Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy Care at Home: A Guide for Families

Being discharged from hospital with a tracheostomy, or after a laryngectomy, is a moment that raises many questions for patients and families alike. These are technical forms of care that require rigour and specific training — which is exactly why follow-up from a specialised nurse at home makes all the difference to the person’s safety and quality of life.

What care is included

• Regular changing and cleaning of the tracheostomy cannula.
• Hygiene care and monitoring of the stoma (the opening in the trachea).
• Managing the heat and moisture exchanger (HME) filter, where applicable.
• Follow-up of the voice prosthesis, in laryngectomy cases.
• Suctioning of secretions, when needed.
• Guiding the family on warning signs and how to respond in emergencies, with hands-on training.
• Answering questions.

Why this care requires specific training

A poorly positioned cannula, a poorly cared-for stoma, or an airway obstruction not caught in time can have serious consequences. This is why this care follows strict clinical procedures, aligned with national health authority guidelines for respiratory stomas, and must be provided by nurses with specific experience in this area.

The impact on the family

Many families feel overwhelmed having to take on such technical care alone. Having a nurse follow up regularly not only ensures the patient’s clinical safety, but also gives the family practical training and peace of mind to manage day-to-day life between visits.

Being prepared for emergencies

Part of the follow-up also involves preparing the family to recognise warning signs — such as sudden breathing difficulty, a blocked cannula or bleeding — and knowing how to act until specialised help arrives.

If you have a family member at home with a tracheostomy or laryngectomy and need regular, specialised nursing follow-up, Brave Care has experience in this kind of technical care and can help organise a plan tailored to your situation.