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Category Archives: In Home Care

Announcements, Dietetics, In Home Care, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy

The evidence is in – exercise matters

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Exercise Matter web banner 1500 × 800px
29
Aug

Exercise Mat

Why exercise matters? Considering the evidence

A review of: Exercise comes of age; The Journals of Gerontology

We all have the intuition that exercise is good for us and most of us recognise that we feel better when we are regularly doing physical activity that we enjoy. Why, then, do we not talk about how exercise benefits us most as we age?

As this article discusses, many GPs and gerontology specialists stop short of exercise prescription for older adults, which is as shame, as the evidence is in and it indicates that exercise has a significant role to play as we get older.

The article we reviewed identified 4 key areas that are important when thinking about aging and exercise.
• Regular physical activity contributes to health and well-being, minimising the changes associated with aging and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Participating in regular exercise increases longevity and decreases the risk of many chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, osteoarthritis, depression, and osteoporosis.
• Exercise can be used alongside medical treatments for chronic health conditions and improve health outcomes as well as counteract the negative side effects of some medical treatments.
• Regular participation in physical activity or exercise may assist in the prevention and treatment of disability.

The researchers advise that

exercise recommendations should be made by clinicians who have the skills to do so and should be specific to the needs of individuals with support systems and monitoring for progress.

Physiotherapists, Allied Health Assistants, Osteopaths, Nurses and Occupational Therapists can all have a role in promoting evidence-based exercise therapy for clients at home or in residential facilities. For a healthier tomorrow, help your clients start living an active life today.

To learn more, follow the link below:

Exercise comes of age; The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 57, Issue 5, 1 May 2002   https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/57/5/M262/620575?login=false

 

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

Continence Management with Empower Nurses

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Continence ax web
13
Jul

Continence Assessments

 

 

Incontinence is a very common condition affecting 1 in 4 Australian adults.

The good news is that there are many ways that both bladder and bowel leaks and accidents can be treated and managed. With the help of nurses and other health care professionals, your clients can continue to live an active and independent life with dignity.

 

How we can help

Our nursing services involve support in the management of bladder and bowel control problems. We offer discreet services that aim to preserve dignity, reduce stress, and help people regain confidence so they can participate in daily activities and get you back to enjoying life.

Our support

We will take the time to fully assess your client and understand the challenges they face. We will conduct a Level 2 Basic Continence Assessment and then develop personalised plans and strategies to suit the persons lifestyle and goals.

Our Multidisciplinary Team support

Whilst our nurses provide continence treatment, they also have access and work closely with a large team of Allied Health therapists that can also provide additional continence care and intervention.

Dietetics

Our Dietitians assist with:
• urinary incontinence by monitoring fluid intake and providing recommendations for other bowel management strategies. Clients experiencing urinary incontinence tend to restrict fluid intake and this can contribute to poor health through dehydration and increase the occurrence of constipation.
• faecal incontinence by recommending a modified diet that can alleviate the urgency of bowel motions as well as assist clients with implementing a diet that will help with the frequency and consistency of bowel motions.
*Dehydration is a great risk in this group of clients.

Physiotherapists

Our Physiotherapists assist with:
• improving a client’s mobility and function so that they can access facilities in a timely manner
• utilise their continence aids safely.
• improve balance and coordination to assist with independent toileting
*We don’t have any specialist continence physios.

Occupational Therapists

Our Occupational Therapists assist with:
• routines based interventions – working on toileting routines
• strategies such as visual prompts and social stories to support understanding, reinforce routines and reduce anxiety
• understanding their sensory systems and interoception, so the person understands the body’s signals of when they need to go to the toilet.
• working towards independence with assistive technology eg. over toilet seats or commodes, Clothing adaptations
• educating clients family and formal supports.

Management depends on the type of incontinence, its aetiology, the severity of symptoms, as well as the consumers factors such as cognition, functional status and medical history. Our nurses have the clinical background and experience to advise options for suitable treatment approach for each individual to match their lifestyle and keep them at home longer.

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Catheter management

Medication management

Wound care

 

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In Home Care, Osteopathy

Osteopathic holistic understanding of the body triggers healing

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Osteopathy EDM banner
21
Jun

Osteopathy

At Empower our Osteopaths use their expert understanding of the body to help trigger healing for your clients.

By applying a combination of manual and mobilisation therapies, supplemented by focussed exercise therapies, Osteopaths can address areas of pain, weakness, restriction or strain in the body.

Welcome Osteopath Rebecca

Our new Osteopath Rebecca joins our team bringing 15 years of experience working with clients across all life stages. Rebecca has a holistic approach to her treatments delivering effective, evidence-based Osteopathic techniques for people managing a variety of health conditions.

Rebecca’s technique incorporates the Osteopathic emphasis on anatomy and biomechanics. She uses effective, evidence-based osteopathic techniques in combination with relevant lifestyle advice including exercise, diet, supplementation, psychological health, ergonomics, and posture.

A key part of her patient management is injury rehabilitation and prevention providing resources for long-term health. These include tailored home stretching and exercise programs, psychological wellbeing. Our Osteopaths liaise with other Empower health professionals to ensure timely rehabilitation and return to work and activities.

With an emphasis on understanding goals, Rebecca tailors’ treatment programs to meet clients’ individual needs and aspirations to improve mobility, strength, pain, and quality of life – not just for today, but for years to come. Rebecca will be covering the Victorian Southeast Mornington region.

 

 Biopsychosocial Model of Health

The biopsychosocial model of health diagram

Source: researchgate.net

 

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, NDIS, Occupational Therapy

Empower welcomes Heather to our NSW Occupational Therapy Team

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Heather NSW OT blog
07
Jun

Heather NSW OT

We are pleased to welcome Heather to our NSW Occupational Therapy Team

Heather is a confident and meticulous Occupational Therapist who enjoys finding person-centered solutions that empower clients to live their most independent, active and fulfilling lives.
Having worked in NDIS home-based settings as well as in work place environments, Heather has a holistic view of rehabilitation, inclusion and access issues faced by people at home, in communities and at work.
With experience in Functional Capacity, Sensory and Housing assessments, Heather also brings established therapy skills in capacity building, rehabilitation, assistive technology prescription and home modifications for clients in a variety of settings including school, homes and clinics in Sydney.
She says:
I am excited by the diverse nature of Occupational Therapy. I enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories and helping them find meaningful activity and purpose to improve their quality of life and achieve their personal goals.
When not at work, Heather loves spending her time with friends and family exploring new places, eating great food and indulging in her best relaxation activity – watching Ru Paul’s Drag Race!

 


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

At home catheter care provided by Empower Nurses

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Catheter care blog banner
01
Jun

It is possible to live an independent and active life with a catheter and Empower’s nurses are ready to help clients and their families.

Our nurses are trained to deliver best practice catheter care with dignity to help people maintain the life they are accustomed to.

Our skilled nurses are fully trained to deliver care for all three types of catheters:
• Male
• Female
• Suprapubic

For people who rely on catheters, having a routine to care for the catheter is an important part of living a full life without the common complications that a catheter use can cause. Empower nurses deliver person centred, individualised catheter care to every client beginning with a comprehensive assessment at home.

Our nurses assess the level of support, education and care needed and work with clients and their families to set goals and develop management plans to suit their individual needs.

Good catheter care starts with good nursing care.

Our catheter care routines help users:

Reduce Urinary Tract Infections

By regularly emptying bags and performing hygiene activities like good hand washing, people who use catheters can reduce the likelihood of infection. Developing habits of adequate water consumption can also help to reduce bacterial infection risk and keep the system functioning optimally.

Eliminate Leakage

Regular emptying of bags is necessary to reduce the chance of overflow leakage. Having established fluid consumption routines can also help with the management of urine output.

Avoid Kidney damage

Reducing the load on the kidneys by allowing complete bladder voiding protects kidney function.

Live a full life 
A well-established routine can allow people who rely on catheterisation to lead full and active lifestyles with the freedom to work, travel, exercise and socialise knowing that their bodies are well cared for.

Having a plan and support is vital for developing routines when taking care of a catheter system. Our experienced nurses help people to ensure the best care for their catheters while meeting their lifestyle needs and goals. After all, catheterisation should allow people to focus on the things in life that really matter and enable them to live life their own way.

 

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Medication management

Wound care

 

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, NDIS, Physiotherapy, Speech

Our Physiotherapy Team is Growing

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Kevin Leroy Physiotherapists WEB
02
May

New physiotherapists

Empower Healthcare is pleased to welcome two new physiotherapist to the team

Whether help is needed to address short term problems or on an ongoing basis, our friendly and knowledgeable team of physios are ready to help. Bringing everything needed to your door, our therapists will tailor interventions to your goals and we are pleased to welcome two new therapists to the team – Kevin in Queensland and Leroy in Geelong Victoria.


Kevin Physiotherapist Queensland

Kevin is a passionate physiotherapist who brings his positive energy and experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy to the expanding team. Having worked in private practice and clinical education, Kevin is excited to work in Community Care, as he says:
“Community care places a larger emphasis on the clients themselves rather than the physio”

“When I walk into a client’s home, I can see what their environment is like, what they enjoy doing and what their goals at home are. I can truly appreciate what they need and formulate a plan that is client-focused. Plus, I love getting to know people in an environment they are comfortable in!It can be daunting when a patient walks into a clinic and talks to a physio they’ve never met before. This factor is eliminated when we bring the service to the home.”

Outside of work, Kevin is equally energetic and community minded as he captains a volleyball team and volunteers his free time. He loves staying active and helping his clients do the same.


Leroy Physiotherapist Geelong Victoria


Leroy is a physiotherapist with an additional qualification in Exercise and Sport Science. This makes him perfectly suited to delivering exceptional rehabilitative and pain management services for clients living at home or in residential aged care.

Leroy has a passion for improving the quality of life of his clients through movement and strengthening, while also having experience in managing chronic complex pain conditions.

When asked what he loves most about his work, Leroy says:
“An aspect I love about physiotherapy is the caring interactions with patients and development of therapeutic relationships over time. We often get to spend more time with people than many other healthcare professionals, so we have a broader understanding of who they are, their lives, their goals in and outside of therapy and what really makes them tick.”

Having grown up on a farm, Leroy has always enjoyed staying active and healthy and in his spare time keeps his body fit in his home gym, while keeping his mind fit gaming with friends.

Welcome to the team



About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Changing lives is what we do.  Delivering high quality allied health services is how we do it.

Empower Healthcare was founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.

The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. Woo Casino Australia offer huge bonuses and you can find woo casino bonus codes australia. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology.

Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.

A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients. Helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.

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

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Announcements, Community, Equipment, Falls Prevention, In Home Care, NDIS, Physiotherapy, Wellbeing

Walking (Gait) Aid Prescriptions with our Physiotherapists

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Gait aid image NDIS and RAC
02
May

Gait aid all

 

At Empower, we make delivering the best care and outcomes our highest priority and that is why we ensure that every cent spent from our client’s packages is having the greatest impact on improving their quality of life.

This is especially true when it comes to decisions about equipment. Our physiotherapists know that walking aid prescription is about so much more than walking. The correct walking aid allows independence, security and dignity. Unfortunately, the incorrect aid, or an aid poorly fitted, can have the opposite effect.

What is a walking (gait) aid?

Walking aids are also referred to as gait aids. A gait aid is one of several devices a client may be issued in order to improve their walking pattern, balance or safety while mobilising independently. Gait aids fall into multiple categories and include the following:
• Walking sticks or canes
• Crutches
• Walkers
• Standing Aids: to assist with manual handling often used with in rehabilitation.
• Single Point Stick – SPS
• 4-Point Stick – 4PS
• Pick Up Frame – PUF
• 2-Wheel Frame – 2WF/TWF
• 3-Wheel Frame – 3WF
• 4-Wheel Frame – 4WF
• Gutter Frame – GF
• Crutches
• Rollator
• Platform Frame – PF
• Forearm Support Walker
• Posterior Support Frame

How do physiotherapists view gait aids?

A physiotherapist’s goal is to attain the greatest level of function with the smallest amount of equipment. Physios see gait aids as a valuable tool in ensuring safety and independence while working to improve and maintain mobility through strengthening and rehabilitation. The long-term result is more mobility with less reliance on equipment.

 

Why do we use our physiotherapists for gait aid prescription?

The prescription of gait aids by physiotherapists represents best practice and falls squarely within the scope of practice of physiotherapists who train specifically in the areas of biomechanics, gait analysis, gait rehabilitation and balance.  Our physios work towards greater independence and mobility, armed with the experience and latest evidence-based techniques to help people rediscover the joy of movement without fear.

 

How can assessments by physiotherapists help to optimise home care packages?

• By reducing or delaying the reliance on expensive mobility equipment, physios free up funds for rehabilitation or other needs that may otherwise have fallen outside the budget.
• Involving physios in gait aid prescription and rehabilitation is proven to reduce falls in the elderly. This reduces the long-term consequences and expenses of injuries.
• Physiotherapists have a deep understanding of the woo by morrock predicted outcomes of various medical and physical conditions and can advise which gait aids may only be needed temporarily and could be hired rather than bought.
• Expertly fitted aids allow for greater independence and function, empowering people to live safely at home for longer.

A case study:

Peta was discharged from hospital after spending 3 weeks recovering from surgery. Once home, she found that she was very unsteady and fearful of falling after spending so much time in bed. Her case manager contacted Empower Healthcare for an assessment for a gait aid and a physiotherapist visited her at home and conducted a complete physical and functional assessment. The physio determined that the main cause her balance difficulties was deconditioning due to a long period of convalescence and prescribed an exercise program. They also recommended that a 4-wheeled walker be hired, rather than purchased as Peta was most likely to improve to her previous level of function. After 3 months, the walker was returned as Peta no longer needed it. She also did not need any modifications to her home as she was able to move around freely and confidently once more.
The right walking (gait) aid can be life changing and saving so give Empower a call to book a walking aid assessment with one of our physiotherapists.

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, Massage Therapy, NDIS

Massage Therapist Kristy brings a therapeutic touch 

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Kristy Massage Web 1500 x 800 px
11
Apr

Kristy Massage Therapist

Working with the ex-service community for over a decade has given Kristy has a passion for aged care and lots of respect for the aging community.

Kristy has noticed

a huge need for greater pain management in the form of non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical approaches.

Manual therapy in the form of massage provides many benefits for clients physical and mental health including decreased depression and agitation, resulting in feelings of wellbeing and comfort.

The COVID pandemic has highlighted the need for therapeutic touch as a way to connect and manage pain. Working in residential and community-based care during lockdowns has allowed Kristy the opportunity to connect with the most vulnerable and isolated members of our society who at times are in desperate need for human interaction.

 

Kristy has experience with high care, dementia, individual and group exercise therapy programs promoting strength and balance. Pain management therapy is also a specialist area for Kristy having implemented and managed a wellness centre promoting wellbeing and quality of life of countless residents.  It is one of her proudest achievements to date.

 

Unfortunately, due to Covid, the organisation made the heartbreaking decision to close the clinic and like many others during the pandemic, this gave Kristy the opportunity to embark on a new career path. Kristy studied remedial massage therapy whilst working part time as a community based Allied Health Assistant and has now joined the team here at Empower Healthcare.

 

Personally, Kristy enjoys painting pet portraits and lives with her husband, dog Jester and cat Artemis.

 

Kristy joins a team of highly trained massage therapist who use a therapeutic approach to massage. They offer a broad range of individualised massage treatments chosen to accommodate the mobility status, preferences and needs of the people they see at home.

 

Our clinicians bring their own equipment with them and can massage the client on a massage table, on their bed, or in high supported sitting with a range of relaxing oils and creams, or the personal products preferred by the client.

 

Kristy is looking forward to working with the Mornington and surrounds community helping her clients to live their best lives.

CLICK to Read more about What Your Clients Can Expect From A Home Massage

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About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Changing lives is what we do.  Delivering high quality allied health services is how we do it.

Founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.

The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology – https://aussie-online-casinos.com/best-paying-online-pokies/.

Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.

A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients. Helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.

 

 

 …

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Dietetics, In Home Care, NDIS

Dietitian Meg eats, sleeps, and dreams healthy eating

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Meg web
15
Mar

Meg dietetian

Dietitian Meg eats, sleeps, and dreams healthy eating

Meg qualified as a Dietitian in Queensland and moved to Melbourne to pursue her passion for food. She spends her spare time visiting markets, trying new cuisines and exploring the incredible food offering. Meg eats, sleeps, and dreams healthy eating and having suffered her own gut health problems for ten years she has a special interest in gut health.

 

Gut health issues require specialised recipes to suit the gut health requirements but more specifically focusing on how to change a diet whilst maintaining a healthy variety of nutrients. Meg enjoys helping people alter their favourite recipes and meals to suit their own gut health requirements whilst still enjoying their favourite foods.

 

Working as a Community Dietitian offers variety because each client is different.  They have their own unique goals, challenges and lifestyles, and the solutions are not a one-size fits all approach. Meg and all Empower dietitians take the time to sit and listen to clients about their needs and wants when it comes to nutritional support, offering a unique person-centred approach.

 

Meg says
Working in the community provides a rare opportunity to see someone’s living conditions whilst taking their diet history. This helps tailor any recommendations to ensure they are suited to their current living environment.

 

Empower Dietitians improve the independence and quality of life of our clients by providing reliable and trusted food and nutritional support to live their lives the way they want.

 

Let Us Help You with Your Dietetics Needs

As a registered NDIS provider with experience in the assessment & treatment of a variety of conditions and strong partnerships with leading equipment and home modification providers, we can facilitate all your allied health needs provisioned under the NDIS.

We assist NDIS participants from 15 onwards.

Our convenient, NDIS services range from provide clients with high quality occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, and dietetics, and in the comfort of their own environment including timely and effective communication to support the administration of your clients’ funds.

We want your participants to experience the best allied health services, and stay independent, happy, healthy in their own home.

Our NDIS Dietitians Help With Wellbeing

Our team of experienced NDIS dietitians provide diet advice to improve health and manage specific conditions with weight loss or gain, difficulty in eating food and managing food allergies.

Here’s how our NDIS dietitians help with wellbeing:

  • Improve overall health and mental happiness
  • Education around good food choices
  • Introduce tasty and nutritious meal ideas for fussy eaters
  • Reduce mealtime stress and create positive experiences
  • Improve gut health, manage appetite and weight problems

Our NDIS dietitian offers everything a mainstream dietitian does, plus a whole lot more, such as:

  • Supporting diets for people who experience difficulties with chewing and swallowing
  • Fussy eating or resistant/picky eating
  • Excessive weight gain which impacts physical or social function
  • Stressful mealtimes and other mealtime challenges such as food refusal, not coming to the table, eating with distractions or avoidance to eat socially
  • Bowel issues (e.g. constipation, diarrhoea, coeliac disease, limited fluid/fibre intake)

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Dietetic Thumbnail

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How To Arrange Dietetic Services With Empower

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