After significant health problems, your loved one may be ready to go home but have ongoing pulmonary needs, such as continuous oxygen. Before they are discharged from the hospital, there are ways you can prepare for their arrival by creating a safe environment.

Consider Air Quality

If you do not already have a whole-home air filtration system, you need to find other ways to improve the air quality inside your home. One alternative is to purchase a unit large enough to clean the air in your loved one's room. Ideally, the air filtration device you choose should have HEPA filtration. Depending on your loved one's medical needs and the degree of respiratory problems they have, hospital-grade filtration may be essential to keep them healthy.

HEPA filtration not only improves the air quality to help rid the air of respiratory irritants and allergens, such as dust and mold, but it also reduces the likelihood of spreading airborne pathogens. Even the common cold or seasonal flu can cause life-threatening complications for some people with respiratory problems.

Have A Backup Plan

Consider all devices your loved one needs to manage their healthcare and whether or not they require electricity. If any of these devices require electricity, make sure you have a backup plan in place if you have a power outage. For example, if you are not a position to afford a backup generator, you may need to have the appropriate equipment available to do manual suction to clear a loved one's airway.

If you have a generator, you should ask questions about connecting medical devices to the generator. There may be devices that you should not connect directly to a generator because they may carry a risk of electrocution. As preparation for emergencies, call the non-emergency number for your local emergency responders to determine which resources are available for people who have continuous medical needs if there is a power outage or significant weather event.

Modify Your Surroundings

Depending on your loved one's level of independence, there are daily activities they may want to do, but they will require modifications. For example, your loved one may enjoy cooking or at least want to prepare their own meals. Unfortunately, if they have an oxygen tank, it should not be near an open flame. If you do not have an electric stove, consider ways your loved one can maintain their independence while being on oxygen.

Using the microwave for food prep is one option, but cooking in the microwave can be limiting. Consider purchasing an individual electric burner, which can be used in the kitchen or in another part of the home as long as it is placed on a level, heat-resistant surface. Other sources of open flames or objects that can potentially generate a spark must also be considered. If you have a wood or gas fireplace, your loved one cannot have their oxygen tank in the room.

Invest In Alert Systems

Since ongoing respiratory care can easily turn into an emergency situation, it is best for your loved one to have access to an alert system. If they are independent and still drive and go out, an alert bracelet or necklace can offer them peace of mind without feeling hindered. Although your loved one should have a mobile phone, at least for emergencies, an alert system is usually based on one-push activation. Choose one with GPS features, so your loved one does not have to articulate their location for emergency personnel to find them.

For more serious cases, such as a loved one confined to their bed or if you just want extra security at night, consider an alarm based on your loved one's oxygen saturation. Since your loved one may require frequent or constant oxygen saturation monitoring, having an alarm system based on their reading is ideal. If there is a problem with them not receiving enough oxygen or having the accumulation of mucous secretions at night, you need an alarm loud enough to wake someone up. Sometimes the noise associated with a monitor is not enough, so you may want an additional audible alarm.

When your loved one has serious respiratory concerns, you want to make sure their home environment is comfortable and secure. With a few precautionary measures, you can feel more confident about their level of care at home. For more tips, work with a local respiratory home care service. They can help you evaluate your home and what changes need to be made. 

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