What are G and GJ tubes?
Gastrostomy tubes (G tubes) and gastrojejunostomy tubes (GJ tubes) are feeding devices. A G tube gives liquid nutrition, medication and other fluids directly into the stomach. A GJ tube gives liquid nutrition, medication and other fluids directly into the small intestine (the jejunum). Both G tubes and GJ tubes are placed in a surgical opening in your child's tummy (abdomen) called the stoma. The tunnel from the outside into the stomach is called the tract.
Supplies you will need to purchase for home
While your child is in hospital, someone from your child’s health-care team will discuss your child’s home care needs with you.
You will receive a list of supplies you will need to care for your child’s feeding tube during your education session. You will also learn what you need for your child’s emergency kit. Your child should carry an emergency kit with them wherever they go. You may want to have extra emergency kits for your child to keep at school and for each of your child’s caregivers.
Paying for supplies and equipment
The Government of Ontario provides funding to families whose child receives a feeding tube through a program called the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).
The transitional care coordinator (TCC) and your child’s health-care team will submit all the necessary application forms for ADP funding before you are discharged from hospital. You will receive your first cheque when the application is approved, which usually takes two to three months. You will then receive cheques every three months to pay for feeding equipment and supplies. Until then, you will have to cover the costs of the pump and supplies. Keep all receipts for your equipment and supplies in case the Ministry of Health and/or the Ministry of Long-Term Care conduct an audit.
ADP will send you renewal forms every two years. With the help of your paediatrician or family doctor, you have to complete and mail these forms back to ADP to continue qualifying for funding. You will receive ADP funding for as long as your child has a G or GJ tube.
Paying for your child’s special formula
Children with feeding tubes often need special formulas to meet their nutritional needs. Families who qualify may receive an Ontario Drug Benefit card that will help cover the cost of some of these special formulas.
Some families receive benefits through the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) program.
If you do not qualify for ACSD, the Trillium Drug Plan in addition to your private insurance may help pay for nutritional products. The application forms for the Trillium Drug Plan are available at most pharmacies throughout Ontario.
A social worker can help you determine which of the mentioned programs you may qualify for and assist you in completing the application forms.
Paying for G or GJ tubes
You will have to pay for certain feeding tubes. You can put aside some of your ADP funding to pay for tubes and supplies. Some private insurance companies will cover supplies and equipment. Check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover part or all of the cost.
Where do I get the supplies and equipment my child will need for G/GJ tube feeds?
Formula and special food
All necessary equipment and supplies can be purchased at health-care supply stores. Talk to your child’s health-care team for more information.
Feeding pumps
You can purchase several types of new pumps at health-care supply stores. These pumps come with warranties and purchasable, optional accessories, such as poles and travel bags.
You can also purchase a used pump. Used pumps usually cost less than new ones; your ADP funding can cover their price. However, most of the time used pumps do not have a valid warranty.
You can also rent a feeding pump, and pay for it yourself. If you are interested in this option, contact your transitional care coordinator.
Future hospital visits
The emergency department, clinics and inpatient units do not carry all of the supplies needed to feed your child. If your child comes to the hospital, please bring all necessary feeding supplies with you.