Gastrostomy & Feeding Support at Home in Leeds & Wakefield
Living with a gastrostomy tube means your daily routine really matters, and so does having people around you who understand it. With the right support at home, many people continue to live comfortably and independently. Following an individual assessment, Visiting Angels Leeds & Wakefield may be able to provide gastrostomy and feeding support. We only do so where there is a clear clinical care plan in place. Before visits begin, every caregiver is trained for the specific person they will support and assessed as competent.We support people in Leeds, Wakefield and across West Yorkshire, including Wrenthorpe, Crigglestone, Rothwell, Dewsbury and Mirfield.
How we may be able to help
Every feeding plan is different, so the support we provide is set out individually in your care plan. Where caregivers are appropriately trained and it has been agreed, support may include:
- Giving prescribed feeds through the tube
- Giving prescribed fluids through the tube
- Giving prescribed medication through the tube
- Routine care and observation of the tube site
- Recording and reporting concerns in line with your care plan
Our caregivers do not replace or reposition a gastrostomy tube, and only provide the support they have been trained and assessed for.
Working with your nutrition and healthcare team
Your dietitian, nutrition nurse or District Nurse stays in charge of your feeding plan. Before we agree to support you, we need a clear clinical care plan from them, setting out your feeds, timings and what to do if there is a concern.
If we notice anything that worries us, such as redness, leaking or discomfort around the tube site, we record it and pass it on in line with your care plan. Depending on the situation, that might mean contacting your nutrition team, District Nurse, GP or NHS 111, or calling the emergency services if it is urgent. Where medication is given through the tube, our medication support follows the same careful, care-plan-led approach.
Why choose Visiting Angels for gastrostomy and feeding support?
Feeding support needs care, consistency and the right training. We take a careful, individual approach, so you and your family can feel confident in the support at home.
Assessed individually
We only agree feeding support after an individual assessment and with a clear clinical care plan.
Trained for you
Caregivers receive training specific to you and are assessed as competent before visits begin.
Clear boundaries
We never replace or reposition a tube; that stays with your healthcare team.
Dignity at mealtimes
We keep routines calm and sociable, so feeding time still feels like part of everyday life.
Familiar faces
Wherever possible, the same caregivers visit, so you see someone you know and trust.
Arranging gastrostomy support in Leeds & Wakefield
We start with a conversation with you and your family about your needs and routine. We then carry out an individual assessment and, with your permission, speak with your nutrition or healthcare team to understand your feeding plan.If we can support you safely, we agree a care plan, make sure your caregivers have received the training they need for you, and only then begin visits. If we feel a different type of support would suit your needs better, we will talk this through with you and help you explore other options. A gastrostomy is often fitted or reviewed during a hospital stay, for example at St James's, Leeds General Infirmary, Pinderfields or Barnsley Hospital. Getting in touch early gives us time to plan support before you come home.
Gastrostomy & feeding support FAQs
Can you support anyone with a feeding tube?
Feeding support is individually assessed. We need a clear clinical care plan, and caregivers must be trained for your specific needs, so we can be sure we can support you safely before agreeing a care package.
Can your caregivers give medication through the tube?
Where it is part of your care plan and the caregiver has been trained and assessed as competent, yes. We only give medication that has been prescribed and agreed in your plan.
Will you change or reposition my tube?
No. Replacing or repositioning a gastrostomy tube is the responsibility of your healthcare team.
What happens if there is a problem with the tube?
Caregivers follow the steps in your care plan. That may mean contacting your nutrition team, District Nurse, GP or NHS 111, or calling the emergency services if it is urgent.
Looking for gastrostomy and feeding support in Leeds or Wakefield?
If you or someone you care about would like support with tube feeding at home, we would be happy to talk through your needs and whether we can help. Speak to our local Leeds & Wakefield team to find out more.
