TeleTherapy service model is now available for Empower Healthcare clients.
This additional service delivery option underpins today’s confirmation that ALL allied health services are considered an ‘essential service’ by the Australian Minister for Health and the Federal Minister for Health, The Hon Greg Hunt.
Empower’s TeleTherapy service will help our community stay healthy and independent during this situation, it also will reduce isolation and offer the ability for those most at risk to stay safe whilst remaining connected to their valued services.
All our services will continue to be provided in person where possible. Empower Healthcare is taking the risks associated with COVID-19 seriously and have introduced many precautionary measures to protect consumers and our team during Home Care & NDIS visits, including Pre-Screening all Home Care & NDIS clients prior to visits.
In addition, our new TeleTherapy service is available immediately for the following services:
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Osteopathy
Dietetics
In our TeleTherapy model, clients can choose between; using their own device – smartphone, tablet, PC, and we will supply an email with a single link to start a video call.
For those clients that do not own a device, or find it hard to use technology, Empower will supply a sanitised device on the day of treatment.
Our TeleTherapy service is perfect for people that are self-isolating, are unable to have face to face appointments due to their health or feel uncomfortable with a face to face appointment.
Call us on 039583 1364 for more information and pricing on our TeleTherapy service option.
“Our promise: We respond faster. Whether it’s our short waiting lists, same day reporting or simple referral process, you can rest assured that your client is in the best hands.”
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.”
How To Get Clients Started With Our TeleTherapy services
Existing clients – Call 03 9583 1364 to discuss.
New referrals – Simply click below to complete our referral form.
Click here for the article by Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) that confirmed the status of allied health professionals as an ‘essential service’.…
Empower Healthcare has been on the front-foot since the early COVID-19 developments and have created a detailed Business Continuity and Operational Plan.
How has Empower Healthcare Been Preparing?
We are committed to the safety of our clients, consumers and team members and our Operational Plan details the increased measures we have taken across our organisation and those we plan to take should the Pandemic progress. This plan was shared electronically with our clients yesterday. Please contact national office on 03 9583 1364 if you would like a copy of this communication.
We will be in regular communication with you all throughout this crisis, at this point we would like to communicate the following key advice:
Currently there are no cases of COVID-19 within the Empower Healthcare team
All Empower staff have undertaken a refresher course on Hand Hygiene and Infection Control in response to COVID-19
Our teams are being provided with additional PPE to further minimise risk
We have issued our internal COVID-19 policy which ensures that any at-risk staff do not attend and will require medical clearance prior to returning to work
Will all of Empower’s Services Be Maintained?
Yes. As healthcare providers, we recognise that we provide an invaluable service to Residential Aged Care, Home Care and NDIS clients, and as such, have taken the following additional measures to ensure clients, consumers and team members health and safety comes first.
Residential Aged Care:
Some of our clients have asked us how we will ensure that we provide our full service throughout the outbreak process. We’d like to reassure you that at Empower Healthcare, we have taken several measures to ensure that we maintain a healthy and viable workforce across all of our client’s facilities. In addition, we have moved to increase our workforce including adding to our casual bank.
In some cases our clients have moved to voluntary lockdown. In these cases, we’d like to reassure you that as an essential part of the operation, Empower will continue to provide services in conjunction with providers.
Home Care/ NDIS:
Currently the advice is to maintain Home Care Services as these offer key supports to the community, including physical support and vital access to equipment.
As we are all aware, the people we all work with are some of the most vulnerable with a higher risk of infection and will continue to require our services in order to stay safe and healthy at home. Therefore, we are taking every possible precaution to ensure that we can continue to provide our services to them safely.
How are employees managing infection control and consumer safety?
Empower Healthcare are undertaking the following precautions:
Education on Infection control and hand hygiene is offered to all consumers as part of our service
Pre-screening of all clients prior to visit – currently undertaken by clinicians prior to entering house. Should the pandemic progress to the next phase, pre-screening will be undertaken each day for all visits by our Head Office team.
A Home Care specific education module on precautions around COVID-19 has been provided to all staff
Strict Infection Control and PPE measures such as; WHO 5 moments of hand hygiene and sneeze/cough hygiene, use of gloves, as well as thorough and regular cleaning of equipment before and after each treatment.
Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) packs have been prepared for clinicians which contains examination gloves, hand sanitiser, soap dispenser paper towel and bars of soap.
If a customer is feeling sick?
It is very important that Empower Healthcare is informed if a customer becomes unwell, particularly if they have been receiving support services during the 14-day period before becoming unwell. This is especially important if you have symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat or tiredness.
If you develop symptoms including a fever and cough you should isolate yourself immediately and urgently seek medical attention. It is very important that you do not continue with Empower Healthcare’s services while you are unwell.
What will happen if a customer or staff member has COVID-19?
Staff
In line with government guidelines, employees will not attend work and will alert management as soon as possible if they meet any of the following criteria:
Within the last 14 days, travelled to/from China, Iran, South Korea, Italy or any other country with heightened travel advisories in place in relation to COVID-19
Have been in contact with anyone who has travelled overseas in the past 14 days
Are experiencing a fever or any respiratory illness;
Have tested positive for COVID-19; or
Have been instructed to self-isolate by a public health official
If Empower Healthcare becomes aware of a team member positively confirmed with COVID-19. National office will then notify the relevant healthcare organisations, clinical care managers, case managers, consumers, carers and other team members that may have been in contact.
In regard to Home Care Services, all future treatments will be re-allocated and case managers, consumers & carers will be notified.
Empower Staff members will not return until they have a medical clearance.
Customer
If a customer has contracted COVID-19 and we have been notified by the healthcare organisation, management will ask for any clinician that has been in contact with that consumer in the last 14 days, to go into self-isolation.
Customers who have contracted COVID-19 will not be able to return to receiving Empower Healthcare services until they have a medical clearance.
Current Business Operational Status
As part of our Operational Plan, Empower Healthcare’s national office will now be reduced to a skeleton team, with the other team members continuing to work from home. As the pandemic progresses, all national office members will follow suit.
Our service platform utilises cloud-based technology platforms, so we can easily continue business from any location.
All contact points stay the same. You can contact the Home Care Services Support Team on 03 9583 1364 or via email, info@empowerhealthcare.com.au.
Contact Points
If you need more information or have a specific question, you can contact:
Here’s a quick video we have taken today that we encourage to share with your colleagues.
As you know infection control is vital across all areas of care, particularly in light of the risk of further outbreaks of COVID-19 in Australia.
Correct hand hygiene techniques are a key component of infection control. In the video Donna and Leah cover how to properly wash and sanitise your hands. This is a timely reminder and relevant for everyone, from care workers in aged care and home care, to family members, friends and co-workers.
This refresher video demonstrates the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) hand washing and hand rubbing process as well as discussing the 5 moments when health-care workers should perform hand hygiene.
At Empower, all staff are required to undertake the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s Hand Hygiene training module, once completed the module provides certification. The link to the module is below if you would like to share it across your team.
Empower Healthcare have teamed up with the world’s most trusted home and community care technology provider AlayaCare to improve referral on-boarding and operational efficiencies.
Why Have We Introduced AlayaCare?
AlayaCare’s advanced technology will strengthen our services to deliver higher quality Home Care to our clients.
This highly innovative technology enables us to integrate a seamless, end-to-end paperless management approach to clients and consumers.
Referral on-boarding will now be completed online, confirmations to case managers and clients will be electronic.
Having a complete cloud-based workflow process now provides our clients with:
A faster and simpler on-boarding form
Significantly reduced time spent on paperwork
Diminished wait-times between on-boarding and first appointment booking
Enhanced compliance with increased documentation accuracy
Peace of mind that consumer information is stored in a highly secure cloud-based environment
No one likes paperwork and repetitive administration tasks associated with their role. We have trialled our new process with a pilot group of clients and they have overwhelmingly found it faster, simpler and so easy to use.
We know our clients are going to appreciate the introduction of AlayaCare.
Better still, the Empower team can do what they do best – focus on providing exceptional care based on consumer end goals and less on administrative tasks.
Plus, we are making a conscious effort in reducing the environmental impact and climate change.
When will AlayaCare go live?
We will launch AlayaCare on Wednesday 11 March.
How Have Clients Been Notified?
Home Care & NDIS Clients have been notified by email and will be sent a follow-up communication with a direct link to our e-referral form.
From Thur 5 March, the referral form will also be found on multiple locations of our website.
An FAQ can be found below to pre-empt any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to complete the new referral form?
Around 2-3 minutes.
Can I attach consumer data documentation within the on-boarding process?
Yes you can.
Who can I call if I have questions around completing the onboarding form?
Anyone from the national office Home Care Services team on 03 9583 1364.
Will I receive a written confirmation once a referral form has been submitted? Yes, an email confirmation will be sent straight to your inbox.
Yes, an email confirmation will be sent straight to your inbox.
No one wants to deal with an enquiry from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Neither do you want the heightened stress from a choking incident possibly damaging the credibility of your facility. And what if an investigation determines the incident as a premature and preventable fatality? Transitioning to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) global framework could be one of many strategies that protects the reputation of your organisation by reducing these risks and increasing the safety and well being of your consumers.
Part 2 of the IDDSI blog series explains how the IDDSI framework trumps the current Australian Standards and how we can help you and your staff either begin or complete accomplishment of the transition process.
The size of the problem
As dysphagia often happens at the same time as other health conditions, it is difficult to be certain of the prevalence rate. However, and alarmingly, research indicates that 50-75% of nursing home residents have a prevalence of dysphagia (1).
And as you may be aware, many of these instances can be avoided if dysphagia is treated timely and appropriately.
What is more worrying, is that if dysphagia is not treated appropriately by staff, then besides choking, associated health complications include pneumonia, chest infections, dehydration, malnutrition and weight loss.
Often dysphagia residents exhibit sociated declined health, so staff will have difficulty in administering medication and this can result in hospital admissions. In the worst cases, dysphagia can result in death.
When Professor Joe Ibrahim, Head of Health Law and Ageing Research Unit at the Department of Forensic Medicine at Monash analysed nursing home deaths within a 15-year period, he found over 3,000 deaths were considered premature and preventable (2).
“The study showed that choking was the second highest incidence that caused premature deaths in nursing homes.”
Don’t leave your residents to chance and become a statistic.
Why does the IDDSI Framework Trump the Australian Standards
While we have had voluntary national terminology in Australia that addresses food textures and thickened fluids for people with swallowing problems since 2007, the (IDDSI) Committee created global standardisations based on comprehensive evidence-based best practice. From recorded experiences, the recommendations accommodate a greater spectrum of severity, so there is far more accuracy in serving food textures and drink thicknesses appropriate for individual conditions.
Additionally, these standards have been introduced to reduce the variation in care. While staff are transient across geographic locations, a global standardisation aids in a universal understanding and approach that minimises risk.
There are three major changes between the existing Australian terminology to the IDDSI framework, such as 1. a new numbering system 2. colour code changes denoting the thickness of drinks, and 3. the removal of bread and sandwiches from the new IDDSI Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized category.
By transitioning to the IDDSI standards, you and your staff can have peace of mind, knowing another advisory and protection level has been added, with these standards supported by peak bodies such as Speech Pathology Australia, Dietitians Association of Australia and the Institute of Hospitality in HealthCare. As all relevant health professionals are educated and trained to adopt the standards, further benefits yielded will include improved communication and collaboration.
Australia is joining more than 20 other countries including New Zealand, the US, Canada, and several European nations in implementing it.
The best way to implement this framework is through an AWARE-PREPARE & ADOPT strategy.
And this is where I can be of help to you.
I have created a FREE informative presentation for your staff involved in care and catering that addresses the first stage of Awareness.
Dietitians are experts in food and nutrition. They assist people with optimising their diet and nutrition to improve one’s health and quality of life, and to prevent and treat a range of chronic health conditions. Dietitians can also help patients manage nutrition at different stages of life, nutrient deficiencies, and food intolerances and allergies. Dietitians have sound university training accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA), and undertake continuous professional development that complies with the DAA guidelines for best practice.
Dietitians perform thorough nutrition assessments and monitoring, taking into account various factors including a patient’s medical, clinical and diet history, individual nutritional requirements and their health goals. This information helps accurately diagnose nutrition issues and forms a treatment plan that ensures patients receive quality evidenced-based care and achieve the best health outcomes.
Leah’s recent promotion to Home Care Physiotherapy Team Leader, allows her to be an advocate for the Home Care team and share ideas to management. Read her incredible stroke survivor story and his inspiring journey.
Why did you choose Empower?
I met the management team at the end of year conference for the University of Melbourne Physiotherapy graduates. Empower’s clinical educator gave a speech about their comprehensive new grad program and the regular professional development that they encouraged. It was a month or so after the conference that I received a call. It was from Adam, the CEO. He asked whether I was interested in coming in for an interview. I was completely unsure of what I wanted to do at the time, so I thought ‘why not!’. During the interview, I was impressed with how family oriented they were and that they appeared to care about every individual, so when they offered me the role I said ‘yes’ and here I am today.
What do you love most about your job?
Working in Aged Care is the most rewarding job I have ever had. The opportunity to meet, learn from and most importantly, help those with almost ten decades worth of life experience is something I am truly grateful for. I also work in the community, where I travel to clients houses and conduct rehabilitation-based therapy with them. Assisting someone to gain the strength and independence to safely remain in their own home or achieve their mobility goals is extremely rewarding.
Recently, I was promoted to Home Care Physiotherapy Team Leader. I have loving the opportunity to liaise with the Home Care team and advocate for their ideas to the management team.
What has been your most memorable moment?
There was a man who was admitted to the aged care facility after suffering a severe stroke. He had attended rehabilitation therapy at the hospital for months but was still unable to walk or support himself while sitting. He requested physiotherapy sessions on admission, so we began with simple exercises and progressed from there. He stands out so clearly in my mind as he was one of the most motivated people I have ever met! Every time I walked past his room; I would see him practising the exercises that I had given him. After a few months, he walked out of that facility and returned home with his family. He was truly a testament to what we can achieve when we put our mind to something and I’m so grateful that I was able to be part of such a journey!
In what ways has Empower supported your growth personally & professionally?
While at Empower, I’ve had the opportunity to progress from being a newly graduated physio to a Site Leader and now the Physiotherapy Home Care Team Leader. With a new grad program, fortnightly PD with the team, quarterly professional development with the entire company and funds to complete external professional development courses, Empower has provided me with many opportunities to grow in both a personal and professional sense.
In your new role, what will you be looking to achieve in 2020?
I’m looking forward to collaborating with the physiotherapists and osteopaths who work in the Home Care team to understand their difficulties and their ideas for improvement. I’m eager to explore these ideas in order to cultivate a team that is supported, motivated, engaged and destined for success.
What piece of advice would you give your new graduate self?
“Celebrate, Give it a go, Ask for feedback and Stay curious.”
I know there are a few in there but I think they’re all important! Celebrate your achievement – it’s huge! You’ve made it through university, and you have a world of opportunity just waiting for you. Take the time to let that soak in. Then when you’ve found a job, give everything a go and accept that you’re going to make mistakes! I’ve mentored and worked with a few new grads and it’s much easier to help someone to realise their own potential when they’re ready to give things a go, ask questions and take feedback on board. Finally, stay curious. Keep up to date with current research, make connections and question the way things are done. You’ll be surprised at how often you can truly make a positive change.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I love eating at interesting places, playing goal shooter in netball, reading Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and hiking on windy days. I also love going to concerts, Christmas and spending quality with my family and friends.…
Health related issues for people with a disability are not uncommon, and often impact on their ability to independence and choice under the NDIS. The NDIA recognised this last year and in October 2019, included an additional range of disability-related health supports to purchase using NDIS funding, if they are a regular part of the Participant’s life and a result of their disability.
Many of these health-related disability supports can be claimed using existing line items for disability support workers and therapists (including OTs, physiotherapists, psychologists, ECEI specialists, dieticians and exercise physiologists).
Here’s a dietetic example of how we can now provide additional allied health-related support services.
“With a PEG the role of a dietitian is working out the feeding regimes. We don’t do tube changes or assist in maintenance of the PEG, but we do give advice on water flushes of the tubes which is just a part of PEG management. The main care for a PEG is done by medical of nursing staff. We can also assist care facilities on developing or reviewing their PEG policies”
Empower Healthcare’s Range of Disability-Related Allied Health Supports
Empower Healthcare provides the following services for these health-related supports and can discuss how these supports can be assessed and implemented.
Podiatry Disability-Related Health Supports
Assessment, development, implementation and periodic review of a podiatry care plan by an NDIS-funded suitably qualified and competent clinician
Training of an NDIS-funded suitably qualified and competent worker to implement the podiatry care plan and perform any required daily maintenance and care related to the plan
Diabetic Management Disability-Related Health Supports
Development and periodic review of a diabetic management plan by an NDIS-funded suitably qualified and competent clinician
Implementation of a diabetic management plan and daily maintenance and care by an NDIS-funded suitably qualified and competent worker
Training of an NDIS-funded suitably qualified and competent worker to implement a diabetic management plan
Nutrition Disability-Related Health Supports
Dietetic consultations and the development and periodic review of a nutritional meal plan by an NDIS-funded suitably qualified and competent clinician
Implementation of a nutritional meal plan by an NDIS-funded suitably qualified and competent worker
Training of an NDIS-funded suitably qualified and competent worker to implement the nutritional meal plan
Provision of PEG maintenance and care by a suitably qualified and competent worker
Training of an NDIS-funded suitably qualified and competent worker to provide PEG maintenance and care
Wound and Pressure Care Disability-Related Health Supports
Wound care and pressure care (including pressure injury management) by an NDIS-funded suitably qualified and competent worker.
For more information, download the Department of Social Services fact sheet
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 10 – 64 years of age.
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.
These services also include timely and effective communication to support the administration of your clients’ funds.
We want your client’s to experience the best allied health services, and stay independent, happy, healthy in their own home.
We Understand Your NDIS Needs and Deliver
Rapid Response – that’s our service guarantee
We acknowledge all NDIS referrals within 4 hours.
Appointments are booked within 48 hours.
Prompt Treatment
Initial appointments completed within 14 days of referral.
Continuity of Care
The same clinician will be assigned to all appointments for a consumer.
Timely Reporting
We update Case Managers on the same day or within 24 hours of initial appointment.
Cost Effective Services
There are no hidden fees.
Our pricing includes travel, treatment and documentation time.
Professional and Friendly Team
We take the time to get to know every consumer, allowing us to create meaningful care plans to support their life goals.
We are experts in co-ordinating services provided through the NDIS and scheduling private consultations.
We are delighted to welcome Mike McDermett as our NDIS Relationship Manager. He joins the Empower family to expand our NDIS services footprint and strengthen our relationships with NDIS focused organisations and participants.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I have spent the past 10 years working across the disability sector in Victoria in a variety of roles including Community Engagement and Service Innovation. I have been involved in the NDIS since its earliest days in Barwon. Prior to this I worked in online travel and as a teacher.
What do you love most about your role?
The opportunity to make a difference by creating relationships which will increase the number of Empower staff changing lives for people with a disability.
In your new position at Empower, what will you be looking to achieve in 2020?
Building strong relationships with NDIS focused organisations and participants. I also aim to provide help and support for all Empower staff regarding the NDIS.
Your thoughts around allied health services for an NDIS future
Allied health under the old system was difficult and costly to access. The NDIS has opened the opportunity for people with a disability to use allied health in innovative ways to create independence and they have the right to choose who they work with. Previous underutilised services like Occupational Therapy and Podiatry are now popular with the NDIS, giving people with a disability access to funding. Allied health is also now available for ages 10 to 18 and older adults that under the previous system had very little.
What attracted you to Empower?
I was attracted to the opportunity of working with allied health staff who I have always found professional and passionate to work with in previous positions. I also enjoy the process of building positive relationships with external organisations. Empower Healthcare provides a fresh approach to allied health in its support of staff and this is a key reason why I was attracted to this position.
Out of the workplace, what are your interests and hobbies?
I am father to two young people who keep me busy. I like to trail run and am attempting to re-learn the clarinet after a break of 30 years.
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I collect first edition Ghost Books from the era that is considered the “golden age” of ghost stories 1900 -1930
Let Us Help You with All Your NDIS 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 10 – 64 years of age.
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.
These services also include timely and effective communication to support the administration of your clients’ funds.
We want your client’s to experience the best allied health services, and stay independent, happy, healthy in their own home.
We Understand Your NDIS Needs and Deliver
Rapid Response – that’s our service guarantee
We acknowledge all NDIS referrals within 4 hours.
Appointments are booked within 48 hours.
Prompt Treatment
Initial appointments completed within 14 days of referral.
Continuity of Care
The same clinician will be assigned to all appointments for a consumer.
Timely Reporting
We update Case Managers on the same day or within 24 hours of initial appointment.
Cost Effective Services
There are no hidden fees.
Our pricing includes travel, treatment and documentation time.
Professional and Friendly Team
We take the time to get to know every consumer, allowing us to create meaningful care plans to support their life goals.
We are experts in co-ordinating services provided through the NDIS and scheduling private consultations.
Denis Yardin, one of our incredibly talented and passionate Osteopaths, clarifies the mystery and misunderstanding behind his profession and explains the many benefits behind Osteopathy.
Osteopathy has exploded in popularity in Australia. Many people have started to visit them for their aches and pains without having a clear understanding of who they are and what they do. It is therefore our responsibility as health care providers to give an insight into how Osteopaths can help people within the community.
So, what is Osteopathy and why do people choose to see one? This blog aims to create an informative view on the profession of Osteopathy and how it can benefit people, along with examples to illustrate when someone would benefit from seeing an Osteopath.
WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
The International Academy of Osteopathy defines osteopathy as “a manual examination and treatment method of the integrated musculoskeletal, visceral system and craniosacral systems.”
Osteopaths assess the mobility and flexibility of the musculoskeletal, the vascular, the neurological, the visceral and fascial systems in all its integration. They value how the structure and function of those systems are interrelated and how the body uses its own self-healing mechanism to recover from injuries.
Examples of how an Osteopath would treat a patient could be as follows…
1. Hip Problem
A hip problem for instance may be resulting from multiple causes such as mechanical problems in the foot or knee, movement blockages within the pelvic joint, low back issues, or even circulation problems that may be related to the internal organs such as constipation.
An overall assessment of movement and specific musculoskeletal testing of several body structures are then used to differentiate between the tissues being affected and what are causing the problem. Once the origin of the condition is identified, the Osteopath uses a variety of manual techniques and exercise prescriptions, as well as patient education to help with the expected tissue healing prognosis.
2. Kidney problem
The visceral system includes all the organs present in the chest and abdominal cavity. A kidney problem may affect the mobility of the visceral fascia (connective tissue that connects/links the organs and all other tissues together within the body) which can lead to mobility/flexibility limitations in the musculoskeletal system, particularly around the torso where segmental neuronal supply is shared between the kidneys and skin/muscles.
An aspect of neural input to these organs relate to specific spinal cord segments. Therefore, a pain signal originating from an internal organ may affect muscles and skin that share the same spinal cord segment, and as a result, a patient may experience musculoskeletal pain without having any injury.
Specific visceral manipulation techniques may be used to encourage space within the abdomen to allow tension through fascia to free itself. Gentle manipulation technique is utilised with patient’s breathing which may relieve some discomfort. The Osteopaths may then reassess the patient’s back pain and treat where necessary.
Why should you choose to see an Osteopath?
Osteopaths conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify mobility impairments within the body systems and investigate the exact cause of the problem. We mainly use hands-on assessments and treatment techniques to manage structural and bio-mechanical dysfunctions with a holistic approach to assist with health optimisation. Those manual techniques are relatively gentle and are usually aimed at structures such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, fascia and other connective tissues.
The biopsychosocial model of health is frequently mentioned by Osteopaths as it is aligned with our treatment approach. It is the belief that biological, psychological and social factors play a profound role on how pain is perceived and dealt with by patients. Those factors are interrelated and display a complex relationship within themselves as shown in the diagram below.
An illustration of the biopsychosocial model comprised of biological, psychological, and sociological influences.
A patient-centered approach is taken, which considers the person in their entirety, including their goals, needs and expectations. Osteopathy is all about holism and therefore may also collaborate with other allied health modalities, to best consider patient outcomes.
Osteopaths educate patients regarding their condition and the different management strategies based on the latest evidence. They would hence always explain why they choose to do a manual therapy technique and what they aim to achieve during their consultation.
Who may benefit from seeing an Osteopath in the community?
Osteopaths are trained to assess and treat people of all demography with various presentations. Many people are unaware that the service can be provided in the community. Some short scenarios examples have therefore been prepared to give some ideas of what conditions may benefit from seeing an Osteopath.
Recurrent injury of unknown cause
A patient has tennis elbow or a suspicion of tennis elbow. However, he has never played tennis or had no recent trauma. The injury keeps on coming back despite taking medications or making some lifestyle changes.
Pain with no known underlying pathology
Pain is suddenly felt over the right knee. The pain is now present every day and impacts the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks. An X-ray has been performed and revealed no internal damage or pathology.
Mobility impairment that is generally non-traumatic
A patient is having a gradual decline in mobility. There have been no trauma or surgery to the legs. They have a known circulation problem and they feel weak.
A complex case where many allied health avenues were tried and had no significant change or result
A patient has been suffering from chest pain for more than 10 years. They have a long list of medical history. The patient has seen GPs, specialists, physiotherapist, psychologist to name a few. Medication administration lead to various side effects and therefore chose to stop them.
Patients that are seeking more passive treatment
A patient is very sensitive to touch and any manual treatment technique used in the past caused great pain. They also want to be involved in a treatment that would help in relaxation.
During Occupational Therapy (OT) Week, Empower is celebrating its amazing occupational therapists and Amanda Chan reflects on why she joined the profession and the importance of collaborative work and person-centric care.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Working as an Occupational Therapist, I often get this question, “What is occupational therapy?”. The World Federation of Occupational Therapy defines Occupational Therapy as below.
“Occupational Therapy is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and wellbeing through occupation… to enable people to participate in activities of daily life… by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement.” WFOT, 2012.
While many other people in the health industry are involved in the diagnosis of diseases, the occupational therapist’s role is about collaboratively setting and achieving meaningful goals.
Amanda explains, “Whether it be helping a person with selecting a chair that can help them stand because they have difficulty standing from their couch or introducing a person to a bath lifter to help them enjoy a bath again, I always feel a sense of satisfaction when seeing the joy on people’s faces as they successfully engage in these simple yet meaningful activities again.
Throughout my training as an Occupational Therapist, we are taught that engaging and participating in meaningful activities provide positive benefits to a person’s feeling of wellbeing.”
Many occupational therapists work with people who have an illness, have a disability or recovering from an injury, and there is a high degree of sensitivity and respect for humanity that is required for this profession.
“Being able to support people of all abilities to engage and participate in what is important to them is my motivation to be the best that I can be. I enjoy working together with the client to create a treatment plan that is meaningful and reflective of their functional and independence goals, be it a leisure activity like knitting, self-care activity such as having a shower safely or a productive activity like preparing their own meals.”
Meaningful Goals and Working Together
“The person who seeks her services is the expert in their lives. They know what is important for them and what is meaningful to them, and from there, they can work together to form goals and work towards those goals together.
At Empower, we recognise the importance of collaborative work. Cooperating and working together with other professionals, families, caregivers and consumers are important with helping consumers achieve their meaningful goals with a holistic approach.”
Therapy activities provided by Occupational Therapists can include;
teaching new techniques to complete the activity
relearning tasks included in completing activities
providing equipment to assist with completing activities or
modifying an environment to enable a person to engage in the activity.
All these can facilitate independence, reduce environmental barriers and provide resources to facilitate a sense of well-being.
Promoting Choice
Health care is becoming more person-centered where consumers are encouraged to make informed choices to better support their needs and well-being.
“With the rollout of the NDIS and the new aged care standards, I can see more relevance in the new health care focus in relation to occupational therapy. There is a shift in health care to promote choice, dignity and respect for consumers.
For example, consumers using NDIS funding have access to services based on goals set by consumers together with the support workers. Looking at the new aged care standards, the new standard of care to be provided to older adult consumers in community and in aged care residential facilities is centralised around maintaining a consumer’s choice, dignity and respect.
This resonates with occupational therapist’s core values where the consumer is the expert of their lives and services provided to them should include their choice in all matters to enable consumers to live life to the best of their abilities. This shift empowers consumers to take charge of their own lives and to be able to make more choices to support their health and well-being.”
Author – Amanda Chan, Occupational Therapist at Empower.
About Empower
We Change Lives
At Empower Healthcare, we deliver life changing allied health services. Our whole team is dedicated to building and delivering exceptional services for clients, loved ones, referrers and partner organisations.
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 well-being.
We are a successful privately owned and operated organisation that continues to experience significant growth, driven by our fantastic services and family of professionals.
How can I find an Occupational Therapist?
We have an amazing team of therapists
Comprehensive coverage across Metropolitan Melbourne, Mornington and Geelong
Responsiveness is our allied health home care service guarantee
Services available to residential aged care organisations
Friendly and professional staff
Call our friendly team on PH: 9583 1364.
Learn more on how our Occupational Therapists can help you
Our friendly support team to get started on (03) 9583 1364
