Last updated 4 months ago
Whether you are preparing to return home from the hospital or have recently started using a ventilator, professional home care services can help you stay healthy and independent. Visit these resources or call Independence Plus at (708) 689-4336 for further information.
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A ventilator works by pushing air into the lungs by way of a tube placed into the trachea. For more details about the anatomy and technology involved, visit the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute online.
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Learn about the basics of caring for a child who is on a ventilator in this article from the American Thoracic Society.
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Although you may feel that you cannot control your chances of having a stroke, lifestyle factors comprise a major part of your risk. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more.
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For a comprehensive guide to pediatric ventilator care and cleaning, see this booklet from the California Thoracic Society.The American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists provides an article explaining how physical therapists can use manual manipulation to ease joint and muscle pain.
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To determine your personal risk of having a stroke and how you can reduce it, use this helpful information found at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Last updated 4 months ago
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes compromised, either by being blocked with a blood clot or rupturing due to a weakness in the vessel wall. The resulting lack of blood flow can have severe consequences for brain tissue. Fortunately, you can increase your odds of a positive outcome after a stroke by identifying your risk factors and learning how to reduce their effects.
While certain risk factors—such as being female or African-American—are inherent, many can be controlled through changes in lifestyle. These include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, lack of physical activity, obesity, and smoking. Watch this video for some tips on lowering your chances of having a stroke, one step at a time.
Independence Plus offers home care to survivors of stroke as well as patients with a variety of chronic medical needs. For more information about our services, call (708) 689-4336.
Last updated 4 months ago
Increasing mobility after suffering a medical issue can be difficult, but the process can be made easier with the help of an orthopedic manual physical therapist. These clinicians can help patients learn exercises and ways of moving to promote healing, increasing personal abilities and reducing the likelihood of a relapse pertaining to the condition.
Orthopedic manual physical therapy involves the manipulation of joints, muscles, and tendons by a certified therapist in order to increase strength, range of motion, and motor control, as well as relieve pain and ease inflammation. The need for this type of physical therapy may stem from an injury, a degenerative musculoskeletal condition, or a chronic disease that affects circulation or mobility. Orthopedic manual physical therapy can help break the pain cycle that begins with an injury or illness and is perpetuated by poor posture or the overuse of certain muscles and joints to compensate for those who are compromised.
An orthopedic manual physical therapist will generally begin their work with a patient by evaluating the person’s range of motion, disabilities, and compensatory movements. Periodic assessments help guide the course of therapy, enabling the patient to better understand what is needed for optimal recovery. During sessions, the therapist gently moves the patient’s joints to loosen them and improve muscle tone. A patient may also be asked to push the body part while the therapist resists in order to build strength and encourage faster muscle activation.
Independence Plus can help coordinate at-home physical and occupational therapy for patients who are unable or do not wish to travel to an outpatient setting for regular visits. We also provide skilled private duty nursing services and home respiratory medical equipment to facilitate home health care. Call (708) 689-4336 today to find out how we can assist your family!
Last updated 4 months ago
Having a loved one return home from the hospital on a ventilator can be a daunting prospect, but with the proper education and support, family members can become confident in their ability to handle various aspects of home respiratory care, including:
Maintaining the Proper Temperature and Humidity
Because a trach tube bypasses the nose, whose job is to warm and moisten inhaled air before it reaches the lungs, the ventilator may contain a heater and humidifier. Monitoring the temperature of the air produced by the ventilator can help prevent irritation of the trachea or excess buildup of mucus. Caregivers will also want to drain excess water that condenses into the circuit tubing in order to facilitate breathing and reduce the chances of infection.
Suctioning the Trach Tube
While the phlegm secreted by the lower respiratory system is generally beneficial to the body in that it helps to trap foreign particles, it can be dangerous for a person who is unable to clear his or her airway by coughing. For this reason, caregivers must suction out secretions using a machine, taking care not to introduce bacteria into the trach.
Cleaning Equipment
Changing and cleaning the patient circuit on a weekly basis will help control secretion buildup and keep air flowing easily to the lungs. Before touching the trach tube, tracheostomy site, or ventilator components, a caregiver must wash their hands thoroughly in order to prevent infection. Having a clean circuit ready and using a manual resuscitator to ventilate the patient while the tubes are switched out can minimize discomfort. The equipment can then be disinfected with soapy water and a white vinegar rinse.
If you are expecting a loved one to be released from the hospital with a ventilator, contact Independence Plus online or by calling (708) 689-4336. Based in Oak Brook, we offer a variety of home care services, including respiratory home medical equipment setup and training.
Last updated 4 months ago
Sleep apnea, loss of motor control, and slip-and-fall accidents are serious problems that can fortunately be remedied with the proper guidance and therapy. Visit these links or call (708) 689-4336 to learn about the solutions that Independence Plus has to offer:
