10/10/2025
It's been a while since I've been able to share some wisdom, inspo, and nutritional advice here... And if I'm totally honest - it's been a rough ride for me lately.
Ever felt like sometimes your life just gets hijacked?
Completely taken over by a flurry of events that have you running about like a headless chook, organising everyone else, and leaving little time for yourself?
That's been me the last few weeks.
Although not totally relevant to nutritional medicine, I reckon the 'fall out' of the recent chaos I've had is likely relatable and speaks to the lifestyle side of things - and let's face it, lifestyle has a major impact on food choices and overall health outcomes.
Aged care.
If you've had to deal with the process of getting a loved one into aged care, you will probably understand the ordeal I've endured. My 91 year grandfather, my Opa, is ready to move into a facility to receive the extra care he needs as moves out of his independent living arrangement. At the same time this decision was made, his bladder cancer returned, and surgery was scheduled just like last time.
We engaged an agent to assist with the process, and organised the assessment to get the paperwork in order for application to suitable facilities. Long story short, there was a lot of miscommunication which resulted in the assumption he was looking for short term, palliative care (and the cost or location didn't matter), there was misunderstanding of the financial side of things resulting in a lot of stress and panic about the prospect of finding somewhere affordable, and there was a huge mistake made with the assessment which determined the need for an excessive level of care which would have restricted my grandfather's freedom and quality of life. (To give you an idea, he currently sits on YouTube most of the day, searching up all and sundry - from wood working to magnet fishing! And he has taken the bus and train to get himself to hospital appointments if family aren't available to help - he's 91 and an absolute rockstar!)
With the disastrous debacle exponentially worsening day by day, I swooped on in and diligently got myself up to speed with all things Aged Care and resolved each issue one by one, including having the assessment revised (something that is apparently unheard of!?)
But this kind of exercise doesn't happen overnight. It was long and drawn out. Dealing with government departments, agents, assessors, and I even enlisted the help of my local member of parliament (who was fabulous but the way!)
This was an all consuming project.
All while also running a thriving clinic and supporting my lovely clients.
You know what suffered though?
Me!
Meals were skipped.
Takeaway had a much bigger presence in my week.
Sleep was affected.
Stress levels sky-rocketed and I struggled to unwind.
My mood dropped.
My potty mouth expanded 🫢
But do you know what?
We must acknowledge that sometimes, life happens (usually that's a different word).
And we will have to run in survival mode to get through when the proverbial hits the fan. And that's ok... for a short time.
It's when it persists, and there's no respite, and you are stuck in a rut - that's when we gotta pull back and reassess. That's when you gotta recalibrate. That's when you gotta nurture yourself.
It's really important to share the 'real' and not just the ideal.
I hope the snapshot of my recent struggles helps you feel normal.
And I hope it shows you that when you choose to partner with me to navigate your health, I take into consideration what changes will be reasonable and sustainable in your unique situation.
Reach out.
I'd love to support you.
www.NFnutritionalmedicine.com.au
