Can You Go Home with a Tracheostomy?
The answer is yes—and PromptCare’s Holly Richards, CRT, explains how it’s possible.
A tracheostomy (or “trach”) is a surgical opening in the neck that creates a direct airway into the trachea. It’s often used for patients who require long-term breathing support, airway protection, or secretion management.
While the idea of living at home with a tracheostomy may seem intimidating, the good news is: Yes, you can go home with a tracheostomy—and you don’t have to do it alone.
Our respiratory team at PromptCare works closely with your hospital providers, family, and caregivers to ensure a safe, smooth, and supportive transition home. Here’s what to expect.
Who Goes Home with a Trach?
Tracheostomies can be temporary or long-term, and they’re used for both children and adults. Patients may go home with a tracheostomy after:
- Prolonged ICU stays or ventilator dependence
- Neurological conditions like ALS or spinal-cord injury
- Airway trauma or obstruction
- Chronic lung disease, such as COPD or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (in infants)
- Congenital or genetic disorders requiring airway support
With proper planning and equipment, infants, children, and adults can all go home safely with a trach in place.
Coordinating Hospital Discharge: What To Expect
Once you are stable and ready to be discharged from the hospital, your care team begins working closely with our staff to coordinate everything necessary for a safe transition home.
Here’s how the process works at PromptCare:
- Hospital communication – A PromptCare account executive collaborates with your hospital’s case manager and physicians to ensure we receive the correct orders for home care.
- Insurance and paperwork – The account executive sends your orders to our customer service representative, who verifies your insurance coverage and begins organizing the necessary equipment and supplies for your transition home.
- Delivery tickets – Once insurance approves the equipment, our customer service representative generates what’s referred to as a delivery ticket—a document that outlines every piece of equipment and supply required for your home setup. This ticket is sent to our respiratory team to begin the delivery and care process.
What Happens Next: Home Setup and Training
Once the delivery ticket is in place, a PromptCare respiratory therapist (RT) will:
- Prepare all equipment and supplies
- Contact your family or caregiver to schedule a home visit
- Travel to your home for setup and training
At your home, your RT will first conduct a home assessment to ensure the environment is safe and suitable for your new equipment. They will check for clear pathways, reliable power outlets, and accessible areas for machines and supplies.
Key Equipment You’ll Receive
Your trach setup will include a few essential tools to help you breathe comfortably and stay safe at home. Here’s what you can expect from your equipment:
50 PSI Nebulizer (Humidifier)
Because the trach bypasses your nose and mouth, you will want to add humidity to keep your airway humid. This stationary machine delivers warm air—usually used while sleeping and throughout the day while at home relaxing.
HME (Heat Moisture Exchanger)
Another portable way to receive humidification is through this small, T-shaped device that attaches directly onto your trach. It helps humidify air while you’re up and moving around and is great for outings or daily activities.
Portable Suction Machine
This portable machine clears mucus and secretions from your airway. It’s compact and must go with you to prevent blockage and keep you breathing easily.
Training and Support: Making Sure You’re Ready
During the home visit, your PromptCare respiratory therapist will walk you through how to:
- Setup, use, and clean each piece of equipment
- Perfom daily trach care and suctioning
- Recognize warning signs of distress or infection
- Troubleshoot issues if the trach becomes dislodged
The hospital will also ensure you and your caregiver are trained on suctioning and basic trach care before discharge.
Your RT will review all supplies in your initial 30-day supply and explain each item. After that, you will place monthly orders for refills with support from our team.
The “Trach Go Bag”: A Must-Have for Caregivers
Your RT will also help you put together a “trach go bag”—a travel-friendly kit that includes essential supplies in case of emergency while you’re away from home. You never know when you might need an important supply. Keeping a few of each item on hand ensures you’re always prepared, whether you’re running errands or attending a doctor’s appointment.
We’re On Call—Any Time You Need Us
Once your setup is complete, your PromptCare RT will continue to help support your care:
- 24/7 on-call equipment support – If something isn’t working, we’ll walk you through troubleshooting over the phone. If we’re unable to fix an issue remotely, we’ll replace the faulty equipment promptly.
- Ongoing visits – Your RT will visit you for scheduled appointments as needed.
- Care plan adjustments – If your condition or equipment changes, we’ll work with you every step of the way.
If you have a medical emergency, always call your doctor or 911. But when it comes to your equipment and supplies, we’re just a phone call away.
What To Expect: A Checklist
Here’s a quick overview of what your journey home with a trach will include:
Before Discharge
- Hospital confirms stability and your readiness for discharge
- A PromptCare account executive sends your orders to our customer service team
- We begin the insurance-approval process
- We schedule your equipment, supply delivery, and RT visit
At Home
- We complete your home assessment
- Our team delivers your equipment (nebulizer, HME, suction)
- You and your caregivers receive training
- We’ll assemble your “trach go bag”
- You will receive a 30-day supply to your home
- Your RT will explain your monthly orders
Ongoing
- 24/7 support is available
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Care updates with our team
We’ll Be Here, Taking Care
Going home with a trach is a big step, but it’s one you won’t take alone. Our goal is to make sure this is a safe transition home for everyone. And our team is here to ensure you feel confident, cared for, and fully supported.
From set-up to ongoing support, we’re with you.
