The individual will be issued with a large quantity of equipment and supplies to manage their tracheostomy at home. Consider where and how to store these supplies. Keep spare tracheostomy tubes in a designated place both upstairs and downstairs Ensure everyone in the household involved in the care of the tracheostomy know where supplies are stored (Scase 2004).

The individual will need to plan and organise their day-to-day lifestyle to incorporate their clinical needs. It is important to be aware of any activities which may be hazardous with a tracheostomy (Scase 2004).

Some considerations include:

• Choose clothing with loose-fitting necks and front openings to allow easy access to the tracheostomy for care or suctioning.
  
• Commercial coverings/scarves/neckties (Sigler1998) are available to provide some protection from foreign substances or objects (e.g. sand, dust, during haircut or shaving)
  
• Using a water shield for protection in the shower/bath (Sigler 1998) to protect against water or toiletries entering the tube or stoma (see Fig 1)
  
• Avoid swimming as there will be a very high risk of water entering tracheostomy tube
  
• Avoid contact sports as they could result in the displacement or dislodgement of the tracheostomy tube
  
• Buchanan bibs can be laundered and reused up to three times. Tie a knot in the necktie each time the bib is washed to mark a record of its use.

Fig 1 Cascade Shower Protector

Insight Medical Products Ltd