Enteral Feeding in the Home: Safety, Awareness, and Support
At Oasis In-Home Care, we support clients with a variety of complex needs. Nevertheless, dignity, safety, and compassion remain at the center of care. The first week of February is National Feeding Tube Awareness Week. Here, we want to provide education on enteral tube feedings and share practical tips for both caregivers and clients in the home setting.
What is Enteral Tube Feeding?
Some clients we care for may receive nutrition via enteral feeding. Essentially, these are liquid feedings that are delivered through a tube to bypass the mouth and esophagus. These feedings are sometimes necessary when a person can no longer chew and swallow safely. Feedings may be delivered slowly through a pump continuously or intermittently at scheduled times. There are several types of feeding tubes:
- Nasogastric Tube (NG-tube): This tube is inserted through the nose to eventually reach the stomach. These are more commonly used in the hospital setting and can be placed by a registered nurse. They are often used for the short term.
- Gastrostomy tube (G-tube): This tube is surgically placed by a provider directly into the stomach from the abdomen. These are more commonly seen in home care settings. This is a long-term nutritional support.
- Jejunostomy tube (J-tube): This tube is surgically placed by a provider into a section of the small intestine called the jejunum. Essentially, this tube has bypassed the stomach, and feedings may be delivered at slower rates to assist with feeding tolerance.
- Mic-Key button: This is a low-profile tube that is connected to the stomach or intestine, sitting against the skin of the abdomen, and connects to extension tubing only during feedings.
Tube feedings can seem complex, but simply put, they are a way for someone to get the nutrition they need to be healthy. By understanding the different types of tube feedings, caregivers can feel more confident and prepared when supporting clients at home.
Scope of Practice of the Unlicensed Caregiver in Tennessee
As a reminder, unlicensed caregivers in Tennessee have an observational role only when caring for clients and their feeding tubes. You should NOT:
- Insert, remove, replace, or adjust the positioning of feeding tubes
- Administer tube feedings, flushes, or medications through the tubes
- Adjust feeding pumps, rates, or tubing connections
- Troubleshoot equipment beyond basic reporting
- Provide medical treatment or make clinical decisions
Caregivers CAN:
- Assist with the client’s bodily positions during and after feedings
- Practice proper hand hygiene
- Report concerns or unusual observations promptly
Suppose you are unsure if a task is within your scope, pause and report. Your most important responsibility is to observe and report safety concerns.
Caregiver Tips: What You Can Do Safely
- Observe Skin Around The Tube
- Report to the nurse, family, or supervisor of redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, bleeding, foul odors, increased pain, or skin breakdown. The site should be clean and dry.
- Support Safe Client Bodily Positioning
- Aspiration is a serious safety concern during tube feedings, where fluids enter the lungs. Caregivers should ensure the client sits upright during feedings and avoid lying the client flat during or immediately following feedings. Report any coughing, choking, wet-sounding breathing sounds, or distress immediately.
- Digestive Issues
- Notify the nurse or family of new or worsening diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or gagging.
- Maintain Cleanliness
- Good hand hygiene is essential. Wash your hands before and after assisting the client. If tubing becomes disconnected or damaged, report it promptly.
- Communicate And Document
- Caregivers are an essential part of care teams. Report changes promptly. Document observations. Remember, when in doubt, ask or report—never guess.
As a caregiver, your role is to observe and focus on safety and communication. You are not expected to manage feedings, but always report what you notice. Your eyes can prevent complications and support our clients’ comfort and well-being.
Our Commitment at Oasis In-Home Care
We understand that tube feedings can feel overwhelming. With the support of our caregivers, clients can thrive at home. At Oasis In-Home Care, we are committed to:
- Staying within the scope of practice
- Prioritizing safety and dignity
- Supporting caregivers with education and guidance
- Partnering with nurses, families, and providers for the best outcomes
If you have questions or concerns about tube feeding care in the home, please reach out to our care coordinators in the office at 931-266-4441. We are here to support you.