I am sure that while he's gone for a week, she will check every room looking for him, making sure he's not there, and then be a little subdued. When he comes home, I bet she'll be hysterically glad to see him. Can you tell I've been through similar situations, or what?

Hope all goes well with the tracheotomy, tell him not to fidget - and to bring the silliest slippers he has, so he'll at least get noticed by the staff when he's bored!