Nutritional devices and hyperalimentation in the elderly

The feeding devices and delivery systems are only two aspects of the total picture of ideal nutritional support. One needs to (a) perform a complete nutritional assessment to determine the patient's needs (Blackburn et al. 1977); (b) choose appropriately among the currently available formulas for enteral (Bistrian and Wade 1981) and parenteral use; (c) select the necessary feeding device and delivery system; and (d) administer the solution and monitor the patient's progress. There are many options in meeting the nutritional needs of the elderly patient. One needs to consider the patient's ability to ingest, digest, absorb, and metabolize the various foodstuffs. If the gut is functional, it should be used (Bothe et al. 1981). If it is not, the intravenous route is indicated. In light of the vast advances in technology in this area, there exists no excuse to allow our elderly patients to go undernourished.