Patient Spotlight: Meet Claire
Claire knows how to play like any other two year old. Whether she’s using her red chair to wheel around the house or playing blocks with her sister, one thing is certain – she has a lot of life and spirit in her.
Diagnosed at birth with spina bifida, Claire soon had a tracheostomy to ease respiratory issues.
“Once she came out of surgery and she had that trach, she was just a calm baby. At that point, we knew that was the best decision,” said her dad, Chad.
After coming home, Claire started receiving care from PHS and currently receives respiratory therapy and home care nursing as well as a following dietitian. She is on a vent at night, using her trach nose and passy muir throughout the day as she learns to talk, and will have respiratory support throughout her life.
But life for this family isn’t just about Claire’s diagnosis and medical complexity.
“It’s easy to get caught up in being their care coordinator, being their therapist, going to visits, taking care of their trach supplies,” knows mom, Rebecca. “It’s easy to get caught up in that, but remember to take time to just be mom and dad.”
Check out the video Confidence in Care: Life with a Trach, featuring Claire and her family, our medical director Dr. Roy Maynard, and respiratory therapist John Sheahan, here:
Originally published: December 6, 2013
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What a beautiful video…and what a blessing Pediatric Home Services is!
We are so glad you enjoyed the video, Linda. We love being able to provide care for kiddos like Claire!