Enteral Nutrition
Enteral nutrition is the provision of nutrients directly into the stomach or small intestine through a feeding tube. For those people who are unable to swallow food and fluids, this can be accomplished via a gastrostomy tube, nasogastric tube, or jejunostomy tube. Tube feeding formulas provide a well-balanced diet and can be administered by several different methods. Formula can be given with a syringe (bolus method), or using a bag hanging on an IV pole (gravity method), controlling the rate with a roller clamp. For those people requiring a slower, more controlled rate of delivery, a pump may be used.
Tube feeding at home is ordered by your physician. Home health nursing is often utilized for teaching you and your family how to care for the feeding tube and administer the feedings. Feedings can be given on a schedule that fits into your daily routine at home.
Apple Infusion stocks a wide variety of formulas, feeding supplies, and pumps which can be delivered to your home when needed. Many insurance companies pay for tube feeding formula and supplies at home.