I think what is really needed is to simply train so-called
"certified respiratory care nurses" as just that! A completely
different care standard needs to be applied to home care than
institutional care. They are like night and day.
IMO, there are too many higher priced "medical professionals"
involved in home care as it is. The last thing I need is to have an RT
come to my house with the nurse. I'm only one person! Sending two
people to take care of me would be a waste of valuable services, and
money.
Besides, my respiratory needs are pretty basic. In my case, I
actually know more about my needs as my nurses. I've been trached and on
a vent over sixteen years. I'm totally able to teach a good PCA to do my
care. In fact, my PCA's actually are better about my respiratory care
than many nurses. They are more willing to listen to me than most nurses
whose "book learning" gets in the way. It has been my unfortunate
experience that most "medical pros" tend to dismiss me as a smart,
competant person. Some nurses can really condescend to and patronize a
person with a disability. They think their medical training gives them
an "edge" over me when it comes to knowing my body and its needs. In
reality, it doesn't!
Blane
On Sat, 4 Jul 1998 20:25:14 -0400 beadgander(AT)juno.com (Gail A. Anderson)
writes:
>Blane,
>Perhaps what is needed is Medicare coverage of home respiratory
>therapists or coverage of respiratory therapists to teach the home
>nurses. This type of care is so vital if many of us want to stay out
>of nursing homes in the future. Also, mistakes here are often more
>significant than if a bandage is wrapped too loosely. These are
>often life and death issues that need to be handled competently.
>Gail ........The BEAD goes on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!