Provide guidelines for home health nurses and other caregivers who care for ventilator dependent clients.
Promote safety in management of high tech care in the home setting.
Promote self care in the home.
Applies To
Registered Nurses
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses
Guidelines
Caregivers who are willing and able to help with client care needs are necessary for discharge to the home setting.
Individual manufacturers of home ventilator equipment have handbooks for recommendations on safe use in the home.
Prior to discharge the home care team including the home vendor and respiratory therapist participate in establishing the plan.
All family and care giving staff must be familiar with ventilator alarms and how to appropriately respond.The client/caregivers are instructed in how to use the manual resuscitation bag.
The client/caregivers are instructed in how to use the manual resuscitation bag.
A backup electrical or battery source should be available and local utility companies notified of the client home needs.
Equipment/Supplies
Ventilator and associated circuits, filters, and tubing.
Heated humidifier or cascade.
External 12 volt battery and cord.
Ambu bag.
Disinfectant (as defined in infection control guidelines and policy).
Air compressor and tubing for aerosol treatments (see separate procedure).
Tracheostomy equipment and supplies.
Communication aids.
Equipment as needed for bowel, bladder and personal care such as hospital bed, wheelchair, commode and/or bedpan.