a tracheostomy. When you get your tracheostomy tube, you may be first started on a liquid or pureed diet. Once the tracheostomy tube is switched for a smaller size, swallowing is more comfortable. If there is a concern that your swallowing is impaired, nutrients will be administered through IV (an intravenous catheter placed in a vein) or a feeding tube.

Once you have healed from surgery, your doctor will inform you when it is safe to advance your diet to take in solids and liquids by mouth. At this time, a speech therapist will also help you learn how to swallow with a tracheostomy tube.

Certain factors may make swallowing difficult, such as:

Not having eaten for an extended period
Changes in the structure of your airway
The health condition that caused the tracheostomy in the first place

Tips for Eating and Swallowing

Here are a few tips that may help with swallowing problems:

Make sure to suction the tracheostomy tube before eating to prevent coughing while eating that could lead to throwing up.
If your tube has a cuff, ensure the cuff is deflated when you are getting ready to eat for easier swallowing.
Sit up as straight as possible when you eat.
Take small bites, chew food thoroughly, and swallow before taking another bite.
Keep mealtimes relaxed by planning them so that you are not in a hurry. Turn the tv off and put your cell phone away.

Common Terms Associated With a Tracheostomy?

Having a tracheostomy procedure done on you is a scary and life-changing event. However, it is a necessary procedure that will save your life. Thus, it is essential to know these terms and have an idea of terms that you will hear once you’ve had this procedure done.

Trach Tube – The tracheostomy tube or trach tube is a tube that is inserted into the trachea to provide a channel for air to pass through

Inner Cannula – A tracheostomy may or may not have an inner cannula, a liner that can be locked into place and then unlocked so it can be removed and cleaned.

Cuffed and Uncuffed Tracheostomy Tube – The cuff is a seal that inflates inside the trachea to block air from leaking around the tube. It forces all air going in and out of the lungs to go through the tube and stops saliva and other liquids from accidentally reaching the lungs.

A cuffed tube is often used when a patient is on a ventilator or needs help from a breathing machine. The healthcare team monitors the cuff pressure, adjusting the breathing machine as needed.
Uncuffed tubes are used for patients who do not need a ventilator or help from a breathing machine. With an uncuffed tube, some air can still flow around the tube and up through the trachea to the larynx.

Trach Cover – To prevent dust and dirt from accumulating, the trach tube is kept protected using a trach cover. It is also referred to as a tracheostomy stoma cover. The trach cover is essential to properly care for the throat stoma after the larynx is partially or fully removed.

Trach Tube Holder, Collar, or Tie – Any of these three terms are used to describe devices that hold the tracheostomy tube in place. A trach tube holder or trach tube collar has a firmer hold, while trach ties can be adjusted and are cheaper.

Passy Muir Valve – The Passy Muir valve helps the patient speak more normally and goes on the outside opening of the tracheostomy tube. It opens when air is breathed in and closes when air is breathed out. The Passy valve is also called a Passy-Muir speaking valve.

Stoma Shield Cover – The stoma shield cover is an essential protective device that guards the tracheostomy hole against water during showers.

Trach Heat Exchanger – This device heats and humidifies the air that comes into the trachea. A trach heat exchanger is an expensive approach to coping with dry air after surgery.

Tracheostomy Cleaning Tray – This single-use kit includes everything needed to clean and prep the whole tracheostomy system. A complete tracheostomy tray should include latex gloves, gauze, and other essential materials used to clean the entire system.

Whether you’ll be having a tracheostomy temporarily or for life, it is essential to become acclimated with these devices to maintain yourself. Try to ask as many questions as possible while you are in the care of your doctor and nurses to help get as much information as possible before you head home.

For questions related to the tracheostomy supplies we carry, our Personally Delivered Product Experts are just a phone call away and ready to help.

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