Home Oxygen Therapy Tips for Your Senior Parents in India

elderly care amid air pollution

Oxygen therapy at home is the medical use of supplemental oxygen for patients with chronic pulmonary or cardiac conditions who need continued oxygen support after hospital discharge. It is prescribed based on clear indications for oxygen therapy and helps maintain adequate oxygen levels outside a clinical setting.

Home oxygen therapy delivers oxygen in a controlled amount to patients who cannot maintain normal blood oxygen levels on their own. When used appropriately, it supports breathing, reduces strain on vital organs, and allows patients to remain safely at home.

Oxygen supplementation at home includes the following methods:

• Long-Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT): Oxygen is administered for at least 15 hours per day to patients with chronic hypoxemia.

• Ambulatory Oxygen Therapy (AOT): Oxygen is used during physical activity for patients who develop low oxygen levels only during exercise.

• Nocturnal Oxygen Therapy (NOT): Oxygen administered only during sleep, with no daytime oxygen use.

• Short-Burst Oxygen Therapy: Brief, intermittent oxygen use as needed, without confirmed hypoxemia.

• Palliative Oxygen Therapy (POT): Oxygen used to relieve breathlessness in advanced or life-limiting conditions, even without documented hypoxemia.
  

Types of Oxygen Therapy Systems

Oxygen therapy at home is delivered via various systems, depending on medical needs, mobility, and usage duration. These oxygen therapy systems deliver supplemental oxygen in a controlled amount and are selected based on the patient’s condition and lifestyle.

Common oxygen therapy delivery systems include:

1. Compressed Gas Oxygen Systems:

Oxygen is stored as 100% gas in large metal cylinders under pressure. A regulator controls oxygen flow, while an oxygen-conserving device releases oxygen during inhalation and stops flow during exhalation. These tanks have a gauge to show oxygen levels and must be replaced when empty. Extra cylinders should always be kept on hand as backups.

2. Liquid Oxygen Systems:

Oxygen is stored as a very cold liquid in a thermos-like container. When released, the liquid converts into breathable gas. Smaller portable containers allow patients to leave home while continuing oxygen therapy.

3. Oxygen Concentrators:

These electric or battery-powered devices pull in room air, remove nitrogen, and deliver concentrated oxygen. Because they continuously generate oxygen, users do not run out of supply. Concentrators are easy to use, portable, and many models are approved for air travel.

Indications for Oxygen Therapy in Senior Parents

Indications for oxygen therapy in senior parents include low blood oxygen saturation due to chronic or acute medical conditions. Oxygen therapy at home is commonly prescribed when oxygen saturation falls below 90–92% or when arterial oxygen saturation (PaO₂) is low, leading to breathlessness, confusion, and reduced organ function.

Low oxygen levels in seniors can affect the brain, heart, and other vital organs. Timely oxygen support helps improve daily functioning, comfort, and quality of life while reducing the risk of complications.

Key conditions requiring oxygen therapy include:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A leading cause of long-term oxygen use, especially when resting SpO₂ is 88–89% or lower.

• Heart Failure: Reduced cardiac output limits oxygen delivery to tissues, causing hypoxemia.

• Pulmonary Fibrosis or Interstitial Lung Disease: Lung scarring interferes with oxygen transfer into the bloodstream.

• Pneumonia and Severe Asthma: Acute infections or attacks can cause sudden, significant drops in oxygen saturation.

• Sleep Apnea: Oxygen levels fall during sleep and may require supplemental oxygen or CPAP support.

• Pulmonary Hypertension: Chronic hypoxemia can worsen pressure in pulmonary blood vessels.
  

What Are Healthy Oxygen Levels for Elderly Adults?

Healthy oxygen levels in elderly adults, measured as oxygen saturation (SpO₂), are 95% or higher. Indications for oxygen therapy typically arise when oxygen saturation falls below 88%, at which point home oxygen therapy may be prescribed to support breathing and organ function.

Healthcare providers use specific tests to accurately assess oxygen levels and determine the need for oxygen therapy.

Common tests used to measure oxygen levels include:

1. Pulse Oximeter:

A small, painless device clipped to a finger, toe, or earlobe. It uses light sensors to measure oxygen levels in small blood vessels. Pulse oximeters are commonly used during medical visits and are also available for home monitoring.

2. Arterial Blood Gas Test:

A blood test is taken from an artery to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. This is the most accurate method for assessing lung function and blood oxygen levels.

3. Lung Function Tests:

Tests such as spirometry measure how well the lungs inhale and exhale air. Some tests also evaluate how effectively oxygen is transferred from the lungs into the bloodstream.

Oxygen Therapy at Home: How It Helps Senior Health

Oxygen therapy at home helps senior parents who do not have enough oxygen in their blood due to chronic or long-term health conditions. Breathing air with a higher oxygen concentration increases the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, supporting vital organ function.

Improved oxygen levels make daily activities easier and help reduce symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, and mental confusion. These oxygen therapy benefits are especially important for seniors with reduced lung or heart function.

Oxygen therapy at home can help manage the following conditions:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A long-term lung condition that impairs breathing.

• Severe Long-Term Asthma: Helps maintain stable oxygen levels during ongoing respiratory stress.

• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Assists when lung scarring limits oxygen transfer.

• Pulmonary Hypertension: Reduces the impact of low oxygen on lung arteries and heart function.

• Heart Failure: Supports oxygen delivery when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently.

• Cystic Fibrosis: Helps counter oxygen deficiency caused by thick mucus in the lungs.

• Neuromuscular or Ribcage Conditions: Aids breathing when muscle weakness or chest structure limits airflow.

• Obesity with Underlying Health Conditions: Improves oxygen levels when excess weight affects breathing mechanics.
  

Medical Assessment Before Starting Oxygen Therapy at Home

Oxygen therapy at home is prescribed only after a medical assessment confirms clear indications. If a doctor believes symptoms may improve with supplemental oxygen, the patient is referred to a specialist clinic for a detailed evaluation.

The assessment measures blood oxygen saturation and lung function to determine whether supplemental oxygen is medically necessary. Home oxygen is provided only when test results show a genuine need.

Common tests used during assessment include:

• Blood oxygen measurement:A blood sample is drawn from the earlobe or wrist to assess oxygen levels accurately.

• Spirometry:Measures how much air the lungs can expel and how quickly, helping evaluate breathing capacity.

• Pulse oximetry:A sensor attached to the finger to monitor oxygen saturation levels non-invasively.

• Walking test:A treadmill-based test to check how oxygen levels respond during physical activity.
  

How to Use Home Oxygen Therapy Safely

Oxygen therapy at home is delivered using simple devices that provide oxygen directly to the airways. Safe use depends on selecting the correct equipment, properly setting it up, and following medical instructions closely.

Oxygen is commonly delivered using:

• Nasal cannula: Short tubes placed inside the nostrils for continuous oxygen delivery.

• Oxygen mask: A mask worn over the nose and mouth to deliver higher oxygen concentrations.
  

Devices used for oxygen therapy at home include:

• Oxygen concentrator:

Recommended for patients who need oxygen for most of the day, including during sleep. The machine is about the size of a bedside table and runs on electricity. An engineer installs the unit and explains safe usage.

• Large oxygen cylinders:

Prescribed for short-term oxygen needs, such as relieving sudden episodes of breathlessness. These cylinders store compressed oxygen and are replaced when empty.

• Portable oxygen cylinders:

Used for mobility inside or outside the home, also known as ambulatory oxygen. Most portable cylinders weigh 2–3 kg, fit in a backpack or trolley, and deliver up to 3 hours of oxygen.

Is Oxygen Therapy Safe for Elderly Parents at Home?

Caring for the elderly amid rising pollution is crucial. Oxygen therapy at home is safe for elderly parents when used correctly and with proper precautions. Oxygen itself is not flammable, but it can accelerate combustion, increasing fire risk if guidelines are not followed.

Following safety measures is essential to ensure safe oxygen therapy benefits at home.

Important safety precautions include:

• Never smoke near oxygen equipment and stay at least 5 feet away from open flames, including gas stoves, candles, fireplaces, and fire pits.

• Secure oxygen tanks upright to a stand or fixed object, and never roll a cylinder, as a fall or crack can cause a dangerous pressure release.

• Store oxygen tanks in well-ventilated areas to prevent oxygen buildup and reduce fire risk.

• Maintain a minimum distance of 8 feet from heaters, electrical appliances, and other heat-producing devices.

• Follow these elderly winter care tips to stay warm while receiving home oxygen therapy.

• Avoid storing flammable materials, such as aerosol sprays, cleaning agents, and petroleum-based products, near oxygen equipment.

• Use cotton clothing and bedding instead of wool, nylon, or other synthetic fabrics, which can generate static sparks.

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, know how to use it, and ensure smoke alarms are functioning properly.
  

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in India

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in India is a medical treatment used to treat chronic wounds and certain health conditions. 

While normal air contains 21% oxygen, hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers 100% oxygen in a pressurised chamber at two to three times atmospheric pressure. This allows the lungs to absorb more oxygen, supporting tissue healing and infection control.

During treatment, patients sit or lie inside a pressurised chamber for one to two hours per session. Healthcare providers may use hyperbaric oxygen therapy alone or alongside medications or surgery, depending on the condition being treated.

In India, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is available in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. It is offered by specialised hospitals and select wellness centres. 

Conditions treated include diabetic wounds, radiation injuries, decompression sickness, and certain neurological conditions. Medical consultation and screening are essential before starting therapy, as costs and suitability vary by case.

How Yodda Can Help with Oxygen Therapy at Home

When adult children move away for work or personal reasons, ageing parents often rely on informal help from neighbours or relatives, which may not be reliable when medical needs arise.

This gap becomes more critical when seniors develop chronic conditions requiring regular care or oxygen support. Yodda replaces informal dependency with organised, professional assistance to ensure safety and continuity.

Yodda provides structured, professional support to senior parents who lack daily assistance, including those receiving home oxygen therapy. 

Yodda’s emergency support includes:

• Medical emergencies

• Fire-related emergencies

• Criminal or personal safety incidents
  

Routine and daily support services include:

• Bill and utility payments

• Home care and medical coordination

• Banking-related assistance

• Insurance documentation support

• Help with essential errands
  

For seniors on home oxygen therapy, Yodda helps by coordinating medical visits, supporting equipment setup and monitoring, assisting during emergencies, and ensuring timely assistance when mobility is limited. This support is especially valuable during periods of poor air quality, when outdoor activity becomes unsafe, and health risks increase.

By offering reliable, on-ground assistance, Yodda ensures elderly parents receive consistent care, safety, and support while managing long-term oxygen needs at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic home oxygen therapy guidelines?

Home oxygen therapy guidelines include using oxygen only as prescribed, maintaining a safe distance from flames and heat sources, ensuring proper ventilation, and regularly monitoring oxygen levels. Equipment should be installed and checked by professionals, and follow-up assessments are necessary to confirm ongoing need.

Is home oxygen therapy for asthma safe and effective?

Home oxygen therapy for asthma may be used in severe or long-term cases when oxygen levels drop significantly. It is prescribed only after medical assessment and is usually combined with other asthma treatments to maintain safe oxygen levels and reduce breathing distress.

How long should seniors use oxygen therapy at home each day?

The duration of oxygen therapy at home depends on medical assessment and the severity of the condition. Some seniors require oxygen for several hours daily, while others may need it continuously, including during sleep, based on established home oxygen therapy guidelines.

Can seniors travel or move around while on home oxygen therapy?

Yes, seniors can remain mobile using portable systems prescribed under home oxygen therapy guidelines. Lightweight portable cylinders or concentrators support safe movement indoors and outdoors, depending on medical advice and oxygen requirements.