Enteral Feeding and Nutritional Supplies for Skilled Nursing, DME, and Home Care Providers
Geriatric Medical supplies enteral feeding and nutritional products in wholesale volumes to skilled nursing facilities, long-term care communities, DME/HME providers, and home care agencies nationwide. Our catalog includes enteral formulas, oral nutritional supplements, feeding pumps, feeding bags and pump sets, feeding tubes and accessories, irrigation supplies, and pediatric nutrition products, so your team can source tube feeding supplies and nutrition from one distributor.
Whether you're supplying tube-fed residents in a facility, fulfilling enteral orders for patients at home, or stocking oral supplements for residents at nutritional risk, our team can help you match formulas, pumps, and supplies to your patient population and order volume.
Enteral and Nutritional Supply Questions from Providers
What enteral and nutritional products does Geriatric Medical carry?
We carry enteral nutritional formulas, oral nutritional supplements, enteral feeding pumps, feeding bags and pump sets, feeding tubes and accessories, enteral irrigation supplies, and pediatric nutritional supplements and supplies. Products are available in case quantities for facility and provider ordering.
What's the difference between enteral formulas and oral nutritional supplements?
Enteral formulas are designed to be delivered through a feeding tube and can provide complete nutrition for patients who can't eat enough by mouth. Oral nutritional supplements are drinks, shakes, and other products taken by mouth to add calories, protein, and nutrients for residents or patients who can eat but aren't meeting their nutritional needs, such as those with unintended weight loss or poor appetite. Some formulas are labeled for both tube feeding and oral use.
How do we choose between standard and specialty enteral formulas?
Standard formulas meet the nutritional needs of most tube-fed patients. Specialty formulas are designed for specific conditions or needs, such as diabetes-specific formulas for blood glucose management, renal formulas with adjusted electrolytes, high-protein formulas for wound healing, and peptide-based formulas for patients with trouble tolerating or absorbing standard formulas. Formula selection should follow the physician's order and the registered dietitian's recommendation for each patient.
What's the difference between pump feeding, gravity feeding, and bolus feeding?
Pump feeding uses an enteral feeding pump to deliver formula at a controlled, consistent rate, and it's commonly used for continuous or overnight feeding and for patients who need a precise rate. Gravity feeding uses a feeding bag hung above the patient, with the flow adjusted by a roller clamp, and it doesn't require a pump. Bolus feeding delivers a set amount of formula over a short period using a syringe. The feeding method is determined by the patient's care plan, and each method uses different supplies.
Do enteral pump sets work with any feeding pump?
No. Pump sets are designed for specific feeding pump brands and models, and a set made for one pump generally won't load or run correctly on another. When ordering pump sets, match them to the pumps your facility or patients are using. Standardizing on one pump platform across a facility or patient population simplifies ordering and staff training.
How often should enteral feeding bags and pump sets be replaced?
Feeding bags and pump sets are single-use items with a limited use period, and they're commonly replaced every 24 hours to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Follow the manufacturer's labeling and your facility's policy for replacement intervals, hang times, and handling. Keeping enough sets on hand for daily changes helps avoid extending use past the recommended period.
What is ENFit and why does it matter?
ENFit is a connector design based on the ISO 80369-3 international standard for enteral devices. It's designed so enteral feeding tubes, syringes, and administration sets won't connect to IV lines or other non-enteral devices, which helps prevent dangerous tubing misconnections. When ordering syringes, extension sets, and feeding supplies, confirm they're compatible with the connectors on your patients' feeding tubes and administration sets.
What are enteral irrigation supplies used for?
Enteral irrigation supplies, such as enteral syringes and irrigation trays, are used to flush feeding tubes with water before and after feedings and medication administration. Routine flushing helps keep the tube clear and prevent clogs. Enteral syringes are also used for bolus feeding and giving medications through the tube, and they should be enteral-specific syringes that match the tube's connector.
What feeding tube accessories should providers keep on hand?
Commonly needed feeding tube accessories include extension sets for low-profile tubes, securement devices to keep tubes in place, replacement feeding tubes, and dressings for the insertion site. Extension sets and replacement tubes are typically specific to the tube brand, type, and size, so they should be ordered to match the patient's current tube.
Do you carry pediatric nutritional supplements and supplies?
Yes. We carry pediatric formulas and nutritional supplements designed for the nutritional needs of children, along with pediatric feeding supplies. Pediatric formulas are formulated differently than adult formulas, so they should be selected based on the child's age, needs, and care plan.
Can we order enteral and nutritional supplies through EDI or a punchout catalog?
Yes. Geriatric Medical supports EDI ordering and punchout catalog integration for accounts that manage purchasing through their own procurement, EHR, or ERP systems, so enteral formulas, feeding supplies, and nutritional supplements can be ordered the same way as the rest of your catalog without manual re-entry.