On the Plus Side

Common Reasons for Needing Respiratory Therapy

Home respiratory therapy consists of patient and caregiver education, home medical equipment set-up, and monthly follow-up visits provided by a licensed respiratory care practitioner. This can be a great help for patients with respiratory concerns, as it enables them to reside at home while still receiving the necessary medical care for the following:

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person temporarily stops breathing during sleep. The most common cause is the relaxation of the soft tissues of the mouth and throat, which obstructs the airway and interfere with respiration. This effect can be countered with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, or CPAP, which uses a machine to pump air through a face mask to keep the airway open.      

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Lung damage caused by chronic irritation can manifest into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Patients with this disease have difficulty breathing due to reduced lung capacity and constricted airways. Such symptoms can be eased with the use of a medicinal inhaler and oxygen therapy.

Cystic Fibrosis

This congenital disorder results in excessive mucus production, which can cause lung obstruction if untreated. Chest physical therapy can help loosen the mucus from the lungs so it can be eliminated—this is often done electronically with vest therapy.

Tracheostomy

If a patient’s ability to breathe is compromised, he or she may need a tracheotomy, which is a surgically created opening in the windpipe at throat level. A ventilator may be attached to the tracheostomy tube to help the patient breathe and to provide extra oxygen.

The licensed respiratory care practitioners at Independence Plus can help you and your family regain a normal home routine. Call (708) 366-4500 to learn how we can set up your respiratory home medical equipment and teach you how to use it safely and with confidence.

Learn More About Home Care!

If you would like to know more about respiratory therapy, home care, physical therapy, and home safety, check out the information on these webpages or call Independence Plus at (708) 366-4500:

• Learn about a research study showing that orthopedic manual physical therapy is beneficial for patients with lower back pain at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.

• For a detailed explanation of physical therapy and how it is used to rehabilitate patients with a variety of conditions, visit MoveForwardPT.com.

• AARP presents an interesting where three quarters of respondents ages 45+ would prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

• The Colorado State University Extension provides many fast and easy suggestions to make your home safer for seniors.

• Visit ElderCare.gov for helpful advice from family caregivers on promoting the safety and health of frail loved ones.

Watch This Video to See How the Respiratory System Works

The lungs are intriguing structures that can efficiently oxygenate the body’s blood. To learn what this process entails, watch this informative animated video.

Air first enters the body through the mouth or nose, where it is warmed and moistened. These structures also serve to filter out dust and debris by trapping them within the mucous membranes. Inhaled air next travels successively through the larynx, trachea, branched bronchi, and smaller bronchioles to enter the alveoli, which are miniscule air sacs that contain the capillaries necessary to exchange carbon dioxide in the blood for the oxygen in the air.

If you or a loved one is in need of respiratory home medical equipment, contact Independence Plus today by calling (708) 366-4500. Our licensed respiratory care practitioners can ensure that you receive properly set-up home medical equipment, as well as the appropriate training to operate it.

What to Expect with In-Home Physical Therapy

If you recently suffered an injury or illness that left you physically compromised, your doctor may recommend regular physical therapy sessions in order to improve dexterity, reduce pain, and ultimately restore maximum function. Many patients prefer to receive physical therapy at home, an option which allows for optimal privacy, convenience, and exercises tailored to the home environment. During these sessions, a patient may expect the following activities:

Home Accessibility Evaluation

A patient who is physically compromised needs a safe living environment in order to feel confident while attempting to expand his or her capabilities. For this reason, one of the first things your physical therapist will do when visiting your home is assess its safety and provide suggestions for improvement. Commonly recommended changes include removing tripping hazards, such as throw rugs or low furniture, installing grab bars within the bathroom, and modifying furniture for ease of use.

Therapeutic Exercises

In order to increase the strength and range of motion of the affected body parts, a physical therapist will help you perform a variety of exercises, which may range from supported walking to light weightlifting and balance drills. Depending on the cause of your injury, you may also undergo orthopedic manual physical therapy, in which your muscles and joints are manipulated to reduce pain, or neurodevelopmental treatment, which involves an analysis of your physical abilities and subsequent relearning of motor control.

Medical Device Assessment

If your physical therapist deems it necessary, your treatment plan may include medical devices, such as orthotics or prosthetics. You will be thoroughly educated on the proper use of these items and evaluated regularly to monitor your progress.

To schedule your first in-home physical therapy session, please call Independence Plus at (708) 366-4500. We also offer skilled private duty nursing services and respiratory home medical equipment set-up to make your rehabilitation as easy and comfortable as possible.