Tracheostomy Care

What is Tracheostomy care?

A tracheostomy is performed when an adult or child has a condition that makes normal breathing difficult or impossible. 

A tracheostomy is usually performed under a combination of local and a light general anaesthetic.

A small incision is made in the throat and a tracheostomy tube is inserted into the windpipe. The tube sits in the windpipe and is tied in with tape. At first, there might be a few stitches, but these are usually taken out within a week.

After the procedure, most people spend some time in the intensive care unit. This is to make sure that the wound is healing well and the tube can be changed safely.

Many people can start eating and drinking by mouth again once the tracheostomy has stabilised. This may be a week or 2 after the procedure. Some people need to be fed by tube.

Nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and speech therapists work together to help care for people who have a tracheostomy. After surgery, nurses may need to suction mucous out of the tube. Physiotherapists can help keep the lungs clear of mucus, and speech therapists can help with swallowing and speaking.

The tracheostomy tube needs to be changed regularly. People who go home with a tracheostomy might be given instructions on how to care for and change the tracheostomy tube. Sometimes they need to come back to hospital to have the tube changed.

Symptoms and diagnosis

There are a number of disabilities and health conditions that can cause the need to use the tracheostomy. People have tracheostomies for many different reasons, including:

• neurological conditions such as stroke or tumours
• severe injuries to the head and neck
• spinal injuries
• burns
• severe pneumonia
• acquired and congenital subglottic stenosis (a condition where the windpipe is narrowed)
• severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• head and neck cancer
• radiation therapy to the head and neck
• severe lung disease

If you are experiencing any issues with your normal breathing, seek advice from your doctor. Treatments and supports are available. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might refer you to a specialist, or for further tests. 

Management and supports available for tracheostomy care

Your doctor will work with you to write up a Tracheostomy management plan. This plan may include medications and other treatments.

With your consent, your doctor may wish to give a copy of your management plan to those who may help you manage tracheostomy issues, such as family or support workers.

Your doctor and carers may need to discuss your management plan so that everyone understands what is needed. 

Tracheostomy care and the NDIS

If you have a permanent and significant disability, you might be able to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The NDIS funds many disability-related health supports that can help you put your tracheostomy management plan in place. These include supplies, occupational therapy, and the training and ongoing assistance of a support worker. 

Find out who to contact about the NDIS where you live for more information about accessing the Scheme.

If you’re already an NDIS participant and want to know how to access tracheostomy care supports, talk to us. We are an NDIS registered provider and our knowledgeable staff are experienced in navigating the NDIS and can ensure you make the most of your plan.

You should be involved in the assessment and development of your tracheostomy care management plan, including how any risks and emergencies will be managed. Anyone providing tracheostomy care to you should be suitably skilled and trained.

How Caremantra can support you

At Caremantra, we provide tracheostomy  care with dignity and empathy, working with you and your treating health professionals to provide quality, professional care. We provide in-home care and services  to help you maintain your wellbeing and independence.

Our trained and qualified staff will work alongside you to:

• understand your tracheostomy care and management needs and any related conditions,
• monitor your tracheostomy conditions and any changes that need to be reported to your health practitioners as agreed in your management plan,
• administer medication and treatments prescribed by your health practitioners,
• provide support and services safely and competently, and 
• respect your privacy and dignity at all times.

We partner with specialist healthcare organisations to connect you with the allied health services that are crucial to your long-term wellbeing, such as speech pathology, dietetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry supports.

Fill out our Enquiry Form and we will contact you to talk about the right support options.