During my teenage years, I developed a strong interest in cooking and was involved in competitive sport, particularly representative cricket. After school I then joined the military. This further sparked a curiosity about how food influences the way our bodies perform and function. That curiosity led me to study nutrition at university. After completing my final placement in Cambodia, I knew I wanted to become a dietitian - seeing the powerful impact of small behaviour changes was incredibly inspiring. Since then, hearing people's rich life stories and helping them understand how their food and nutrition can support them to live and feel their best has been what drives my work and passion for supporting people.
Eating and drinking enough is an extremely important aspect of maintaining our bodily functions and wellbeing. Nutrition plays a role in maintaining strength, cognition, preventing and managing disease as well as key functions like maintaining our immunity, skin integrity, bone health, mood and well as reducing the risk of falls. As a dietitian, we support people to understand how to fuel for the life they want to live. We work alongside people to find easy and obvious strategies that align with their preferences and feel achievable.
Ageing well isn’t just about avoiding illness - it’s about feeling your best, staying active, thinking clearly, and staying connected to others. Looking after your body through food, movement, sleep and connection can all make a difference.
Eating well and keeping hydrated helps you stay strong, supports your immune system, and heal better if you get sick or injured. As we get older, especially if we’re living with a health condition, our bodies often need just as much (often more!) energy and protein, even if our appetite goes down.
Every person's needs and goals are unique, therefore getting individualised support is best, but here are some simple things to try:
Eat regularly, even if it's small amounts. If you’re not feeling hungry or are losing weight without trying, it can be helpful to keep consistent mealtimes, and choose foods that are high in energy and protein can help you get the nutrients your body needs.
Keep moving, as much as you’re able to safely - with support and advice from your doctor and healthcare team.
Share meals when you can – eating with others or enjoying a cup of tea together can lift your mood and maintain social connections.
Convenience counts too – frozen or delivered meals can make life easier, and there are plenty of healthy options available.
A dietitian can help you find individualised foods, habits, and supplements that suit your health and lifestyle. Food and Nutrition isn’t the only piece of the puzzle - but it’s an important one. You don’t have to get it perfect, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Many people wait until things get harder before reaching out - but getting help early can make a big difference, especially when your health or appetite starts to change.
Even small changes in how you eat/drink can affect your strength, energy, and wellbeing. Over time, this might lead to things like feeling weaker, slower healing, or spending more time in hospital. A dietitian can help you notice these changes early and find simple ways to stay strong, well-nourished, and independent at home.
It’s important to seek dietitian support if you notice any of the following:
Eating less than usual, skipping meals, or not feeling hungry
Finding food less enjoyable - things taste or smell different to what you expect
Feeling sick, vomiting, or having trouble keeping food down
Losing weight without trying, or feeling more tired or weak
Finding it harder to shop, cook, or prepare meals
Having wounds, skin tears, or slow healing
Recovering from a fall or feeling unsteady
Living with a health condition like diabetes, cancer, or kidney problems
Living with memory changes or dementia
Having bowel issues like constipation, diarrhoea, or incontinence
These are just some examples - everyone’s health needs are different. A dietitian will work with you to find what suits you best.
When we eat less or avoid meals, our bodies may not get the fuel they need. This can lead to weight loss, tiredness, getting sick more often, or feeling unsteady on your feet. A dietitian can offer practical, personalised advice to help you stay strong, well-fed, and supported - while still enjoying the foods and routines you’re used to.
Who is eligible to access your services, and how can they do this?All clients receiving home care packages are eligible to access our services. Speak to your Care Partner or Clinical Partner about getting a referral. |