5 Myths about Tracheostomy Tubes for New Parents with a Special Needs Child
Providing a Helping Hand for Special Needs Children and Families.
Are you a new parent of a special needs child with a tracheostomy tube and can’t distinguish the myths from the facts? We explain five of the most common myths about tracheostomy tubes to put your mind at ease.
MYTH: Tracheostomy tubes are painful for my child.
According to Healthline, it typically takes a few days to adapt to breathing through a tracheostomy tube and about one week for the opening to heal after surgery. Once it heals, your child’s throat may be sore when changing the tube. Otherwise, there should be minimal to no pain.
MYTH: My Child can’t travel with a tracheostomy.
MYTH: My child can’t do physical activities with a tracheostomy tube.
Your child can do physical activities with a tracheostomy or a tracheostomy with a ventilator. Physical activity may need to increase slowly over time.
MYTH: My child is tethered to their ventilator machine.
If your child requires continuous use of a ventilator machine, portable ventilator options are available. This will make it easier for your child to be involved in physical activities and do daily tasks.
MYTH: My child won’t be able to speak or eat with a tracheostomy tube.
Talking and making sounds will take some practice with a tracheostomy tube. This is because the air breathed in no longer passes through the larynx. There are options available to assist in speaking, like a tracheostomy cap, finger occlusion, or a speaking valve.
Many people with tracheostomies can eat without any trouble. According to John Hopkins, Sometimes there are changes in swallowing dynamics that require adjusting to, but it is rare that this cannot be overcome in a short time.
If you are looking for a daycare facility for your child with a tracheostomy tube and/or special medical needs, please enroll here. We will be thrilled to have a new addition to the Tender Care family!
Why should my child go to Tender Care PPEC?
Tender Care PPEC provides care for medically complex and fragile children from birth to 21 years of age in a daycare-like environment staffed with nurses, CNAs, and therapists. We are the first independently owned PPEC in the State of Florida with our initial center opening in 1988. This means we have an abundance of experience and knowledge in providing loving care to this special pediatric population. We have 6 Tender Care PPEC centers throughout Florida, with our newest facility located in Lake Park.
Our goal is to enhance the development of each child through collaborative relationships between families, physicians, nurses, and therapists. This holistic approach to care is carried out in an environment that allows the child to engage in social interactions with their peers. This results in thriving children, well-positioned to achieve their greatest potential. We also offer transportation at no cost and provide nutritious meals throughout the day.
What sets us apart is that we care for and treat every child like family. We have passion in our hearts for our children and a desire to see them succeed.
*This is not medical advice, always consult with your child’s doctor before making any changes to their lifestyle.