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Category Archives: Announcements
04
Aug
Aug
Palliative care is more than just end of life.
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.
For more information and advice speak to one of our Empower clinicians or call PCAS directly: Home Page – Palliative Care Advice Service (pcas.org.au)
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30
Jun
Jun
Nursing in Geelong and surrounding suburbs
On the the success of our Melbourne Nursing services growth we are pleased to say that our exceptional Nursing care is now being offered in Geelong and surrounding suburbs.
Have peace of mind knowing we have carefully selected our Nursing team to ensure that our standards will continue for you and the people you care for.
Our Nursing appointments are minimum 30 mins (where appropriate) which differ from others in the area.
To ensure we have all the information needed, every new client will have an initial assessment.
Our broad range of nursing services include;
- Wound care
- Medication management
- Diabetic management
- Wellbeing checks
- Catheter care
- AND more
Nursing Templates
Templates to guide you on the information needed to administer the correct care.
STEPS
Download the template > complete the details > forward to your doctor for further completion > attach completed authority to the Empower Referral
Our highly qualified and friendly Nursing team are looking forward to meeting the Geelong community.
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Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
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30
May
May
Connecting people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to the services they need
There are effective and proven ways to manage the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, alongside pharmacological advances in the clinical management of the disease. Allied Health clinicians and nurses play an important role in helping people living with MS achieve their goals and live the best life possible at all stages of their journey.
Improving nutrition
- Eating a balanced and nutrient filled diet can reduce disability and depression in people with MS.
- Improving fibre intake can help to manage constipation, which is a common symptom of MS.
- Including herbs and spices in recipes is a way of increasing the tastiness of food, which can be reduced.
- Eating the right foods, prepared in the correct ways is an effective way to reduce fatigue.
- Maintaining high quality nutrient intake when managing swallowing difficulties is an important aspect of eating in more advanced stages of MS.
Who can help?
Dietitians for all diet, nutrient and food related programs
Speech Pathologists for swallowing difficulties
Nurses for general medical and health assessments and management.
Keeping fit and active
- Moving and exercise is a mainstay of MS management.
- Early, individualised exercise therapy improves mobility and balance.
- In the later stages of MS, exercise can reduce muscle spasticity and conserve function.
- Understanding how best and how much to exercise is vital for fatigue management.
Who can help?
Physiotherapists work with people at all stages to create exercise programs that address the unique needs of their clients.
Allied Health assistants support with safe and effective exercise.
Osteopaths work to help clients move their bodies and reduce pain.
Podiatrists prescribe and fit shoes to improve ankle and foot stability.
Maintaining Independence
- Work and self-care can become difficult over time but people with MS can use technology and techniques to maintain independence for as long as possible.
- From modified cutlery to electric wheelchairs, the right equipment can be a pathway to continued participation.
- Home modifications and adaptions are key to ensuring safe mobility and access for people with MS.
- Assistive devices can make life easier and safer for clients and their care givers.
Who can Help?
Occupational therapists for all home modifications and assistive technology
Physiotherapists for mobility equipment
Managing medications and continence
- There is ongoing research into therapeutic and pharmacological management of Multiple Sclerosis, with significant advances being made as researchers learn more about the disease.
- Medical management includes a regime of medications, taken regularly with side-effects well monitored.
- Incontinence is a symptom of MS that most people face and can be well managed at home independently or with help if needed.
Who can help?
Nurses can help with medication management alongside the management of any other health concerns.
Nurses can also provide continence care and catheter care for people who need it.
By connecting to the healthcare professionals that best suit their needs, people with MS can maintain the best quality of life possible. Empower multidisciplinary teams work together to link clients to the clinicians they need. Click here for more information on World MS Day.
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24
May
May
As the cold and wet months set in, follow these top tips for keeping active this winter.
Staying active in winter requires a bit more planning but it is vital to avoid losing all the fitness and conditioning you may have gained during the warmer months.
Why is exercising in winter so important?
Consistent activity, especially in the fresh air and sunshine, is a powerful immune boosting way to stave off winter bugs. Keeping our cardiovascular system functioning at its best means we are more able to fight off illness and recover from injuries that are a normal part of life. Lastly, exercising keeps you warmer than a blanket by raising your basal metabolic rate, warming you up from the inside and lasting long after you have stopped moving.
Tips for Enjoyable Winter Workouts
- Adapt, don’t stop
Perhaps your warm weather, early morning walk with a friend seems impossible when mornings are dark and wet or the idea of a water aerobics class or swim is less appealing when the wind is blowing. Winter may present a great opportunity to shake things up by trying a new exercise class or a different routine. Most important is that you schedule time to prioritise your health and try to have a backup plan if you need to exchange an outdoor walk for an indoor option.
- “No such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes” Billy Connolly
Winter is the perfect time to invest in a good pair of shoes with non-slip grip and the right amount of foot and ankle support. Depending on the latitude, a good quality jacket can make even the coldest days, outside days. Whatever the climate, don’t let the weather hold you hostage. Dressing for the weather makes exercising more enjoyable all year round.
- Variety is the spice to keep you warm
Have a variety of options, if you prefer to stay indoors on colder days, having a few exercise programs that can be done indoors will help to keep you motivated. Having inside and outdoor options will make exercising possible no matter the weather.
- Don’t waste a sunny day
When the sun shines, try to get outside. Activity in the sunshine is linked to improved vitamin D levels and helps to reduce low mood linked to the winter months.
- Warm ups and cool downs
It’s never more important to take your time warming up before and cooling down after exercise than it is when it is cold. Be gentle with your body and take the time to adjust to activity and rest, as quick transitions increase the likelihood of injury.
- Honourable mention: Some people prefer exercising in winter
For those of us who dislike the warm or have certain heat sensitive health conditions, winter may be the best time to reach those health and fitness goals. Remember that exercise is powerful but slow medicine and increase your activity levels slowly, by about 10% per week. Listen to your body, giving rest and recovery when you feel sore or fatigued.
- Lastly, be kind to yourself
Some days just don’t work out- be it a matter of the weather, a winter virus or a complete lack of motivation. That’s OK! As long as it doesn’t become a habit, its totally fine to take a break, have a rest or shake things up.
If you or someone you care for is struggling to get moving due to injury, a health condition, age or lifestyle circumstances a physiotherapy assessment may be the doorway to a healthier, stronger life. Physios can design programs and recommend exercises that take the uniqueness of the individual into account, setting realistic and rewarding goals that matter, at any time of the year.
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Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
10
May
May
Our Empower Nurses spend their days visiting clients in their homes and delivering gold standard care and services.
Join Registered Nurse Briony for her day in the community.
7.30am:
I have a full schedule today, so I open my iPad and read through my clients notes, referrals and other documentation via the client management system. Planning my day helps me be prepared for each client. I check that I have all the equipment and consumables needed and then I am out the door.
8am:
Luckily my first appointment takes me past my favourite café and I grab a coffee.
8.30am:
My first client likes me to be early to help her change her catheter and for medication management so that she can get on with her day. Good catheter care is essential to prevent infections and improve the quality of life for clients. We chat while I work. Getting to know my clients and talking to them is one of the favourite parts of my job. Once I’m finished, I make sure she has the supplies and advice needed until I next visit which I confirm with her and book it in.
9.30am:
My second appointment is a regular client who has slow healing wounds. I have been visiting her for some time now, and we have made some great progress. All Empower nurses undergo extensive training and professional development in wound management, so I am equipped with the latest knowledge and dressings to improve healing for my client.
11.00am:
I arrive in a Bayside suburb with time to spare so I find a car park overlooking the bay and catch up on my notes and follow up emails on my iPad before heading to my next client. On assessment, I realise he isn’t doing well and we have the difficult discussion that it may be best to head to hospital to get further investigations done. He hates going to hospital, but agrees he needs to go. This client lives alone, and doesn’t have anyone who can drive him, so I organise non-emergency patient transport. I spend the time to call his next of kin, his GP and his case manager who are all supportive of him going in. I don’t want to leave him while we wait for transport as he is anxious about going to hospital. I liaise with his Case Manager who is also supportive and organises for his normal support worker to head over and wait with him.
12.30:
Lunch time and I pop into head office to pick up some consumables and complete some CPD training at one of the desks. I catch up with colleagues and have a conversation with my manager about a client management challenge I have been having.
2.00pm:
It’s a short drive to my next appointment who is booked for an initial assessment. This involves getting to know the client and completing a comprehensive overall nursing assessment. Sometimes new clients need referrals for allied health services or additional supports. We have a longer session than usual but I know spending the extra time is what he needs to ensure that he keeps receiving the care that ensures his quality of life and independence.
4.00pm:
I arrive home to complete all today’s documentation, send emails to my clients’ care and case managers and organise any follow up tasks.
Tomorrow I will be seeing different people with different needs – no two days are the same. I love the flexibility and variety of being an Empower Nurse. It also helps being backed by experienced nurse managers, a friendly Home Care Support Team and being equipped with all the technology, knowledge, and equipment to deliver the care needed.
Empower Nurses are on the road every day, delivering great care and outcomes.
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03
May
May
Inflation proof your diet
With prices having increased by 8% in the last year, Australians are spending more on food putting strain on household budgets. This makes eating a balanced and nutritious diet tricky, but not impossible.
Use these effective strategies to ensure you are eating well and saving at the till.
Reducing wastage
According to FoodWise, Australians discard up to 20% of the food they purchase. Eliminating food waste with a little bit of planning can lead to big savings on your food bill.
• Plan and shop according to the meal plan.
• Cook in batches and freeze portions for later use.
• Think about how to use your leftovers for lunches and in other meals.
• Organise your pantry and fridge according to expiration dates.
Top Tip: Don’t go grocery shopping hungry, you may end up with more than you need.
Saving at the shops
Even in a time of rising prices, it’s still possible to save at the till.
• Keep an eye out for special offers when meal planning.
• Bulk buy pantry staples when they are on sale.
• Canned and frozen fruits, vegetables and fish are cost effective and usually just as nutritious as the fresh versions.
• Look for unbranded alternatives.
Top Tip: Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables- it is better for your wallet, the planet and local growers and farmers.
Increasing flavour and nutrition, decreasing cost
Saving money shouldn’t mean sacrificing on essential nutrients and flavour.
• Protein can be found in pulses and legumes, not just meat. Extend your meal by adding them to what’s in the pot- chickpeas in stews, beans in curry’s and lentils in salads are all cost effective ways of increasing nutrients and fibre.
• Experiment with spices and herbs to enhance flavour, rather than using expensive pre-prepared sauces and rubs.
• Whole, unprocessed foods tend to be more nutrient dense and filling, so steer clear of ultra processed foods like chips and lollies that are low in nutrients.
Top Tip: Fibre fills you up, so stick to brown rice and wholegrain bread for a more satisfying meal.
Substitutes and alternatives
When ingredients get more expensive, looking for tasty alternatives is daunting. Here are some foods that give the biggest nutritional bang for your buck in Autumn and Winter.
If you need some help with menu planning or if you have some specific dietary or health requirements, Dietitians offer practical solutions for improving nutrition and wellbeing on any budget.
Recipes that are good for your wallet and body:
Click on the image to download the full recipe
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Announcements, Multi Disciplinary Team
How our Allied Health clinicians can help with Parkinson’s Disease
11
Apr
Apr
Comprehensive, personalised care for people living with Parkinson’s disease can improve mobility, independence, and provide real quality of life.
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder affecting *150,000 Australians with 38 more diagnosed every day. 20% of sufferers are under 50 years old and 10% are diagnosed before the age of 40.
Parkinson’s disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems. While there is currently no cure, Allied Health clinicians can assist in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people living with the condition.
These clinicians, along with Nurses, include Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Osteopaths, Podiatrists, and Speech Pathologists.
Physiotherapists
Work with people living with Parkinson’s disease to improve their mobility, balance, and strength. Physiotherapy can help to reduce stiffness and increase flexibility, which can help people with Parkinson’s disease to move more easily. They can also provide education on proper posture, gait, and balance, which can help to prevent falls.
Occupational Therapists
Can help people to continue to work, care for themselves and carry out activities of daily living by providing strategies for managing activities such as dressing, grooming, modified work arrangements and cooking. They can also provide advice on home modifications and assistive devices that can make daily activities easier.
Dietitians
Ensure that people who live with Parkinson’s disease are meeting their nutritional needs. Parkinson’s disease can affect a person’s ability to swallow, which can make it difficult to eat and drink. A dietitian can provide advice on the best foods to eat and the best ways to prepare them. They provide guidance on maintaining healthy weight and managing other health conditions that may be associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Osteopaths
Holistically approach the management of Parkinson’s disease and the musculoskeletal system to relieve pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles. They can provide manual therapies such as massage and stretching, which can help to improve flexibility and reduce pain. Osteopaths can also provide advice on exercise and lifestyle changes that can help to manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Podiatrists
Work address problems with feet such as calluses, corns, and toenail problems that can be difficult to reach when movement is affected. They can also provide advice on proper footwear that can help to improve balance and prevent falls.
Speech Pathologists
Speech pathologists help people with Parkinson’s who struggle with communication to speak clearly, loudly, and with intent. Therapy aims to improve word-finding abilities, can help manage cognitive functioning, comprehension issues, memory, and following directions. Speech Pathologists also play a vital role in managing swallowing difficulties that can cause complications for people living with Parkinson’s.
Nurses
Play a crucial role in supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease. They can help by educating patients and their families about the disease and its management, providing guidance on medication schedules and side effects, and offering strategies for managing daily activities. Nurses can also monitor symptoms, assess changes in condition, and provide emotional support.
Working collaboratively, Allied Health clinicians can deliver comprehensive, personalised care for people living with Parkinson’s disease that can improve mobility, independence, and real quality of life.
*https://shakeitup.org.au/understanding-parkinsons/#:~:text=Parkinson’s%20is%20the%20second%20most,before%20the%20age%20of%2040.
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14
Mar
Mar
Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in our body’s functions.
Salt helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve impulses. However, excessive salt intake can have negative effects on our health. This blog explores the effects of salt on the body, why it’s important to manage salt intake, alternatives to salt for better health, and tips to reduce salt in the diet.
Salts’ effect on the body
Salt is a key component of our body’s fluids, and it helps regulate the balance of fluids inside and outside our cells. When we consume salt, it’s broken down into sodium and chloride ions, which are absorbed into our bloodstream. Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve impulses, while chloride is important for maintaining the acidity of our stomachs.
Why we need to manage salt intake
According to the World Health Organisation, the recommended daily intake of sodium for adults is less than 2,000 mg, or 5 grams of salt. However, the average Australian consumes nearly double this amount, often without realising it. Many processed and packaged foods are high in sodium, and salt can sneak into our diets without us even adding any to our meals.
Managing salt intake is important for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. High sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cause fluid retention, which can lead to swelling. By reducing salt intake, we can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and improve overall health.
Alternatives to salt for better health
While salt is a key ingredient in many recipes, there are several alternatives that can be used to add flavour without adding sodium. Herbs and spices, such as garlic, ginger, and cumin, can add flavour and aroma to dishes without adding salt. Lemon juice and vinegar can also be used to add tanginess and flavour to foods.
Tips to reduce salt in your diet
• Read food labels: Check the sodium content of packaged and processed foods before buying them. Choose low-sodium or no-sodium options when possible.
• Use herbs and spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavour to dishes without adding salt.
• Cook at home: When cooking at home, use fresh ingredients and reduce the amount of salt used in recipes.
• Eating out at restaurants can contribute to excessive salt intake, so avoid the very salty options and choose the lower sodium items on the menu.
• Be mindful of condiments: Condiments, such as soy sauce, ketchup, and salad dressings, can be high in sodium. Choose low-sodium options when possible.
Reducing your salt intake doesn’t have to mean bland meals and you can stop salt sneaking into your diet and still enjoy nourishing and satisfying food.
If you are struggling to balance your salt intake and would like some more practical strategies, dietitians can assess your unique needs and help you reach your health goals with menu and meal planning that keep your food delicious and meal preparation easy.
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Announcements, Community, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy
An innovative approach to delivering Allied Healthcare to remote WA
28
Feb
Feb
Kojonup: An innovative approach to delivering Allied Healthcare to remote WA
Working together as an integrated team, Empower Healthcare clinicians and Residential Aged Care Facility Springhaven relished the opportunity of in-person collaboration to care for residents despite their remote location.
Kojonup is a town situated 250km Southeast of Perth with a population of little over 1000. Therefore it’s not surprising that the town’s only aged care facility struggles to procure Allied Health locally in order to meet compliance and care standards.
In total WA has only 22 Speech Pathologists per 100,000 of population, and nationally and only 17 per 100,000 in remote regions.
With demand far outstripping the number of allied health clinicians in remote and metropolitan WA areas, Springhaven Lodge in Kojonup was one such facility.
Springhaven Lodge contacted Empower Healthcare West Perth office for Dietetic, Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy services. The challenge of providing these services in the most cost-effective, efficient and sustainable way fell to the team of our Perth based clinicians who understood that an innovative approach to service delivery would be needed.
Empowers interdisciplinary team of Speech Pathologist, Dietitian and OT’s set about developing an understanding of the unique requirements of the facility. They brainstormed the best method of delivering high quality healthcare and the best possible outcomes for the residents and staff. In collaboration with the facility manager, it was decided that a combination of telehealth and in-person assessment, intervention and training was the best approach.
A well planned and outcomes-based trip was organised for the team, who understood that efficiency and efficacy were key when time is limited. During their first day at Springhaven, the clinicians conducted menu audits, individual and process assessments, IDDSI training and implementation and staff training.
Working together as an integrated team, Empower and Springhaven staff relished the opportunity of in-person collaborative care for residents and implementing sustainable interventions and care plans. With ongoing bespoke telehealth and onsite support, Springhaven residents are now receiving the high-quality care they deserve.
We look forward to a building relationship with Springhaven and its residents and bringing this approach to other remote Residential Aged Care facilities in the future.
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