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At Fair Go Access, we provide both quality disability care services and tube feeding resources. Below you’ll find a few simple tips to help first timers gain a bit more confidence.
A nasogastric tube, or “feeding tube” is commonly required for patients who have difficulty swallowing. The tube allows the person to receive the necessary nutrients their body needs, including carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water, in a safer way. While it is a substantial change for the person in need, it can be equally challenging for the support worker or family member tasked with feeding tube management.
Hygiene should always be on the top a support worker or family member’s checklist when it comes to preparing for tube feeding. Syringes should be washed and dried properly after every use. They should then be changed completely every two to three days, or perhaps sooner if you can see marks on the syringe.
Make sure that the micropore holding the tube is in place and hasn’t moved. Measure the length of the exposed tube and make sure that it is the same as when it was first inserted. If it has been displaced, it is best to call us to arrange for a nurse to assess the situation.
Measuring the pH level of the gastric aspirates from a nasogastric tube will help inform you as to whether the tube is in the right place. This is a very important part of the tube feeding process and, while it may seem a little complicated at first, it will become much simpler with the correct instruction. The team at Fair Go Access can show you how to do this safely.
You’ll find all the assistance and resources you need to care for someone using a feeding tube through disability care services from Fair Go Access. In addition to providing professional tube feeding services, we can also provide you with any tube feeding supplies you may need such as tube feeding formulas. We can also help you access supplemental products.
To learn more about safe tube feeding at home and tube feeding formulas, call Fair Go Access on 03 5298 2746.
