In addition to funding allocated in a Government funded home care package (HCP) there are also extra supplements that can be applied for by the Service Provider on a client’s behalf. With the supplement (benefit) going straight to the pool of funds utilised by the client for their care.
The following article relates to the enteral feeding supplement. This supplement is a primary supplement paid to aged care providers of home care for care recipients with a specified medical need for enteral feeding.
What is Enteral Feeding?
Enteral feeding is an alternative method of providing nutrients, including water, through a tube placed in the nose, the stomach, or the small intestine. Enteral feeding is administered to people who have conditions which hamper their ability to absorb nutrients via the gastrointestinal tract, or who are unable to swallow food.
The nutrients are provided in a liquid form via tubes (either nasogastric, gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes). Enteral feeding can be dispensed as single feeds (bolus) or continuous feeds (non bolus). The enteral feeding supplement is not payable for intermittent or supplementary enteral feeding that is given in addition to oral feeding.
Who is eligible for this supplement?
To verify a care recipient’s eligibility for the enteral feeding supplement the Home Care Package Provider needs to supply the following:
- A written certification from a medical practitioner verifying that the care recipient has a medical requirement for enteral feeding.
- A written certification from a medical practitioner or dietician regarding the nutritional completeness of the prescribed dietary formula.
- Details of the care recipients particular enteral feeding requirements.
If you think you or someone you know may be eligible for the Enteral Feeding Supplement ask your Provider for an application form.
