Safe Enteral Nutrition Feeding

Specialised Dietetic Support for Tube-Fed Consumers in Aged Care

For residents receiving nutrition through enteral feeding (via PEG, NG, or jejunal tubes), timely and skilled dietetic intervention is essential to prevent malnutrition, dehydration, and clinical decline.

At Optimum Intake Dietitians, we provide responsive, expert support for residents on enteral nutrition, from initial assessment and safe handover, to ongoing monitoring, adjustment and coordination with nursing teams.

Why Timely Referral Matters

Delays in dietetic review can lead to:

  • Inadequate nutrition or hydration

  • Poor tolerance to feeds

  • Deteriorating health outcomes

  • Increased hospital admissions

That’s why we recommend immediate referral to Optimum Intake Dietitians:

  • At the initiation of enteral feeding, especially after hospital discharge

  • Upon admission to your facility for a resident already on tube feeding

  • If tolerance, weight, or hydration concerns arise

  • Every 6 months, in line with best practice, to ensure the regimen remains optimal

Our Enteral Nutrition Services Include:

  • Comprehensive assessment of nutritional needs
  • Feed regime development, monitoring, and modification
  • Review of tolerance, hydration, and nutritional adequacy
  • Liaison with nursing, pharmacy, and external specialists
  • PEG/NG hygiene review and feeding tube care advice
  • Coordination with PEG Care Nursing Specialists as needed
  • Support with feeding equipment (e.g. pump settings, flush schedules, feed volumes)
  • Clear documentation and reporting to clinical teams

Best Practice Recommendations

Residents on enteral nutrition should be reviewed by an Accredited Practising Dietitian every 6 months, or sooner if clinical changes occur. These reviews ensure:

  • The feeding regimen meets current medical, functional, and nutritional needs

  • The resident continues to tolerate the feed without GI distress or decline

  • Appropriate hygiene and safety practices are followed

  • The care plan is aligned with the Aged Care Quality Standards, particularly:

    • Standard 3: The Care

    • Standard 6: Food and Nutrition

    • Standard 1: The Person

Seamless Handover from Hospital to Aged Care

Where a feed has been commenced during hospital admission, referral to Optimum Intake Dietitians upon discharge ensures:

  • A safe and coordinated handover

  • Review of discharge feed orders and suitability

  • Adjustment to meet aged care routines and care needs

  • Prevention of errors or oversights in delivery or documentation

Partner With Us for Safe, Effective Nutrition Care

Optimum Intake Dietitians are experienced in managing complex clinical nutrition needs in aged care. Our coordinated, compassionate approach ensures tube-fed residents are well-supported and protected from nutrition-related risks.