PEG and enteral feeding support guided by the current nutrition plan
EmpowerLink provides planned enteral feeding and device care where the person has current instructions from the treating team. We focus on consistent technique, comfort, hygiene, documentation and early escalation of device or feeding concerns.
What this service involves
EmpowerLink provides planned enteral feeding and device care where the person has current instructions from the treating team. We focus on consistent technique, comfort, hygiene, documentation and early escalation of device or feeding concerns.
Information for referrers
Send the feeding regimen, tube type, medication instructions, flushing plan, position requirements, supplies and actions for blockage, dislodgement, aspiration risk or intolerance.
Who this service may suit
- NDIS participants seeking disability-related nursing supports that align with their approved plan
- Support at Home participants whose registered provider is seeking to arrange an agreed nursing service through a documented third-party delivery arrangement
- Private clients and families seeking self-funded nursing care after a written scope and fees are confirmed
- People with an established gastrostomy or other enteral feeding device who need nursing support at home
- Families or authorised support teams requiring care-plan education and competency assessment
- Hospital and dietetics teams planning a supported transition to the community
Eligibility and funding
- A current plan from the relevant medical, dietetic and/or speech pathology team is required.
- NDIS funding and worker model depend on the participant’s plan, assessed risk and whether nursing or appropriately trained support is indicated.
- Formula, equipment, consumables and pharmacy supply responsibilities are confirmed before commencement.
- For a Support at Home participant, service can begin only if their registered provider formally engages EmpowerLink for the agreed service under a documented third-party delivery arrangement. The registered provider remains responsible for care management, the service agreement and program obligations. EmpowerLink does not claim direct Support at Home provider approval.
- Private clients can request a written scope and quote. Care begins only after clinical fit, service capacity, fees, products or consumables, and the service agreement are confirmed.
Care that may be included after intake
The final scope is documented for the individual person after clinical, operational and funding review.
- Review and implementation of the current enteral nutrition and hydration plan
- Feed preparation and administration using the prescribed method
- Tube-site hygiene, skin observation and routine device care within scope
- Flushes and enteral medication support where clearly ordered
- Tolerance, output and symptom observations specified by the treating team
- Documentation and escalation of blockage, leakage, dislodgement, pain or feeding intolerance
From referral to planned visits
- 01
Multidisciplinary handover
Referrers provide the device record, feeding and hydration regimen, medication plan, risk assessment and treating-team contacts.
- 02
Home readiness check
We confirm equipment, storage, positioning, infection controls, backup supplies, consent and emergency instructions.
- 03
Planned support
The allocated team follows the written regimen, documents delivery and observes for the specified concerns.
- 04
Competency and review
Competencies and the care plan are reviewed when the device, formula, health status or treating instructions change.
Safety and clinical governance
- The allocation model follows the complexity of the task, participant risk and applicable high-intensity support requirements.
- A dislodged tube, breathing difficulty, suspected aspiration, severe pain or acute deterioration requires immediate action under the emergency plan.
- Feed, water and medicine changes require instructions from the authorised treating team.
- The plan must state what to do if a feed or visit cannot proceed.
Service boundaries
- EmpowerLink does not create or alter a nutrition prescription.
- Initial or complex tube management may require the hospital, gastroenterology, dietetics or specialist nursing service.
- Acceptance is conditional on a complete plan and appropriately competent workforce.
PEG and enteral feeding FAQs
Can support workers deliver enteral feeds?
The appropriate worker model depends on the participant, task complexity, care plan, funding and applicable high-intensity support requirements. It is decided through clinical intake, training and competency assessment—not from the website alone.
Can you give medicines through a PEG?
Only where there is a current medication order and clear enteral administration instructions, and the allocated worker is authorised and competent. The prescriber or pharmacist must resolve unclear preparation instructions.
What happens if the tube comes out?
The person’s written emergency plan must be followed immediately because some devices require time-critical review. Call Triple Zero (000) for an immediate threat to life or breathing.
What plans are needed before PEG or enteral support starts?
Intake needs the current feeding and hydration regimen, tube details, medication instructions, positioning requirements, supplies and actions for blockage, dislodgement, aspiration risk or intolerance. The treating-team and emergency contacts must also be current.
Can EmpowerLink change the formula, rate or water flushes?
No. Changes to formula, volume, rate, timing or prescribed water flushes require instructions from the authorised medical, dietetic or other treating clinician. Nurses document observations and seek review when the current plan may no longer be suitable.
Can family members or support workers be taught the established routine?
Education and competency assessment may be included where the person consents and the care model is clinically appropriate. Completion of training does not authorise a person to work outside their role, the approved care plan or applicable governance requirements.
Can nurses help with leakage or skin irritation around the tube site?
Nurses can observe the site, provide routine care within the current plan and escalate pain, leakage, skin breakdown or other changes to the treating team. A dislodged tube, breathing difficulty or severe acute deterioration must be managed under the emergency plan without waiting for a routine visit.
Refer for enteral support
Attach the current feeding, medication and emergency plans.