What could be an effective calling device at home for someone who is immobile and has a tracheostomy tube?

Asked by mazingerz88 (29220

) February 14th, 2019 from iPhone

A friend of mine is about to leave hospital with a tracheostomy tube. He has multiple sclerosis and is immobile with very limited head movement abilities.

Before the tracheostomy he calls his wife who sleeps in another room through a baby monitor if he needs help at night, but now with the tracheostomy device, even if he uses a speaking valve, it could get dislodge when he coughs and this would render him voiceless.

Even if he has someone sleeping in the same room with him, he still would not be heard.

If you have any experience or ideas on how to solve this please share it. Some solution that would make him confident it would work. He is very concerned about not being able to call for help during the night.

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

5 Answers

Look for a set of Power line Communication system intercoms. They used to sell a set of 3 for $25 at Radioshock They work great.
I have one in my basement one in the barn and one in the garage. They’ve been working for 30 years.
No internet required! Just plug them into the wall and you are good to go.

LuckyGuy (43867

)“Great Answer” (2

) Flag as…

He could use a “sipper” device. I have and use one to operate a medical alarm, all it requires is that I sip on a ½ cm wide tube to set off the alarm. I feel quite sure something could be adapted to set off some kind of alarm that would ring in the house somewhere to indicate he needed help. By the way, like your friend, I can only move my head. The system was set up for me several years ago by a communications company specialising in disability needs.

Adagio (14059

)“Great Answer” (4

) Flag as…