Dietitians help Albertans improve their health through nutrition

Jeanelle Richard works with allied health professionals to support rural Albertans

Story by Karolina Sekulic & Katie McLaughlin

Jeanelle Richard’s connection to food started long before she became a dietitian. As the youngest of five daughters, she prepared meals for her family while they were working in the fields of their family farm.

“My parents emphasized eating together, and I always saw food as both nourishment and connection,” says Richard, a dietitian with Alberta Health Services.

When she was in high school, a career counsellor suggested Richard combine her love of science with food, leading her to pursue a career in dietetics. She always knew she wanted to return to rural Alberta to practice.

For the past 10 years, Jeanelle has been helping Albertans improve their health through nutrition in the St. Paul region. Her role spans a wide range of practice areas including acute care, long-term care, home care, outpatient services and home nutrition support. She supports patients of all ages and stages of their lives at the St. Therese-St. Paul Healthcare Centre and Elk Point Healthcare Centre.

“I love the diversity of my role and being able to help people, with small changes, that can be manageable, enjoyable and improve their quality of life,” says Richard.

Many of the challenges her patients face require support from the entire healthcare team. Richard values the collaborative nature of allied health and sees first-hand how working together benefits patients and families.

“For a senior admitted to hospital with malnutrition who is not able to cope at home, it takes a whole team to help them achieve their goals,” she adds.

“I may help with food and hydration tips, the physiotherapist helps with their physical conditioning, an occupational therapist helps with adaptive equipment, and respiratory therapists assess oxygen needs. We all work together to help people remain independent and live safely in their home.”

Richard adds that she values every member of the team. “Healthcare is so much more than treating a diagnosis. It’s about helping people live well and supporting what matters most to them.”

When asked about living and working in a rural community, Richard’s answer was simple.

“Why not? It’s peaceful, it’s calm and there’s so much variety. I love being able to make a difference close to home.”

Allied Health Week runs Nov. 1 to 7.