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Enteral Feeding and the NDIS
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Participants.
Enteral feeding is a safe way of providing children the nutrition and hydration they need through a feeding tube into the stomach or small intestine. It’s often recommended when eating or drinking by mouth isn’t safe, or when a child needs extra support to stay healthy. For children with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), enteral feeding ensures they safely receive the right balance of nutrients and fluids to promote overall health and quality of life.
AHNHS Participant
Uploaded with parental consent
Our Role at AH Nursing & Health Services and Enteral Feeding
At AH Nursing & Health Services our Registered Nurses will work in alignment with your childs Model of Care to ensure families receive child-focused support prioritising continuity of care. We provide:
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In-home nursing care for all types of enteral feeding.
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Support with tube changes (if suitable for in-home setting), troubleshooting and feeding regime enquiries.
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Education and training so families feel comfortable and capable.
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Compassionate care that empowers children to live life to the fullest.
There are different ways nutritional support can be provided, depending on each child’s needs:
Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube)
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Placed through the nose into the stomach.
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Usually for short-term feeding.
Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube)
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Surgically placed directly into the stomach.
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Suitable for long-term feeding.
Jejunostomy
Tube (J-Tube)
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Placed directly into the small intestine.
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Used when the stomach needs to be bypassed.
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Can be medium- to long-term, depending on the child’s condition.
PEG Tube (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy)
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A type of G-tube placed with the assistance of an endoscope.
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Common for children needing medium- to long-term feeding.
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
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Nutrition delivered directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line.
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Used when the digestive system cannot be used or tolerated for feeding.
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Can be short-term (e.g., during recovery from surgery or illness) or long-term (for children with chronic conditions affecting digestion).
How the NDIS Can Help
The NDIS fund disability-related health supports connected to enteral feeding, such as:
In-home nursing care and support for feeding needs.
Feeding equipment like pumps, syringes, and giving sets (when considered disability-related).
Emergency or short-term nursing support to help manage complications and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.
Capacity-building supports that empower families with knowledge, skills and resources for long-term care.
Ongoing monitoring and care planning by a Registered Nurse.
With the right NDIS supports, children can often be safely cared for at home — reducing hospital stays and giving families peace of mind.
Why Enteral Feeding Matters for Families
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Reduces the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the lungs).
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Helps children maintain healthy growth and energy levels.
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Provides reassurance for families that nutritional needs are being met.
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Can be managed at home with the right support.
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Enteral feeding may be a temporary support, for other children it may be determined reasonable and necessary as a long-term feeding option.
We're here to help.
If your child requires enteral feeding and is supported by the NDIS, our team is here to help. We’ll work alongside your family to provide safe, specialised paediatric nursing that supports both your child’s health and your family’s peace of mind.
Contact Ali today to learn more about how we can support your child.