Ensuring successful home tube feeding in the geriatric population.

Successful home tube feeding in the elderly patient is realized by careful patient selection and assessment, thorough and comprehensive teaching plans, and adequate follow-up and monitoring. Nutrient delivery through enteral feeding is an important therapy in maintaining nutritional status, thereby improving strength (and mobility) and immune competence, and thus contributing to an improved quality of life. The nurse plays a key role in facilitating the successful transition from the hospital to the home setting--and an even greater role in allowing the patient to remain at home.