fbpx

Category Archives: Multi Disciplinary Team

Community, Multi Disciplinary Team

Empower Healthcare – caring for you where you are

Posted on by Nicole Cook
7R2A0269 scaled
07
Oct

 

7R2A0269 scaled

At Empower Healthcare, we provide in home person centred services

With the convenience of home visits, we not only make treatments easier but also customise our methods to your environment, ensuring an efficient and comfortable journey towards improved health.

Our caring and knowledgeable team of mobile clinicians are ready to help in Home Care, NDIS and Residential Aged Care (RAC). Referrals can be made to one or multiple services as required.
Explore the range of services we provide across all states (VIC, NSW, QLD, WA) as below:
Physiotherapy:
Our Physiotherapists offer comprehensive care addressing unique health goals with a blend of customised exercise programs and advanced manual techniques.

Occupational therapy:

  • Our OT’s are experts in making daily activities easier, address safety concerns and optimise your home environment for your function.

Dietetics:

  • Our Dietiians help in customising and optimising diets and nutrition to improve health and quality of life, while treating and preventing a range of chronic health conditions.

Nursing:

  • Our Nurses are able to complete relevant assessments to implement appropriate treatments, depending on your needs.

Podiatry:

  • Our Podiatrists are experienced in the care of feet, ankles and lower legs providing treatments for conditions arising from growth, ageing, disability or injury.

Speech pathology:

  • Our Speech Pathologists provide assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and management in the areas of communication and swallowing.

Massage therapy:

  • Our Massage therapist will identify the type of massage to best suit your needs to help balance the length and tension of the muscles and tendons helping restore correct positions and increase blood circulation.

Osteopath:

  • Our Osteopaths assess and treat structural and functional integrity of the human body, focusing on musculoskeletal system

Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

…
Continue reading →
Announcements, Dietetics, Multi Disciplinary Team, Speech

Speech and Dietetic multidisciplinary approach to Dysphagia

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Multidisciplinary Approach Speech Dietetics
02
Jul

Multidisciplinary Approach Speech Dietetics

Speech Pathologists and Dietitians work together to help people with Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the medical term for ‘difficulty in swallowing’. ​ Causes of dysphagia are any condition or event that weakens, damages, or removes the muscles, nerves, and/or other structures used for swallowing.

A person’s quality of life and ability to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration is impacted by Dysphagia. Speech Pathologists and Dietitians work together with a multidisciplinary (MDT) approach to ensure quality outcomes for the people they care for.

Swallowing Assessment

It is the role of a Speech Pathologist to trial different food textures and conduct an oral motor examination to better understand how a person is chewing and swallowing their foods.

The person with Dysphagia may be have long meal times which are fatiguing and therefore unable to consume enough nutritional content or they are aspirating on their food and drink. Aspiration means food is emptying into the lungs rather than into the oesophagus to the stomach.

To assist these clients, we can make recommendations to modifying the texture of their food and drink as well as implementing some the safe swallowing strategies such as

  • small frequent meals
  • reducing distractions during mealtimes
  • building meal time routines
Nutritional Assessment

Following a swallowing assessment from a Speech Pathologist, a Dietitian will assess a person’s nutritional status and work with them to maximise their nutrition.

It is well known that Dysphagia significantly increases the risk of poor nutritional status. This results in malnutrition, dehydration, and the social and psychological impacts on both the person and carer. A Dietitian will work closely with a Speech Pathologist to implement suitable food and fluid consistencies, otherwise known as texture-modified diets. Usually, a Speech Pathologist will recommend a texture modified diet that is safe to be consumed by the person, whilst a Dietitian will provide support to optimise food and fluid intake whilst adhering to the required consistencies.

Person centred care ensures the social and psychological impacts of such diets are reduced, and that individuals can preserve the enjoyment of eating and drinking as much as possible. These considerations are important in preserving quality of life and the independence of an individual.

MDT Approach

If someone is unable to obtain enough nutrition or hydration from a texture-modified diet, a Dietitian may recommend other methods to improve their nutrition, such as oral nutrition supplements. Again, a Dietitian will consult with a Speech Pathologist to ensure the consistency of such beverages are safe for the person.

If oral nutrition supplements are not successful or swallowing ability further deteriorates, both the Dietitian and Speech Pathologist may recommend that a person receive their nutrition and hydration through tube feeding. In contrast, when someone is receiving nutrition via tube feeding and it may be possible for an individual’s swallowing to improve, a Dietitian and Speech Pathologist will work closely to assist in transitioning the person to an oral diet.

The multidisciplinary approach of Speech Pathologists and Dietitians in a community care setting ensures the needs of those with dysphagia are met.

Through collaboration and acknowledging the expertise of the other discipline, both Dietitians and Speech Pathologists provide individualised care and positively influence not only the health, but well being of those living with Dysphagia.

 

MORE BLOGS

Meet Speech Pathologist Sharon 

Meet Dietetic Team Lead Kara

 

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

 

 

 

…
Continue reading →
Community, Multi Disciplinary Team

Massage & Chronic Pain: Knot Your Average Pain Relief

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Massage blog web
29
Feb

Massage blog web

In the world of healthcare, the power of massage therapy goes far beyond relaxation for older clients.

At our core, we believe in the transformative impact of massage on quality of life, promoting independence and providing care tailored to each individual.

In 2022, over 4 million Australians were living with chronic pain and the prevalence increases as we age, 80% are aged care residents. With an ever rapidly growing aged population, this number is increasing at a rapid rate each year.

Chronic pain is any pain that persists for more than 3 months.

The four most common sources of chronic pain include:

  1. Lower back – can be debilitating and restrict activity
  2. Cancer Pain – a common issue for individuals with advanced cancer.
  3. Arthritis Pain – often manifests as joint stiffness or swelling.
  4. Headaches – including migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches, are among the most prevalent chronic headaches.

The sensation of pain is the result of a series of messages that swiftly travel through the nervous system. Pain sensors activate in a specific area when experiencing an injury. These sensors transmit an electrical signal that progresses from one nerve to another until it reaches your brain. Your brain interprets the signal and sends a message to you, yelling, IT HURTS!

Our mission is to enhance the well-being of each person regardless of health status. By focusing on individualized care and empowering our clients to take control of their health and happiness, we aim to create a space where everyone feels valued and supported on their journey towards better quality of life. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care.

How does massage help sufferers of chronic pain?

  • Massage therapy for chronic pain decreases pain, tension, stress, enhances relaxation and improves range of motion.
  • Massage therapy is a non-invasive method used to manage chronic pain. While it’s not a cure for chronic diseases, when combined with physical activity and a treatment plan, massage can effectively reduce pain, alleviate stress, and positively impact the lives of individuals dealing with chronic pain over extended periods.
  • During a massage session, the temperature of muscles rises as blood circulation increases. This rise in muscle temperature enhances the flexibility and elasticity of tissues, allowing muscles to relax and stretch.

Experiencing the holistic benefits of massage therapy and discover the positive impact it can have on your overall well-being. Embrace the power of personalized care, independence, and quality of life as we work together to help you achieve your health goals. Your journey to wellness starts here.

SOME Massage Recording Post

​Get in touch if you think you or the person you care for would benefit from massage

 

Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

MORE BLOGS

What your clients can expect from a home massage

Massage Lead with Olympic sized experience 

 …

Continue reading →
Community, Multi Disciplinary Team, Occupational Therapy

FALLS PREVENTION: falls don’t ‘just happen’ to older people

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Falls Prevention
28
Nov

Falls Prevention

Falls don’t ‘just happen’ and become more common and consequential as we age.

Falls are Australia’s number one cause of injury hospitalisation and injury related death representing 43% of injury hospitalisation and 42% of injury deaths​1.

In Australia, 30% of adults aged 65 and over will experience at least one fall a year. This age group were more likely to be hospitalised or die from a fall compared with other life-stages.​ This data is informed by our older Australians that present to hospital with an injurious fall​.

Unfortunately, the other ‘falls, slips and trips’ that happen at home are not always reported due to

  • ​​Fear of reporting​
  • Fear of losing independence​
  • Fear of institutional care​
  • Lack of confidence​

​Most hospitalised falls occur in the home and it’s up to the individual – their family and supports to assist.​ ​​The good news is fall CAN be PREVENTED. ​

​ Empower Multidisciplinary Team can help with

  • Improving confidence
  • Participation in balance and mobility exercises
  • Falls prevention assessment and interventions​
  • Gait, balance and functional training​
  • Strength and Balance Exercise​
  • ​Multifactorial interventions​
  • Home safety assessment & modifications ​
  • Foot health​
  • Medication reviews​
  • Continence​
  • Dizziness and vertigo​

 

MDT roles in falls prevention chart

Physiotherapists help with – Keeping Active, Strong and Independent2

 

  • ​Aerobic Physical Activity​
  • Muscle Strengthening​
  • Functional balance and strength training​
  • Replacing sedentary time with more physical activity​

 

OTs help with – Living safely and independently at home and in the community

  • Comprehensive clinical assessment
  • Hazard assessment​​
  • Hazard removal​
  • Adaptive equipment​
  • Task modification​
  • Education​
  • Shared decision making​
  • Awareness raising ​

 

How we can help?

The FROP (Falls Risk for Older People) is a useful resource flow chart to guide what we can do to prevent falls. 

 

 

 

Falls Prevention Webinar Recording SoMe

​Get in touch if you think you or the person you care for would benefit from a Falls assessment or assistance. 

 

RESOURCES

  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)- Falls in older Australians aged 65 and over 2019-2020​. Link: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/falls​
  1. World Health Organisation WHO: Guidelines on Physical Activity and sedentary behaviour (2020)​. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)​
  2. NSW Ministry of Health – CEC website (Clinical Excellence Commission)​ https://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/286700/CEC-Fall-Prevention-Flow-Chart-for-Community-Care-July-2015.pdf
  3. Falls Prevention Resources: NSW Government, Clinical Excellence Commission  Fall prevention – Clinical Excellence Commission (nsw.gov.au)

Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

MORE BLOGS

Multiple Sclerosis and the Allied Health Team

How our Allied Health clinicians can help with Parkinson’s Disease

…
Continue reading →
Announcements, Multi Disciplinary Team

Multiple Sclerosis and the Allied Health Team

Posted on by Nicole Cook
MS Orange Illustrated WebsiteHeader ENG
30
May

MS Orange-Illustrated-WebsiteHeader_ENG

Connecting people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to the services they need

There are effective and proven ways to manage the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, alongside pharmacological advances in the clinical management of the disease. Allied Health clinicians and nurses play an important role in helping people living with MS achieve their goals and live the best life possible at all stages of their journey.

Improving nutrition

  • Eating a balanced and nutrient filled diet can reduce disability and depression in people with MS.
  • Improving fibre intake can help to manage constipation, which is a common symptom of MS.
  • Including herbs and spices in recipes is a way of increasing the tastiness of food, which can be reduced.
  • Eating the right foods, prepared in the correct ways is an effective way to reduce fatigue.
  • Maintaining high quality nutrient intake when managing swallowing difficulties is an important aspect of eating in more advanced stages of MS.

Who can help?

Dietitians for all diet, nutrient and food related programs

Speech Pathologists for swallowing difficulties

Nurses for general medical and health assessments and management.

Keeping fit and active

  • Moving and exercise is a mainstay of MS management.
  • Early, individualised exercise therapy improves mobility and balance.
  • In the later stages of MS, exercise can reduce muscle spasticity and conserve function.
  • Understanding how best and how much to exercise is vital for fatigue management.

Who can help?

Physiotherapists work with people at all stages to create exercise programs that address the unique needs of their clients.

Allied Health assistants support with safe and effective exercise.

Osteopaths work to help clients move their bodies and reduce pain.

Podiatrists prescribe and fit shoes to improve ankle and foot stability.

 

Maintaining Independence

  • Work and self-care can become difficult over time but people with MS can use technology and techniques to maintain independence for as long as possible.
  • From modified cutlery to electric wheelchairs, the right equipment can be a pathway to continued participation.
  • Home modifications and adaptions are key to ensuring safe mobility and access for people with MS.
  • Assistive devices can make life easier and safer for clients and their care givers.

Who can Help?

Occupational therapists for all home modifications and assistive technology

Physiotherapists for mobility equipment

Managing medications and continence

  • There is ongoing research into therapeutic and pharmacological management of Multiple Sclerosis, with significant advances being made as researchers learn more about the disease.
  • Medical management includes a regime of medications, taken regularly with side-effects well monitored.
  • Incontinence is a symptom of MS that most people face and can be well managed at home independently or with help if needed.

Who can help?

Nurses can help with medication management alongside the management of any other health concerns.

Nurses can also provide continence care and catheter care for people who need it.

 

By connecting to the healthcare professionals that best suit their needs, people with MS can maintain the best quality of life possible. Empower multidisciplinary teams work together to link clients to the clinicians they need. Click here for more information on World MS Day.

 

MORE BLOGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Living life to the full after Ostomy surgery

Nutrition and the immune system

 

 …

Continue reading →
Announcements, Multi Disciplinary Team

How our Allied Health clinicians can help with Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Parkinsons web 1500 × 800px
11
Apr
Parkinson's blog

Comprehensive, personalised care for people living with Parkinson’s disease can improve mobility, independence, and provide real quality of life.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder affecting *150,000 Australians with 38 more diagnosed every day. 20% of sufferers are under 50 years old and 10% are diagnosed before the age of 40.

Parkinson’s disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems. While there is currently no cure, Allied Health clinicians can assist in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people living with the condition.

These clinicians, along with Nurses, include Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Osteopaths, Podiatrists, and Speech Pathologists.

Physiotherapists
Work with people living with Parkinson’s disease to improve their mobility, balance, and strength. Physiotherapy can help to reduce stiffness and increase flexibility, which can help people with Parkinson’s disease to move more easily. They can also provide education on proper posture, gait, and balance, which can help to prevent falls.

 

Occupational Therapists
Can help people to continue to work, care for themselves and carry out activities of daily living by providing strategies for managing activities such as dressing, grooming, modified work arrangements and cooking. They can also provide advice on home modifications and assistive devices that can make daily activities easier.

 

Dietitians
Ensure that people who live with Parkinson’s disease are meeting their nutritional needs. Parkinson’s disease can affect a person’s ability to swallow, which can make it difficult to eat and drink. A dietitian can provide advice on the best foods to eat and the best ways to prepare them. They provide guidance on maintaining healthy weight and managing other health conditions that may be associated with Parkinson’s disease.

 

Osteopaths
Holistically approach the management of Parkinson’s disease and the musculoskeletal system to relieve pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles. They can provide manual therapies such as massage and stretching, which can help to improve flexibility and reduce pain. Osteopaths can also provide advice on exercise and lifestyle changes that can help to manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

 

Podiatrists
Work address problems with feet such as calluses, corns, and toenail problems that can be difficult to reach when movement is affected. They can also provide advice on proper footwear that can help to improve balance and prevent falls.

 

Speech Pathologists
Speech pathologists help people with Parkinson’s who struggle with communication to speak clearly, loudly, and with intent. Therapy aims to improve word-finding abilities, can help manage cognitive functioning, comprehension issues, memory, and following directions. Speech Pathologists also play a vital role in managing swallowing difficulties that can cause complications for people living with Parkinson’s.

 

Nurses
Play a crucial role in supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease. They can help by educating patients and their families about the disease and its management, providing guidance on medication schedules and side effects, and offering strategies for managing daily activities. Nurses can also monitor symptoms, assess changes in condition, and provide emotional support.

 

Working collaboratively, Allied Health clinicians can deliver comprehensive, personalised care for people living with Parkinson’s disease that can improve mobility, independence, and real quality of life.

 

*https://shakeitup.org.au/understanding-parkinsons/#:~:text=Parkinson’s%20is%20the%20second%20most,before%20the%20age%20of%2040.

 

MORE BLOGS

Living at home longer…and better

The benefits of Hydrotherapy

 

Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 …

Continue reading →