Enteral feeding refers to the intake of food via the gastrointestinal tract, also called the GI tract. This tract is composed of feeding through the mouth, stomach, oesophagus, and intestines. This feeding can involve food taken through the mouth or a tube that is attached to the stomach or intestines but medically, the term enteral feeding is used for food intake via tube feeding.
Personalised Support Services are registered NDIS providers, they help you in getting access to disability support in Melbourne, and their dedicated support workers provide compassionate care to the participants to help them reach their goals.
When Does A Person Need Enteral Feeding?
A person with an injury or illness that prevents them from eating a regular diet may need enteral feeding to complete the nutrition in the body. This can occur when the participant can’t eat physically and is unable to meet the caloric requirements of his body. Lack of food can cause further problems to his health; if the participant doesn’t eat, he might face issues like malnourishment and weakness, which will also affect his growth.
Different types of enteral feedings are used for other cases; the doctor can decide which feeding is best for the participant after analysing his condition. Some people need enteral feeding for a short period to overcome an illness or injury, while others might need it for the long term in case of complex physical disabilities. Following complications might cause the participant to get enteral feeding:
- Cancer: It causes nausea and vomiting, which makes it challenging to eat.
- Stroke: It may cause an inability to swallow.
- Neurological Disorders: It may cause an increase in caloric requirements.
- Critical Injury: It might make it difficult to eat.
- Illness: It might put the body in a state of extreme stress making it hard to intake food.
Enteral Feeding And NDIS
The NDIS provides funds for various support relevant to enteral feeding and tube management. They offer you funding to develop a nutrition plan and trained support workers to help you with your mealtimes. They also provide funding for the necessary equipment to continue your nutrition intake via tube. If you are looking to get enteral feeding in your NDIS plan, you can discuss this with your service provider and request access to the support in your next plan meeting. If you are a new participant, you can add this to your plan in your first meeting with NDIA. If your request is found reasonable and necessary, the NDIS will provide you with funds for enteral feeding.
How Can I Get Enteral Feeding At Home?
NDIS provides plenty of home care services to its providers, including daily assistance with living and others. The specialised staff of service providers can also facilitate you with enteral feeding in the comfort of your home. The support worker will work closely with you and the healthcare professional to ensure you get the proper nutrition. NDIS understands that tube management and enteral feeding can be complex; hence, only highly- experienced support workers are allowed to provide this service. You may also need professional nurses, therapists and allied health professionals to help you with the process, and your service providers can connect you with all the support you need.
Conclusion
Enteral feeding is a common intervention for patients who find it difficult to meet the requirement of nutrients, and these participants require specialised support. NDIS provides its participants with trained workers who can help them with tube management in the privacy of their homes and feel comfortable.
If you want to know more about disability support in Melbourne and how you can get enteral feeding in your homecare services, contact Personalised Support Services, and their team of professional providers will guide you to the best of their ability.
