http://www.terrynchoatdietitian.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.terrynchoatdietitian.co.nz en-us Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:59:23 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.terrynchoatdietitian.co.nz/blog/post/151105/more-than-supplements/ “Can’t we just give them a supplement?” I hear it a lot.🍲 In aged residential care, nutrition is about more than meeting requirements - it’s about dignity, joy, and connection.Too often, malnutrition is managed with supplements. While they can have a place, they are not the answer on their own.Supplements don’t replace the warmth of a shared meal, the comfort of favourite foods, or the sense of belonging that comes from eating together.When we rely on supplements, we risk medicalisi... Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:52:10 +1200 http://www.terrynchoatdietitian.co.nz/blog/#post151105 http://www.terrynchoatdietitian.co.nz/blog/post/150952/vcare-podcast/ This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Brittany from VCare International Limited to join in the podcast to explore the impact of nutrition in residential care 🎧🍲 Nutrition in aged care is about more than meals — it’s about dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life.In our latest episode of the VCare Podcast, we sit down with Registered Dietitian Terryn Choat to explore the real impact of nutrition in residential care.Terryn shares:✅ Why BMI alone doesn’t tell the whole story... Fri, 22 Aug 2025 11:32:19 +1200 http://www.terrynchoatdietitian.co.nz/blog/#post150952 http://www.terrynchoatdietitian.co.nz/blog/post/150820/the-hidden-cost-of-malnutrition-in-aged-care/ 🍽 In aged care, every meal counts.Malnutrition is common — and costly:💰 $9B/year in Australian aged care (2024)🇳🇿 50% of NZ residents malnourished or at risk🇦🇺 40% of Australian residents malnourishedIt’s not always obvious. Watch for:⚠️ Unexplained weight loss⚠️ Muscle wasting or weakness⚠️ Loss of appetite⚠️ Fatigue, pale skin, hair loss⚠️ Poor wound healing or confusionMalnutrition leads to:❌ More falls & infections❌ Increased hospital admissi... Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:32:48 +1200 http://www.terrynchoatdietitian.co.nz/blog/#post150820 http://www.terrynchoatdietitian.co.nz/blog/post/150326/nutrition-matters/ Why I Do What I DoI started in aged care over 10 years ago and never left.Because older people deserve more than checklists and supplements. They deserve dignity, care, and the chance to flourish through good food and meaningful support.In my work, I see every day how the right nutrition can turn things around: improved energy, faster recovery, better mood, greater independence.Dietitians in aged care aren’t just here to prescribe supplements or tick the 2-yearly menu review box — we’re he... Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.terrynchoatdietitian.co.nz/blog/#post150326