Transitioning / Weaning off Tubefeeding

Supporting safe, confident progress from tube feeding to oral feeding. For individuals with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), tube feeding can be a necessary way to maintain nutrition and hydration. However, when medically appropriate, the goal is often to transition back to oral feeding to improve quality of life, independence, and sensory experiences.

Approach for Adults

For adults with dysphagia, therapy focuses on:

• Teaching rehabilitation exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles and improve coordination
• Implementing compensatory strategies such as modifying food textures, adjusting feeding positions, or pacing to ensure safety
• Providing education and training for caregivers on safe feeding techniques and signs of aspiration
• Collaborating closely with a Dietitian to monitor nutritional needs and gradually adjust feeding plans to support oral intake
• Setting gradual, achievable goals to safely reduce reliance on tube feeding, aiming for eventual removal when safe

Approach for Children

Children who have been on long-term tube feeding often face additional challenges:

• Development of feeding aversion or refusal related to negative associations with oral experiences
• Oral and facial hypersensitivity causing discomfort or distress when food, liquid, or even touch occurs around the mouth and face
• Delays in oral-motor skills and sensory integration

Our therapy for children focuses on:

• Gentle desensitization of the face and mouth through play-based or clinician-guided activities
• Oral-motor exercises to develop swallowing and chewing skills
• Behavioural strategies to reduce anxiety and increase acceptance of textures and tastes
• Creating a structured hunger-satiation cycle by adjusting feeding volumes and schedules to safely build appetite and oral motivation
• Ensuring all nutritional and hydration needs are met during this gradual, planned process
• Working closely with paediatric Dietitians and involving families to reinforce positive feeding experiences at home

Working as team with other professionals

A Collaborative, Individualised Process

Transitioning from tube feeding is a gradual and carefully monitored process that requires a multidisciplinary team approach, including speech therapists, dietitians, physicians, occupational therapists, and families.

Our therapists are committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment tailored to each individual’s readiness and progress, supporting positive experiences with food and drink every step of the way.

This may include creating some hunger, adjusting feeding schedules and volumes to establish a hunger-satiation cycle to help with creating some interest with food.  A gradual planned process where nutrition and hydration requirements are met is crucial.