Hello @lori57216. Without re-writing all the information concerning my own journey with a tracheotomy, please go onto past comments on my profile. I had a tracheotomy placed approximately two years ago and it is the best thing for me. It allows me to breathe, plus easy mucous removal via suctioning or cleaning. At first, the suction machine was utilized daily. Then, a second ENT told me to remove the tube daily for cleaning. At first, it was scary. Soon, it was like brushing teeth...no big deal. If your sister learns to remove and clean the tube out with a brush several times per day, there will be no clogging. Also, (and my ENT knows) I do not wear an inner cannula. It is there to trap mucous but makes it very difficult to breathe. As long as she removes her tube several times a day for cleaning, the inner cannula is useless.
As for eating, if she can, she needs to have a swallow study done. While swallowing, an x-ray-type machine will record her swallowing mechanisms to see if they are working properly. I had a few done before my mechanism began functioning properly. In between, I did extensive throat and tongue exercises. They are tedious but do work. It took a good year for me to regain my voice and eating/drinking ability. The feeding tube fell off of me after three months. When the nurse told me to have it put back in, I said "no." Your sister needs to be determined to eat and drink again. As long as she can cough, some aspiration should not cause her problems. The longer she goes dependent on the feeding tube, the more chance she will never regain her ability to eat and drink.
If you or your sister have any questions, feel free to contact me. I wish you all the best!