Individual consultations

Good nutrition plays an influential role in maintaining independence, strength, and quality of life as we age. At Hearty Nutrition, our individual consultations are designed specifically for older adults, with a practical, respectful, and person-centred approach.

Whether you are managing a medical condition, navigating changes in appetite or weight, or want to feel more confident about what and how you eat, nutrition support can make day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable.

We can help

Ageing often brings subtle changes that can quietly affect nutrition. Appetite may be lower, energy levels may dip, meals can feel like more effort, and long-standing health conditions may start to influence food choices. These changes are common, but you don't need to navigate them alone.

We can help you make sense of what your body needs now, and how to meet those needs in a way that feels manageable and familiar. This may include supporting strength and muscle maintenance, improving energy levels, managing symptoms, or adapting meals to suit changing tastes, abilities, or routines. The aim is always to support nourishment, confidence, and enjoyment of food, without overcomplicating things.

Areas we commonly support

Nutrition consultations may be helpful if you are experiencing:

• ​Unintentional weight loss or reduced appetite
• Frailty or loss of muscle strength
• Diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, reflux, or poor digestion
• Changes in taste, smell, or enjoyment of food
• Fatigue, low energy, or reduced immunity
• Recovery after illness, surgery, or hospital admission

Support can also be preventative, helping you stay well, nourished, and independent for longer.

A practical and compassionate approach

At Hearty Nutrition, we understand that food is more than nutrients. It is comfort, routine, connection, and pleasure. Our approach respects long-held food habits while gently adapting them to meet changing nutritional needs.

Advice is always:

• Evidence-based and up to date
• Tailored to your individual health and lifestyle
• Flexible and realistic
• Focused on maintaining the enjoyment of food

If family members or carers are involved in shopping, cooking, or support, they are welcome to be included in consultations.

What to expect from a consultation

An individual consultation is a dedicated, one-on-one session with an Accredited Practising Dietitian who takes the time to understand you as a whole person, not just a list of conditions or medications.

During your appointment, we will:

• Discuss your health history, current concerns, and any diagnoses
• Review medications and how they may interact with appetite or nutrition needs
• Explore your usual eating patterns, preferences, and cultural or family food traditions
• Consider practical factors such as chewing or swallowing difficulties, mobility, cooking ability, and access to food
• Identify nutrition strategies that support strength, energy, gut health, and overall wellbeing

There are no rigid meal plans or unnecessary restrictions. The focus is on realistic changes that fit comfortably into your life.

Ongoing support

Some people benefit from a single consultation, while others prefer ongoing support. Follow-up appointments can help to:

• Review progress and adjust recommendations
• Provide reassurance and clarity as health needs change
• Support confidence around eating and food choices over time

Care is always guided by your goals and preferences.

Referrals and funding

Nutrition consultations are available with or without a referral. In some cases, sessions may be eligible for Medicare, private health, or aged care funding, depending on individual circumstances. If you are unsure what support you are eligible for, we are happy to guide you through the options.

If you would like to learn more about individual nutrition consultations or discuss whether this service is right for you or a loved one, Hearty Nutrition is here to help.

Book an appointment