Suctioning the Geriatric Patient?

daisy_101

Wondering when should I get a mucus suction machine for mom?

At night, lying on her back, she tried really hard to cough the mucus out. Is there anything I/she can do? Is suction machine dangerous to operate at home?

Thanks

sandwichone123

If she's having trouble dealing with this, it's probably time for a hospice evaluation. Hospice nurses are very knowledgeable and would be able to give you some personalized/local advice even if she doesn't qualify or isn't accepted at this time. But having trouble dealing with secretions is a pretty late issue.

Cynbar

Yes, if she is at that stage, it is time for a hospice evaluation if she isn't already on hospice. There is a medication provide in the hospice "comfort kit" that is effective at drying up secretions and the hospice nurses would be knowledgeable about this, it is a common issue as a person's body winds down. You could also call your PCP if hospice isn't in place and inquire about meds to help.

dayn2nite2

She shouldn't be laying flat at night if she is choking.

Scopolamine patch dries up secretions.

Agree to contact hospice ASAP, not a whole lot of time left.  The secretions will probably cause aspiration, then aspiration pneumonia and unless you are choosing to use heroic measures like IV antibiotics (which probably shouldn't be done, as the quality of life currently is so poor), then death from the pneumonia is almost certain.

Mint

Daisy agree with others that hospice may benefit you.  In regards to your question about suctioning.  If the secretions are just laying in the back of her throat it is a simple procedure that you could be easily trained to do.  The procedure could cause her to gag a little, just depends.  Any type of suctioning beyond that more complicated and definitely much more traumatic to individual being suctioned.