Welcome strategically minded Dennis Lo –
Dietetic, Occupational Therapy & Speech Pathology Manager
With a proven track record of driving operational excellence and clinical governance, Dennis has a passion for building high-performing teams with a focus on gaining positive outcomes within the rehabilitation, and disability sectors.
As a Speech Pathologist and Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management, Dennis has extensive experience in clinical leadership and assistive technology from NSW Health, Independent Living Centre Tasmania and LifeTec Australia.
Experienced Speech Pathologist and Manager Dennis’s desire to empower individuals to reach their communication potential is the ideal fit for our Dietetic, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology teams and the people they care for.
Witnessing the profound impact communication has on a person’s life motivates me to build teams that can collaboratively create client centred strategies and deliver exceptional client outcomes
Supported by Dennis his team will feel valued and empowered. They will be equipped to contribute their unique skills and experience with collaboration being central to achieving exceptional care and making meaningful differences in the lives of the people they care for.
Outside of work you will find him engrossed in strategic board games, always on the lookout for the next challenge and to find innovative solutions that make a real difference – which is perfectly aligned with his work ethic.
Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
A staggering 20% of food that Australians buy goes into the bin unused or expired. By being mindful of shopping habits and making small changes, you can enjoy both the benefits of saving money and eating healthily while also doing your part to reduce food waste.
Here are a few quick tips;
Planning your meals for the week can help you make a grocery list that ensures you only buy what you need, reducing the risk of impulse purchases.
Look for sales and discounts on items you regularly use and consider buying in bulk for items with a longer shelf life.
Opting for seasonal fruits and vegetables can not only save you money but also provide you with fresh and flavourful ingredients for your meals.
Be Prepared
By checking what you already have at home and aligning your meals with what’s on sale, you can not only save money but also make sure you’re eating balanced and nutritious meals. Once you have your plan and shopping list ready, you’ll find that grocery shopping becomes more efficient and cost-effective.
Reviewing supermarket catalogues can provide an insight into items that are on special, providing additional savings. Plus, having a meal plan in place can help you stay organised throughout the week and reduce food waste.
Take the time to plan, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of healthier choices and a happier wallet.
Timing the Shopping Adventure
Timing can play in your favour, as supermarkets often mark down prices later in the day. Items like bakery goods, fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy typically go on sale in the evenings. Opting for canned or frozen foods can also help reduce food waste.
Purchase fruits and vegetables unpackaged, rather than pre-packaged, to help cut down on food waste (you only buy what you need) and be more eco-friendly. Buying in bulk during sales can save money, but ensure you have a storage plan in place to prevent spoilage, as it won’t be a deal if it goes to waste.
When buying meat, consider purchasing larger cuts and dividing them into smaller portions for future meals. This not only saves money but also reduces the risk of food spoilage. Additionally, try to plan your meals ahead of time to make sure you use up all the ingredients you purchase.
Leftovers can be transformed into delicious new dishes to prevent them from being thrown away. By being mindful of your purchasing habits and making smart choices, you can not only save money but also contribute to reducing food waste and being more environmentally conscious.
Prepare Locally and Expand Shelf Lives
By being mindful of your food choices and storage methods, you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Explore local farmer’s markets can provide you with fresh, seasonal produce at affordable prices.
Get creative in the kitchen by trying out new recipes that incorporate leftovers or make use of ingredients that are on sale.
To preserve your fresh produce, keep it away from direct sunlight and separate ripe fruits from less ripe ones to avoid hastening the ripening process.
When storing vegetables and fruits in plastic bags or containers, include two sheets of paper towel to absorb excess moisture and prevent spoilage.
Some fruits and vegetables naturally have a longer shelf life and are wise choices for your weekly shopping list, such as cabbage, celery, carrots, onions, fresh beetroot, potatoes, and pumpkin.
Meat advice
Meat can be a pricey item in your shopping list. Supporting local butchers for your meat needs is not only a great way to connect with your community but also a sustainable choice that can help reduce waste and cut down on costs.
Buying in smaller quantities can help minimize waste and ensure that you are only purchasing what you need. Understanding the recommended serving sizes for cooking can be beneficial, as we tend to overindulge in meat. Aiming for around 100g of uncooked meat or chicken by weight is ideal.
To stretch meat dishes, consider adding budget-friendly ingredients like tinned lentils and beans, which complement dishes such as tacos, bolognaise, meatloaf, and burger patties.
If you need some help with menu planning or if you have some specific dietary or health requirements our Empower Dietitians offer practical solutions for improving nutrition and wellbeing on any budget.
Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
Passionate Speech Pathologist enjoys new challenges and assisting clients in the community.
Sharon joined Empower Healthcare to focus on working with adults and guiding students on placement, aligning with her career aspirations.
Her daily work is driven by the belief that communication is a fundamental human right, enabling interaction, self-expression, and identity.
The gratitude and positive feedback she receives from clients inspire and affirm the significant impact she is making on people’s lives.
Sharon works with Home Care and NDIS clients in Victoria’s North and West. Her scope of practice includes working with adults with neurological conditions and swallowing and communication disorders. Sharon empowers clients to improve their communication skills to help them actively engage in society to form meaningful connections.
Outside of work she prioritises physical and mental well-being by dedicating time to strength training and relaxing in an infrared sauna post-workout. Meditation is also essential to her to help find tranquility and mental clarity amidst a busy schedule. She is always eager to explore new ways to enhance overall well-being for both herself and the people she cares for.
Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
In the world of healthcare, the power of massage therapy goes far beyond relaxation for older clients.
At our core, we believe in the transformative impact of massage on quality of life, promoting independence and providing care tailored to each individual.
In 2022, over 4 million Australians were living with chronic pain and the prevalence increases as we age, 80% are aged care residents. With an ever rapidly growing aged population, this number is increasing at a rapid rate each year.
Chronic pain is any pain that persists for more than 3 months.
The four most common sources of chronic pain include:
Lower back – can be debilitating and restrict activity
Cancer Pain – a common issue for individuals with advanced cancer.
Arthritis Pain – often manifests as joint stiffness or swelling.
Headaches – including migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches, are among the most prevalent chronic headaches.
The sensation of pain is the result of a series of messages that swiftly travel through the nervous system. Pain sensors activate in a specific area when experiencing an injury. These sensors transmit an electrical signal that progresses from one nerve to another until it reaches your brain. Your brain interprets the signal and sends a message to you, yelling, IT HURTS!
Our mission is to enhance the well-being of each person regardless of health status. By focusing on individualized care and empowering our clients to take control of their health and happiness, we aim to create a space where everyone feels valued and supported on their journey towards better quality of life. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care.
How does massage help sufferers of chronic pain?
Massage therapy for chronic pain decreases pain, tension, stress, enhances relaxation and improves range of motion.
Massage therapy is a non-invasive method used to manage chronic pain. While it’s not a cure for chronic diseases, when combined with physical activity and a treatment plan, massage can effectively reduce pain, alleviate stress, and positively impact the lives of individuals dealing with chronic pain over extended periods.
During a massage session, the temperature of muscles rises as blood circulation increases. This rise in muscle temperature enhances the flexibility and elasticity of tissues, allowing muscles to relax and stretch.
Experiencing the holistic benefits of massage therapy and discover the positive impact it can have on your overall well-being. Embrace the power of personalized care, independence, and quality of life as we work together to help you achieve your health goals. Your journey to wellness starts here.
Get in touch if you think you or the person you care for would benefit from massage
Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
Meet Kara: A Dedicated Dietetic Professional and Advocate
Kara is professional and passionate about nutrition; she is an active advocate for the dietetic profession and enjoys supporting Dietitians to realise their full potential to thrive in their careers.
She has gained a range valuable experience working with the elderly in residential aged care, rehabilitation settings, and in-home care in various settings working with Peninsula Health, Monash Health and Alfred Health
Kara recognises the importance of meeting people at their most vulnerable times and provides person-centred and individualized care that can improve their quality of life.
I am also passionate about supporting Dietitians to achieve their full potential and thrive in their careers. Sharing my passion for food with clients, their families, and caregivers is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
When Kara is not working, she enjoys traveling with her family and discovering new places and foods with their favourite destination being Vietnam.
Kara will be the Dietetic Team Lead and will be seeing clients in South East Victoria. Welcome Kara.
Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
Falls don’t ‘just happen’ and become more common and consequential as we age.
Falls are Australia’s number one cause of injury hospitalisation and injury related death representing 43% of injury hospitalisation and 42% of injury deaths1.
In Australia, 30% of adults aged 65 and over will experience at least one fall a year. This age group were more likely to be hospitalised or die from a fall compared with other life-stages. This data is informed by our older Australians that present to hospital with an injurious fall.
Unfortunately, the other ‘falls, slips and trips’ that happen at home are not always reported due to
Fear of reporting
Fear of losing independence
Fear of institutional care
Lack of confidence
Most hospitalised falls occur in the home and it’s up to the individual – their family and supports to assist. The good news is fall CAN be PREVENTED.
Empower Multidisciplinary Team can help with
Improving confidence
Participation in balance and mobility exercises
Falls prevention assessment and interventions
Gait, balance and functional training
Strength and Balance Exercise
Multifactorial interventions
Home safety assessment & modifications
Foot health
Medication reviews
Continence
Dizziness and vertigo
Physiotherapists help with – Keeping Active, Strong and Independent2
Aerobic Physical Activity
Muscle Strengthening
Functional balance and strength training
Replacing sedentary time with more physical activity
OTs help with – Living safely and independently at home and in the community
Comprehensive clinical assessment
Hazard assessment
Hazard removal
Adaptive equipment
Task modification
Education
Shared decision making
Awareness raising
How we can help?
The FROP (Falls Risk for Older People) is a useful resource flow chart to guide what we can do to prevent falls.
Get in touch if you think you or the person you care for would benefit from a Falls assessment or assistance.
World Health Organisation WHO: Guidelines on Physical Activity and sedentary behaviour (2020). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
Natasha has been a practising Massage and Myotherapist for the past 12 years. She has worked with a lifespan of clients helping them improve their health, to live their best life. Natasha has a passion for leading dynamic teams to achieve optimal outcomes for clients and their families and is looking forward to leading the Victorian Massage Therapy team to achieve great things.
Natasha has spent numerous years working with Commonwealth and Olympic athletes on injury prevention, treatments, and rehabilitation programs. Travelling both within Australia and overseas leading teams of clinical staff in various settings has given her great insight into the importance and many aspects of Olympic level teamwork.
One of the most rewarding roles she has had to date was symptom managing palliative and aged care clients with terminal illnesses. Natasha led a team of 16 clinicians across four disciplines in Massage, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, MND Family support work. The interdisciplinary nature and collegiality of the work was both motivating and made going to work each day a joy for her.
Treating clients specifically for symptom management brings rewards to not only the client, but their loved ones who are so grateful for the care. I am passionate about leading and working with a team to create great outcomes for clients and their families and friends.
Natasha enjoys a work life balance, continuing to upgrade her industry knowledge, keeping fit at the gym, following live music events and spending time with her two Cavoodles, Chai and Murphy.
Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in the general Australian population, with 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 living with this condition.
Empower clinicians have the privilege of working with people with Dementia to support them and their families to live their best lives.
Educating the families and communities about the needs of people living with dementia allows a more dementia-friendly conscious society.
Communities that take action to become dementia-friendly have:
Less fear and a greater understanding of dementia
Less stigma and discrimination
More support and better systems for people living with dementia to live well in their community for longer
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of conditions which effect the brain and its functions. It can affect individuals cognitively, physically and socially.
The four most common types of Dementia people are diagnosed with are:
Alzheimer’s disease (60-80%)
Vascular dementia (5-10%)
Lewy body disease (5-10%)
Frontal temporal dementia (5-10%)
Early warning signs
Memory loss that effects day to day function
Increasing confusion
Reduced concentration
Personality or behaviour changes
Apathy, withdrawal or depression
Cognitive decline
Physical changes
Loss of ability to do everyday tasks
Not only does Dementia have cognitive effects, it also effects people physically and socially and in all aspects of life. This is why it is so important to ensure Dementia is managed by a comprehensive multidisciplinary team. Empower provides quality interdisciplinary collaboration and understanding about when a referral to another service is needed.
As well as the above it is important the client is seen regularly by a competent medical team often made up of a geriatrician, neurologist and various other psychiatric practitioners
Get in touch if you think you or the person you care for would benefit from a Dementia assessment or assistance. And click the below image to watch our Dementia Webinar Recording.
Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
Our bodies weren’t designed to live forever and death, whilst sad is inevitable for everyone. Empower clinicians are in a privileged role where they know their clients well, and can recognise changes as they near end of life.
Signs of deterioration in a client’s condition or behaviour can be a signal to start the conversation about end of life and dying. Our clinicians are trained to look for changes different to the persons norm. These conversations can be difficult and companies like PEPA help normalise the topic and remove the fear from emotionally difficult conversations.
PEPA is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and provides palliative care education and training. Our RAC clinicians attend the program to learn how to provide high quality and effective care to people in the final phase of life.
Listen to some outtakes from the program.
The WHO (2017) define palliative care as
“.. an approach that improves the quality of life of individuals and their families facing the problems associated with life-limiting illnesses, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and the treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychological and spiritual”.
The difference between palliative care and end of life care is;
Palliative is a holistic medical treatment regime over time. It ensures the best quality of life for anyone with a life limiting illness.
End of life – is terminal care.
There are different decline trajectories in palliative care and having an Advance Care Plan in place for all scenarios makes discussions easier during such an emotive time. The conversations include how and where the person wants to be treated and planning for anticipatory medications. These conversations set everyone on the same agreed path – the clients, the family, and the carers whilst taking cultural requirements into consideration.
Not everyone needs specialist Palliative care, our clinicians are trained to recognise and understand the stages. Each State and Territory have their own palliative care peak body team and our team can help with those contacts.
Our Empower Values closely align the values in palliative care, and they are part of everything our team do every day to improve the comfort care of our clients through all stages of life and death.
