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Tube Optimization Program

We at Capernaum are excited to provide you with an update on our Tube Optimization Program. The program has been up and running now for the past seven months, and we have had the pleasure of serving a total of seven amazing families who have participated in the program!

Each eligible child who participates in Capernaum’s Tube Optimization Program is provided with an individualized weaning plan to best meet their nutrition needs in the transition from tube to oral feeding. Out of the seven patients we have served here at Capernaum, the average pace of weaning has been a 10% decrease in tube feeds every 1-7 days. We have seen great success weaning from formula and/or fluids with complete tube weaning completed in an average of 1-3 months.

When it comes to weaning a child from their feeding tube, many parents and providers are concerned with the risk of weight loss that potentially could occur during the weaning phase. For many months or even years, families with children on a feeding tube work very hard to ensure their child is getting the exact number of milliliters per day to get the exact number of calories to meet their nutrition goals. Our program encourages a shift in mindset for families, as they go from counting milliliters and calories to letting their child’s natural eating instinct take charge. It can be scary for many; however, based on our participants, the average weight loss from the start of the weaning phase to the completion of the program has been a -0.46-pound weight loss (an average of 4% weight loss from the child’s baseline). We have had two kiddos actually gain weight with their wean!

It has been an incredible journey to see the transformation of each child as we decrease their tube feeds. We have had the wonderful privilege to witness the children’s love for food and eating come alive as they develop increases in hunger and thirst cues and experience joy with meal and snack times!

The Tube Optimization Program is accepting new patients at this time. Interested families may contact the main office for more information and details at (952) 285-2840.

Meeting MN State Mandates

Capernaum is doing our part to help meet MN State legislation mandates to deliver higher quality and lower cost health care through innovative approaches to care and payment. As part of the Minnesota model, the MN Dept. of Health (MDH) and Dept. of Human Services (DHS) hope to form more Integrated Health Partnerships.
 
Our goal is to provide quality patient care for our children and their families. We are helping by partnering with local health care delivery systems to facilitate improved coordination of care, communication, and collaboration with your child’s providers. One part of this strategy is remote access to EHR. We have established business agreements with Fairview Health Systems, University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, Hennepin Health, and Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.
 
Capernaum seeks to engage with community partners as an integral part of a holistic approach to your child’s care and do our best to collaborate with all. We provide therapy services at many community sites: schools, center-based and in-home daycares, therapeutic preschools, and Head Start. We truly do serve children where they live, learn, and play! 

Equipment Assistance

Capernaum has identified a need in the community for assistance with upgrading/ordering medical equipment.

Ordering equipment, such as standers, wheelchairs, or walkers, requires a letter of medical necessity, often written by a physical therapist. If a child is not presently seeing a physical therapist, it is difficult to get the letter written. Capernaum’s physical therapist, Joni Vanselow, PT, has a passion to assist children and their families in procuring the right equipment in an expedient and professional manner. A process has been developed to help children and families obtain needed equipment.

If you are in need of such assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the front office at 952-285-2840, and let them know you want to participate in our Equipment Assistance program.

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