Oral Suctioning Procedure at Home in Singapore
Oral suctioning helps to keep airways clear and prevent health complications. Find out how Homage nurses can help you with oral suctioning at home.
Get Care NowWhat is the purpose of oral suctioning?
Oral suctioning is done to help an individual remove saliva, mucus, or blood from the mouth if they are unable to clear it on their own.
During an oral suctioning procedure, a medical professional will use a suction device to gently remove fluids from the airways.
Keeping the airways clear will help to improve breathing, increase oxygen levels, and prevent complications that may arise from difficulties with swallowing, excessive saliva production, or aspiration.
Who needs oral suctioning?
Why Choose Us for Oral Suctioning
Get care from highly-qualified licensed nurses
Receive the best care from our home care nurses who have at least 1 year of ward experience and are licensed by the Singapore Nursing Board.
Smooth booking process
Once you book an oral suctioning home visit, our smart matching algorithm will assign you the most suitable nurse based on your unique care needs and preferences.
Receive care from your preferred Care Pro
Found a Care Pro that suits you and your family? Request them for future home visits for greater continuity of care.
What to expect during an oral suctioning home visit
Before the visit, let us know the existing healthcare products available at home for the oral suctioning procedure.If you do not have the appropriate products or tools required, our Homage nurse will prepare the appropriate medical products before the visit. One-way taxi fare will be required for the nurse to purchase the consumables if needed.
For oral suctioning, you need to have the following items prepared at home: Suction machine, suction catheter (size 8, 10, 12, 14), sterile water for flushing, gloves, and masks as a precautionary measure for droplets or spit.
On the day of visit, a licensed nurse from Homage will visit your home, understand your medical history and needs, and perform the oral suctioning procedure.
“At the start of visits, I greet my clients and check in on any past medical/social history. Knowing important things like previous falls or traumas can go a long way in ensuring safety and quality service. After every visit, I prepare notes which are service-related to assist other CPs who are handling the case after me.” — Care Pro Ralphael Lim, Registered Nurse
Cost of Oral Suctioning Procedure in Singapore
Our nurses are equipped with the skills to perform oral suctioning at home, observing proper skin care and pristine hygiene standards. If you need routine oral suctioning, care packages are available to offset some of the cost.
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Top questions about Oral Suctioning
When should I perform oral suctioning?
Suctioning is not a routine or prophylactic medical procedure. Suction the patient only when there are clear indications for suctioning. Those include:
- Increased pulse
- Noisy respiratory sounds
- Visible secretions
- Non-productive cough
- Inability to clear the airway on one’s own
- Shortness of breath
What are the risks of oral suctioning?
Oral suctioning is a commonly performed procedure and is typically safe. However, as with any procedure, there are risks involved. Here are some of the common risks associated with the oral suctioning procedure:
- Trauma to the tissue in the airway: The suction catheter may irritate or damage delicate tissues in the mouth and throat with repeated use or if not inserted carefully, and may even cause mild bleeding.
- Hypoxemia: Suctioning may temporarily decrease oxygen intake, which can lead to low levels of oxygen in the blood.
- Hypoxia: Hypoxemia may result in hypoxia, a condition where the body’s tissues are not receiving sufficient oxygen to function properly.
- Infection: If proper hygiene is not observed, bacteria may enter the airway through improper suctioning technique or contaminated equipment, resulting in respiratory infections like pneumonia.
While serious complications are uncommon, it is always safer to trust a trained medical professional to perform the oral suctioning procedure to minimise any risks involved.
Who are the Homage nurses?
Homage’s nurses are enrolled or registered nurses with a valid Practising Certificate with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) and have at least 1 year of ward experience.
All Homage Care Pros are local and come from different walks of life, each with unique specialisations and care experiences. But they all have one common trait – a passion and dedication to delivering quality nursing care to families and care recipients.
Are there subsidies for Homage's oral suctioning services?
Yes, you can apply for financial subsidy to defray the cost of tracheostomy care and suctioning services. Here is a list of Financial Assistance Schemes in Singapore, such as the Home Caregiving Grant, CareShield Life, and Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE) that might be helpful for you.
How quickly can I receive care support for oral suctioning?
We aim to assign a suitable Homage nurse for your requested visit within 2-3 days. For urgent bookings made 1-2 days before the visit date, we will try our best to match you with a nurse as soon as possible.
Does Homage offer packages for oral suctioning procedures?
We have interim to longer-term oral suctioning packages with varying care durations so that you and your loved one can find a care package which best fits your needs and preferences.
Oral suctioning packages can also help save up to 20% for multiple sessions. Reach out to our Care Advisors at 6100 0055 for more details.
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