Many people can benefit from a feeding tube or G-tube when they are receiving home health care. If tube feeding is done outside of a hospital setting, it is called enteral feeding. According to Mayo Clinic, people with the following conditions can benefit from a feeding tube:
• Cancer, such as head and neck cancers, or cancer treatment that makes it difficult or painful to swallow.
• Neurological problems, such as stroke and ALS
• Gastrointestinal problems, such as delayed gastric emptying and bowel obstruction.
• Trauma, such as an injury to your digestive tract
Tube feeding is necessary if you or a loved one can’t eat enough to receive the nutrients needed to stay healthy. Although the experience of transitioning to tube feeding can feel overwhelming, Aveanna can provide training to help you understand the feeding equipment, including how to care for the person who is receiving tube feedings.
Training is usually done at home or before you leave the hospital after the feeding tube is placed. Your home health provider can also help you prepare the formula that your loved needs, clean equipment, and show you which signs to watch for to make sure your loved one receives proper feedings. Although there is a lot to learn at first when it comes to tube feedings, Aveanna Home Health will be there to support you each step of the way.