We offer practical solutions that reduce caseload burdens, like a simple online referral forms, weekly wait time updates, short wait times, exceptional support and more. Our approach is tailored to meet the needs of care managers everywhere.
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At Empower Healthcare, we’re passionate about keeping our clients and our teams safe. Here’s everything you need to know about optimising manual handling in healthcare.
Manual handling encompasses any task where force is required to push, pull, lift, carry, lower, or restrain a person or object. In healthcare, this goes beyond simply assisting clients—it’s about ensuring their safety while protecting yourself.
Did you know manual handling injuries account for 58.9% of cases in healthcare, significantly higher than the 43.9% across all other industries (WorkSafe Victoria, 2007)?
The spine is the structural backbone of the body, offering a stable foundation and safeguarding the nervous system. Its three natural curves—cervical, thoracic, and lumbar—play a pivotal role in maintaining proper posture and reducing strain.
Posture Tips:
• Keep your spine’s natural curves aligned for power and efficiency.
• Engage your deep abdominal muscles to stabilise the spine—think of it as a protective ‘corset.’ Hold that belly button in and breathe steadily!
Poor posture can lead to long-term damage, resulting in sprains, chronic pain, or worse.
Let’s minimise risks together.
Healthcare workers are susceptible to a range of injuries, including:
• Muscle strains/sprains
• Nerve compressions
• Joint damage (hands, shoulders, knees)
• Hernias and vascular issues
Certain healthcare tasks—like lifting patients—cannot be fully avoided. This is where policies like the No Lift, No Injury Policy come in, aiming to:
• Minimise manual lifting of clients.
• Encourage the use of lifting aids like hoists and slides.
• Promote client independence wherever possible.
Here’s how to optimise safety during tasks:
Lifting
• Keep feet apart for stability.
• Bend knees, not your back.
• Keep loads close to your body.
Pushing
• Use your body weight for momentum.
• Maintain elbows close and a wide base of support.
Storage
• Store frequently used items at waist height.
• Avoid heavy items above or below shoulder level.
Teamwork
• Use clear communication (e.g., “Ready, set, go!”).
• Coordinate movements for efficiency.
Transfers are safer and smoother with attention to detail:
• Walking: Match your client’s pace and communicate clearly.
• Sit-to-Stand: Maintain good posture and provide balanced support.
• Slide Sheets: Use folding techniques and bed adjustments for bariatric clients.
• Seek better, more efficient approaches to tasks.
• Avoid twisting—rotate the whole body from the hips.
• Ensure proper equipment is available and know how to use it.
• Call for help if you’re unsure or fatigued.
At Empower Healthcare, our commitment to safety is unwavering. Together, we can reduce risks and foster independence for all. Empower Healthcare is here to train and support your team, ensuring safety and independence for all.
If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
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TOPICS INCLUDE:
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We are thrilled to welcome Genevieve to the Empower Healthcare team as DOTS Team Leader. With a robust background in Dietetics, Genevieve brings a wealth of experience across various healthcare settings, shaping her professional skills and patient care approach.
Genevieve’s career began in rural communities, where she gained a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced in these areas. She then transitioned to community health, helping individuals achieve their health goals.
Her time in the acute sector allowed her to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, providing specialised patient care. Throughout her career, Genevieve has also gained significant project management experience, working to implement and improve services in hospitals.
In addition to her clinical work, Genevieve has found great fulfillment in her role as a Dietetic lecturer. She enjoys teaching and mentoring future Dietitians while staying current with evidence-based practices. This varied experience gives her a holistic view of healthcare, enabling her to address individual needs with empathy and a commitment to enhancing lives through nutrition.
Over the past four years, Genevieve has worked at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance. There, she led the development and refinement of program management frameworks and guided teams in embedding best practices to deliver impactful outcomes across research and education programs.
I am motivated by helping clients achieve their goals and supporting colleagues by building trusting relationships with a shared vision for success
When she’s not working, you can find Genevieve walking her cheeky cavoodle puppy, playing backyard cricket with her seven-year-old son, or enjoying dinner out with friends and family. She particularly enjoys family holiday time.
The Empower Healthcare motto, “We Change Lives,” deeply resonates with Genevieve. She believes in creating an environment where talent is nurtured and inclusion is fostered. Through mentoring and support, Genevieve aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of colleagues and clients alike.
Welcome, Genevieve!
Speech Pathologists and Dietitians work together to help people with Dysphagia
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SOME OF OUR OTHER BLOGS
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When our feet are in good condition, they support our ability to move freely, engage in physical activities, and maintain an active lifestyle. Conversely, foot problems can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and even more serious health issues such as falls, infections, and complications from chronic conditions like diabetes.
By prioritising foot health through regular care, proper footwear, and regular Podiatry attention, we can prevent many of these issues and ensure that our feet continue to support us in leading healthy, active lives.
Common foot problems include:
These issues can significantly impact mobility and quality of life, making regular foot care and professional check-ups essential. In essence, healthy feet are not just about comfort—they are integral to our overall well-being
Why Foot Health Matters
Tips for Maintaining Foot Health
Foot health is a vital component of overall health, particularly for the elderly and disabled. By prioritising foot care, individuals can maintain their mobility, prevent complications, and improve their quality of life. Regular check-ups, proper footwear, and a daily foot care routine are simple yet effective ways to keep feet healthy and happy.
If you have any specific concerns or need advice on managing these conditions, feel free to you Empower Podiatrist.
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Dementia is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to cognitive decline and impacting daily living activities. One of the significant challenges faced by individuals with dementia is malnutrition.
This blog explores the causes, consequences, and strategies to manage malnutrition in those living with dementia.
Malnutrition can have severe consequences for individuals with dementia, including:
Malnutrition in individuals with dementia is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to manage effectively with the assistance from an Empower Dietitian. By understanding the causes and implementing targeted strategies, we can significantly improve the nutritional status and overall quality of life for those living with dementia. We use patience and empathy in supporting individuals through their journey with dementia.
If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
Speech Pathologists and Dietitians work together to help people with Dysphagia
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Graduated Compression Therapy (GCT) is a carefully designed approach for the prevention and management of venous return (the rate of blood flow back to the heart) and to reduce oedema (build-up of fluid in the body)
GCT enhances the healing rates of ulcers compared with no compression.
Our approach includes compression bandages, wraps and garments. We make sure to customise the type of compression system used to specific needs, as the choice of system influences the healing rate.
Medical compression is classified as:
Class I: 20-30 mmHg
Class II: 30-40 mmHg
Class III: 40-50 mmHg
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Gemma’s career journey has spanned 25 years across the disability sector, enriching her life with countless inspiring individuals and experiences along the way. Her work ranges from non-profit roles with Strive Community Services WA to managing Disability Residential Care Homes in the UK.
Guided by her dedication to crafting a more inclusive world, Gemma has been a champion for the disability and health sectors. Her philosophy? It takes a community to truly support individuals. She’s on a mission to deliver high-quality services here at Empower Healthcare.
I channel my skills and experience towards fostering inclusivity and collaboration – both in my team and within the wider community. My commitment lies in providing accessible and high-quality care. I aim to bring about positive change, transforming lives for the better, every single day.
Originally hailing from London, Gemma has made Perth her home for the past 14 years, embracing the city’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle. She’s a camping, kite surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding enthusiast, with two lively boys keeping her active.
Being a people-person at heart, Gemma derives immense satisfaction from helping others reach their goals, no matter how big or small. She’s a firm believer in the transformative power of community and support. Armed with her passion and dedication, she’s eager to connect with everyone at Empower Healthcare and the broader community on our shared journey.
Welcome aboard, Gemma.
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In community Physiotherapy, we encounter situations where clients face physical challenges, pain, and limitations. We understand these struggles can be tough — why must someone work hard to regain mobility?
Physiotherapy, like Sisyphus’ task, involves repetitive efforts. Yet, by finding purpose in these actions, clients can make meaningful progress.
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