Announcements, Dietetics, Home Nursing, In Home Care, Massage Therapy, NDIS, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry

How a Multidisciplinary Allied Health Team Can Help People Manage Diabetes

Posted on June 10, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

10
Jun

Many chronic conditions like Diabetes, require more than 1 or 2 allied health team members for good management. Diabetes is an example of a complicated condition where an assessment may reveal the need for referral to a few members of the multidisciplinary team.

Here are a some of the ways that the various professions can help people managing Diabetes.

Nurses

Nurses monitor blood sugar levels and assist with medication management. They also manage the general health of people, including the comorbidities that are common in people with Diabetes, such as high blood pressure, kidney disfunction and eye disorders.

Dietitians

A well-managed diet is a cornerstone of diabetes care. Dietitians can develop individualized meal plans that take the tastes and preferences of people into account, while ensuring that blood glucose levels remain stable.

Podiatrists

Foot care is an essential part of care for people who are struggling to manage their sugar levels. Podiatrists ensure the correct footwear, nail care and skin management of the feet to prevent ulcers and ingrown toenails.

Physiotherapists

Diabetes can result in various complications that reduce mobility and having input from a physiotherapist to promote strength, balance and endurance can improve the independence and health outcomes of people with diabetes at any stage of the disease.

Occupational Therapists

Unfortunately, some of the health consequences of diabetes can result in disability requiring relearning and reablement for some of life’s vital activities of daily living. OT’s can provide rehabilitation to improve the function of people managing some of the more serious effects of diabetes and assist with the adaptions that homes may need to make living independently at home possible and enjoyable.

Massage Therapists

Along with the benefits of relaxation and improved well-being, massage may also be useful in managing the painful neuropathies that occur in people with diabetes. Combined with the effects on circulation and stress relief, massage therapy is an important adjunct to other therapies in the management of diabetes.

If your client is not on top of their diabetes care plan, let Empower Healthcare bring together the expertise and skills of different allied health professionals to support your client in management of their complex condition.

The Empower Difference

Changing Lives Through Exceptional Care

We pride ourselves in the delivery of innovative, high-quality, allied health solutions that constantly evolve to exceed the needs of your clients and their communities. Our service model integrates five service commitments that empower you to help your clients improve their sense of self-identity, quality of life, and ability to live safely in their environment.

Extensive service offerings
Care provided by highly skilled clinicians
A team approach to delivering continuity of care
User friendly referral process
Superior reports providing clarity on future care needs.

Click on your relevant health care industry sector below to learn more.

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Announcements, In Home Care, Osteopathy

When to Consider Using an Osteopath for Your Client

Posted on May 27, 2021June 2, 2021 by Nicole Cook

27
May

An osteopath is an Allied Health professional who specialises in the assessment and treatment of structural and functional integrity of the human body, focussing on musculoskeletal system- the bones, muscles, nerves, blood and lymph circulation and other tissues that support the body and control its movements and function. Osteopaths aim to trigger healing processes in the body by treating movement restrictions, promote balance between different systems of the body and activate physiological processes required to achieve recovery.

Osteopaths working in Home Care assess each client holistically in their own environment and analyse how the body and its systems function when the person move or at full rest. They physically examine using their hands to determine which areas of the body are healthy and which are not so healthy that may be causing pain or disfunction.

Osteopaths believe that the body heals best if the right combination of manual techniques and treatment such as massage and the mobilisation of muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues are used to treat areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction, or strain in the body. Techniques are chosen based on the needs of the individual client and the symptoms they have reported as well as their functional goals.

These include but not limited to:

Therapeutic Massage and soft tissue techniques- to release and relax the muscles and other soft tissues
Mobilisation of stiff joints – to restore range of movement.
Articulation- where joints are moved through their natural range of motion.
Clinical exercise programs

These aim to reduce pain, improve movement, encourage blood flow and activate healing processes.

When to book at Osteopathy consultation

There are many reasons to see an osteopath when pain or movement problems effect quality of life, independence or function. Some typical conditions that benefit from osteopathy include:

Any joint, muscle and body pain.
Restricted movement in any part of the body.
Non-traumatic musculoskeletal injuries.
Reduced function due to stiffness, aches and pain
Headaches.
Chronic neck and back pain.
Poor posture, body alignment or weakness.

Osteopaths are also very successful with frail clients who may have multiple conditions as they are able to utilise a variety of gentle or indirect techniques.

Empower has a team of incredibly talented Osteopaths ready to help your clients get moving, feel better and get back to what they love doing most! Denis explains why he loves working in community allied health care.

Click Here to learn more about Osteopathy

The Empower Difference

Changing Lives Through Exceptional Care

Extensive service offerings
Care provided by highly skilled clinicians
A team approach to delivering continuity of care
User friendly referral process
Superior reports providing clarity on future care needs.

Click on your relevant health care industry sector below to learn more.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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Announcements, In Home Care, Mobility

5 Signs Your Client May Need a Walking Aid

Posted on May 11, 2021 by Nicole Cook

11
May

A well-fitted and appropriate walking aid can be a vital tool for people wanting to stay independent and active while being safe when walking around their homes and communities. Physiotherapists are expert at selecting, fitting and ensuring the correct use of mobility aids, while maintaining and improving strength and endurance.

Here are a few signs that may indicate a person would benefit from a walking aid:

A history of falls or a fear of falling.
Use of furniture or walls to steady and support during gait.
Difficulty with climbing stairs and walking on uneven surfaces.
Deteriorating balance that is interfering with walking inside and outside the home.
Reduced activity due to a fear of walking.

If you notice that a person is struggling with mobility, getting a good-quality walking aid fitted as soon as possible can prevent falls and improve independence, allowing for a fulfilling and active life where safe walking is a part of every day.

Let an Empower clinician expertly assess whether your client needs a walking aid for a short period or on a permanent basis. Click on our referral link below.

About Empower

Empower Healthcare is a national allied-health service provider and partner with Home Care package providers, NDIS plan managers & Aged Care organisations to deliver life changing allied health services. We offer a full-service platform from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics to osteopathy, massage therapy and most recently, home nursing services and pride ourselves in the delivery of high-quality therapy solutions, value packed services and responsive ethos.

It is a very exciting time with Empower Healthcare building on the success of its Victorian operation and now expanding nationally into NSW & WA. With a growing team of 100+ clinicians, we provide over 1,500 treatments every day and service more than 100 healthcare organisations. Building on this strong foundation, we are well positioned and committed to delivering exceptional care.

Our therapists genuinely care about the people we work with and take the time to build strong relationships that holistically improve social, physical and mental wellbeing to live happier and healthier lives.

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Announcements, Community, Home Nursing, In Home Care, NDIS, Wellbeing

The 5 types of clients who would benefit from a home nursing assessment and why

Posted on March 26, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

26
Mar

Home health care nursing services can be vital for the wellbeing of clients living at home and wanting to continue to do so. A home nursing assessment is a convenient and easy way to establish the support and medical needs for people who find attending out-patient services difficult, while providing the clinician with valuable information regarding the holistic care needs of clients seen within their unique home environments.

Clients who benefit from home nursing assessments include:

New clients on home care packages,
People with deteriorating health,
Individuals managing chronic health conditions,
Clients with complex care needs,
Anyone who has recently returned home after a hospital admission and is struggling.

Why is a nursing assessment important?

To assess all aspects of physical and social wellbeing.
To identify areas in which individuals require additional support.
Establishing whether clients are safe and able to cope at home.
To assist in planning and implementing of appropriate care.
Nursing assessments allow clients to participate in their own care by engaging them in the assessment process.

Booking a home care nursing assessment can be an important step in giving people living at home the freedom to live the lives they choose to live.

About Empower

How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

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Announcements, Equipment, Exercise, In Home Care, Mobility, NDIS, Occupational Therapy, Wellbeing

Promoting Independence at Home Through Retraining Activities of Daily Living

Posted on March 10, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

10
Mar

For people recovering from injury and surgery, or managing a chronic illness or disability at home, it is often the little things that can be the most frustrating – from hair washing to buttoning a shirt. Research has shown that Activities of Daily Living (ADL) retraining is important for improving an individuals’ sense of self identity, quality of life, and ability to live safely in their own home. Occupational therapists focus on enabling clients to participate in life activities that are important and meaningful to them.

What Are Activities of Daily Living?

ADL’s include all those basic activities we engage in to make sure that we survive and can function in society. These are the little and not so little things we all need to do to take care of ourselves, our families, and our homes. ADL’s include some of the most important skills for independence–but also some of the most challenging.

Some Activities of Daily Living include:

Grooming and hygiene
Functional mobility and getting from place to place.

ADLs could also include activities to support the various roles we play in our lives such as:

Laundry
Cooking
Writing
Using the computer
Gardening
Driving
Leisure activities are also considered activities of daily living as they are essential for quality of life.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help with Retraining in Daily Living Skills?

An at-home rehabilitation program with a skilled occupational therapist can help clients retrain in daily living skills and regain independence, confidence, and quality of life.

Some of the techniques used in occupational therapy for ADL include:

Making recommendations for changes to be made in your home and equipment needed, including shower bars, non-skid surfaces on stairs, built up cutlery and helping patients learn to use new equipment.
Individualised strength-based training using theraputty and hand therapy.
Reteaching basic movements, from getting in and out of bed to getting in and out of the shower or bath.
Working with clients on actual daily life activities to regain fine motor skills and confidence. This includes activities like opening and closing a tube of toothpaste, working on buttons and zips, stacking coins, and picking up small objects.
Doing arts, crafts, cooking and baking–both as a creative release and a fine motor skill booster.
Playing games like cards and chess that involve picking up small pieces as well as using cognitive strategies.

The main goal of retraining Daily Living Skills at home is restoring independence. Ability to complete ADLs is a predictor of safety and independence in the home. Helping clients develop the skills and confidence they need to remain at home is a goal that home care Occupational Therapists aim for every day when working in the community.

Learn More About Our Home Care Occupational Therapy Services

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Announcements, Massage Therapy

4 Benefits of Massage Therapy for Seniors

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Nicole Cook

03
Mar

Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years as part of holistic health practices. Thanks to a growing body of research, we now understand why massage is effective and how best to use it to improve health and wellbeing across all life stages. While regular massage therapy may improve overall quality of life, here are some specific benefits for older adults receiving regular massage therapy:

Relaxation of muscles and soft tissue that have become tight and shortened due to postural changes and decreased activity in later life.
Reduction in pain caused by common conditions such as osteoarthritis and lower back problems.
Improved circulation leading to decreased swelling and improved lymphatic function.
Decreased depression and agitation in older adults resulting in feelings of wellbeing and comfort.

Older adults bear much of the stress and anxiety during the current COVID-19 crisis. The limits on safe human interaction and touch have resulted in poor mental health outcomes for many people. The powerful stress relieving effects of massage therapy can help to alleviate the impact of social distancing and isolation for vulnerable seniors living at home and improve their ability to manage living independently for longer.

Learn More About Our Massage Therapy Services

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, Physiotherapy, Recruitment

In Profile with Cristina Speranza – Physiotherapist NSW

Posted on February 22, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

22
Feb

We welcome Cristina Speranza to the Empower family. Cristina is our newest graduate physiotherapist in NSW.

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi! My name is Cristina Speranza and I am a new graduate Physiotherapist that has recently joined the Empower NSW team. I completed a Bachelor of Human Science majoring in Human Movement at Macquarie University and a Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Technology Sydney. During my degree, I discovered that Physiotherapist’s can treat much more than your usual musculoskeletal injuries, in fact we can EMPOWER client’s to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. I have discovered a deep passion for neurological rehabilitation and in the future I aspire to become a clinical educator and share my knowledge and passion for Physiotherapy with the future generations to come.

In your new position at Empower, what will you be looking to achieve in 2021?

Being the first Physiotherapist on the NSW team, I would love to share my current knowledge with future Empower Physiotherapist’s and contribute to expanding the team. I would also love to learn and expand my own Physiotherapy skill set to ensure I am delivering quality care to all clients.

What do you love most about your role?

I love when client’s feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness when they have achieved their goals. That is the reason why I wake up every morning and do what I do. I also love being able to connect with client’s and hear their stories and wisdom.

What has been your most memorable moment?

The most memorable moment of my Physiotherapy career was when I was managing a paraplegic client and she had been hospitalised for 5 months since her injury. She had not left the hospital in that time and her goal was to complete a car transfer to go for a drive to Coogee beach. The only thing that was stopping her, was her inability to complete a transfer out of her wheelchair. After a lot of motivation, intensive practice and strength training she was able to complete the car transfer and her husband drove her to Coogee beach. After the drive, she was crying of pure happiness and could not stop thanking me for never giving up on her. That was the moment when I realised no matter what condition the client has there is always an alternative solution for them to achieve their goals.

What attracted you to Empower?

Being a new graduate Physiotherapist, I initially found it quite overwhelming to start practicing with minimal to no supervision. Empower offered a great new graduate program that has a great balance of support and independence. Another aspect that attracted me to Empower was that it permits me to treat clients in their own homes. This enhances the specificity of treatment options and it makes the therapy more relatable and functional for each client.

What piece of advice would you give your new graduate self?

The best piece of advice I would give to myself and any new graduate was a mantra I was told by a UTS lecturer, and it is “Don’t overcomplicate it. Keep it simple stupid.” Also take any opportunity that comes your way because opportunities breed opportunities.

Out of the workplace, what are your interests and hobbies?

I love going to the gym and exercising. I enjoy a variety of training styles including strength training, cardiovascular training, Pilates and boxing. More importantly I love food and cooking, especially baking! Being Italian it’s in my genetics. I also love to travel (COVID has been a bit of a buzz kill with that) but I am definitely making the most of traveling around Australia.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

A fun fact is that I was a dancer for 15 years and I used to compete around NSW. I also used to play the piano at a very high level during school. I still know how to play “Empire State of Mind” by Alicia Keys, “End of the Road” by Boys to Men, “Clocks” by Coldplay and a few others.

Our Service Guarantee

We have listened to our clients and they don’t have the time to micro-manage their portfolio. They want to partner with someone that is reliable and dependable with transparent pricing structures.

Adam Gilroy Smith, CEO reveals, “Empower has grown by 100% over the past year based on our service model across Home Care, NDIS and Residential Aged Care. By listening to our clients and the challenges they face, we adapt, stay well positioned and respond fast to deliver exceptional care. The launch of our new service model is another example of Empower Healthcare’s ability to be agile in a rapidly changing environment.”

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Announcements, Dietetics, In Home Care, NDIS, Residential Aged Care, Wellbeing

Six signs that your client or resident may need a dietitian

Posted on February 11, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

11
Feb

Malnutrition is often missed in older people.

Appetite and weight tend to decrease slowly as older people who manage their own shopping, food preparation and eating reduce dietary intake without realising it. Family members and carers who see the person regularly may only begin noticing the weight loss after significant physical changes have occurred. While the causes of weight loss are complex, here are a few indicators that someone may need dietary intervention:

Unplanned weight loss in the last 3-6 months
Falling Body Mass Index (BMI)
Reduced nutritional intake
Low levels of nutrients noted during blood analysis
A history of alcohol misuse
Use of medicines including insulin, chemotherapy, antacids, or diuretics.

Dieticians specialise in improving and optimising nutrition by considering the needs and preferences of the individual. Early, practical intervention can help in maintaining general health, activity levels and independence for older people living in the community and in residential aged care.

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Announcements, Dietetics, In Home Care, NDIS, Residential Aged Care, Wellbeing

Six ways a dietitian can help your ageing clients

Posted on January 27, 2021February 3, 2021 by Nicole Cook

27
Jan

Malnutrition is a common cause of loss of vitality and poor health outcomes in older people.

Reduced dietary intake of essential nutrients and calories often occurs as a result of a combination of conditions and factors that can make food preparation and eating difficult and unappealing for older adults. Getting to the bottom of why someone may be developing nutrient and calorie deficits and implementing strategies to improve diet and quality of life can take time and expertise.

A dietitian can assist in the management of at-risk older people living in the community and residential aged care settings by:

1. Screening to ascertain the BMI and nutritional intake of people experiencing unwanted weight loss.- Comprehensive assessments to determine the causes of malnutrition.

2. Implementing “Food First” strategies like eating small but frequent, high energy, high protein snacks and meals.

3. Implementing nutrition support for malnourished people who are unable to maintain body weight by food intake alone.

4. Developing practical and appropriate meal plans and schedules to improve daily nutritional intake.

5. Supporting people in the community to access meal and food services that meet their individual tastes, dietary needs, and abilities.

6. Improve the quality of life of ageing clients by increasing the energy they have available to participate in social and community activities.

Diet and food preferences are personal and often sensitive matters, dieticians work with individuals to create the best personalized and enjoyable solutions for people struggling to maintain adequate nutrient intake.

Empower’s dietetic services is available across all of our service channels, residential aged care, home care and NDIS. Please click on the relevant link below to learn more.

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, Physiotherapy, Recruitment

In Profile with Felicia Yapp – Occupational Therapist VIC

Posted on January 27, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

27
Jan

Felicia joined the Empower team in 2020 as an occupational therapist, during a challenging 2020 Felicia managed to work with her clients and excel in providing quality service and care.

Tell us a bit about yourself

Originally from Malaysia, I came to Australia in 2007, completed my Foundation Studies in Adelaide and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University, Geelong. I started my professional OT career in 2012 predominantly working at a private hospital in Geelong – acute medical care, inpatient rehabilitation (orthopaedic, reconditioning, neurological conditions). I was also involved with facilitating individual/group treatment sessions for Outpatient Programs such as Parkinson’s and Cognitive ‘Rust Removers’ group, Pulmonary and Reconditioning program.

I moved to Adelaide in 2018 and worked at a not-for-profit residential aged care and home care community organisation as well as Transitional Care Program. I also had the opportunity to work alongside Psychologists from Spain to establish a cognitive program adapted from Spain within the residential aged care facility and as part of the community program. I moved back to Melbourne in 2020 and began working with Empower in March.

What attracted you to Empower?

I was referred to join Empower by a mutual friend and the opportunity seemed like a good fit.

What do you love most about your role?

As a Community Occupational Therapist, it continues to challenge my skills and knowledge gained over my working experience. I find that I learn something new each day. Most of all I love to see the smile on our client’s face, support them in achieving their goals and independence and also the acknowledgment that we are providing a quality service.

What has been your most memorable moment?

What piece of advice would you give your new graduate self?

Approach everything with an open mind. There is no such thing as a ‘silly question’. Be pro-active and always persevere to develop your knowledge and skills as you progress as an OT.

Out of the workplace, what are your interests and hobbies?

I love baking – it is my relaxation therapy. I like to try out new recipes and explore new restaurants/cafes. I also like to draw/sketch and make DIY cards.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I am a lefty.

Our Service Guarantee

We have listened to our clients and they don’t have the time to micro-manage their portfolio. They want to partner with someone that is reliable and dependable with transparent pricing structures.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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