A feeding tube is a medical device that is placed into the body and allows liquid nutrition to be given through the tube. It can be placed through the nose and down the throat or it can be placed through a small abdominal cut directly into the stomach. A feeding tube is typically used in a person who can’t chew or swallow on their own. However, tube feeding doesn’t help people live longer, become stronger, regain their eating skills, or gain more weight.
And just like other medical treatments, it also has its pros and cons. There are times that it could do more harm than good, especially for a patient in the late stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia. There are risks to consider when using a feeding tube, and these may include:
- Clogged or damaged tube
- Pain and infection at the tube insertion area
- Leaking of stomach contents at the tube site
- Pressure sores and gastrointestinal problems
That is why if you have a loved one who is now in tube feeding, it is important to hire a caring expert like providers of hospice care in California to make sure that your loved one is being safely fed.
So if you ever need assistance in taking care of your loved one, we at Trulife Home Health and Hospice Care are here to help.
Whether you need a home health aide in Hayward, California, home health care, and hospice care services, we can provide it for you.
We also offer companionship services. Please feel free to reach us to know more about our services.
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