What is ventilator care?
Human breathing consists of two parts: ventilation and respiration. Respiration is the movement of air in and out of your lungs. Ventilation refers to the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This gas exchange occurs in your lungs. Certain medications and devices can aid in more effective respiration and ventilation.
The need for ventilator care
There are various reasons why a person might need ventilator care. However, regardless of the reason, the common thread is that all these patients need assistance moving air in and out of their lungs effectively when they have difficulty doing so independently.
For example, a person with chronic respiratory disease may need ventilator care because they are having trouble efficiently ventilating, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening over time.
The benefits of ventilator patient care at home
There are many benefits to be gained from at-home treatment. Caring for a patient on a ventilator at home provides the kind of safety, comfort, and convenience you cannot get from a healthcare facility.
Besides the peace of mind that comes with being in familiar surroundings, there is growing evidence that suggests patients heal faster and more thoroughly at home.
Home ventilator care puts patients at a lower risk of picking up viruses from caregivers and other patients. There is also less danger of hospital-acquired infections, which affect around 1.7 million Americans every year and result in about 100,000 deaths.
The benefits of home ventilator care
There are several things you and your care team should consider before deciding on home ventilator care.
- Home ventilator programs help you and your family prepare for your return home after spending time in an acute care hospital or rehabilitation center.
- While there are standardized protocols and processes, your transition plan will be specifically tailored to meet your personal needs.
- Many insurance plans cover home ventilators, and more are adding benefits each year. Your health plan or care coordinator can help you understand your coverage options.
- Lincare will help coordinate all of your home ventilation care.
- With Lincare, you will have access to our clinical team, which will include home visits.
- Lincare has hundreds of locations and thousands of respiratory therapists across the country to provide the support you need.
Conclusion
Whether you need help breathing only while you sleep, or if you or a member of your family requires a ventilator 24 hours a day, the opportunity to receive at-home ventilator care provides you or your loved ones the possibility of being cared for in a safe and comfortable environment. Children also can receive ventilator care at home, which can provide a better environment for them and reduce the burden on their parents. Most patients prefer to heal at home and would do so if they are able to receive hospital-level care at home. Home ventilator care allows you to receive the care you need, while getting the benefits of sleeping in your own bed.
