title: [Assistance for improving QOL of patients using artificial respirator--a case of the very aged].
abstract: The recent reform of the health insurance/Long-term Care Insurance resulted in the introduction of healthcare technology to home and patients can use even an artificial respirator in home medical care. However, both patients and family members have significant mental/physical burden, and in many cases, it may often be impossible to provide care to improve ADL/QOL. This time, a very old patient aged 88, who underwent artificial respiratory management, HOT, tracheotomy, tubal feeding, balloon catheterization and decubitus treatment among other medical cares, was discharged from the hospital and QOL was successfully improved by the care of family members and other various services. The success was mostly attributed to the endeavors of caregivers. In this article, we review the visiting nursing and assess what cares contributed to the improvement of QOL and discuss future assistance.
authors.affiliation: Visiting Nurses Station, Hitachi Taga.
authors.forename: Sayaka
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Enami
authors.forename: Ayako
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ishii
authors.forename: Ryoko
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Otake
authors.forename: Hitoshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ito
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers; D003152:Community Health Nursing; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D018576:Home Health Aides; D006801:Humans; D007353:Insurance, Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical