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Category Archives: Occupational Therapy

Welcome Genevieve new DOTS Team Leader

DOT Team Lead Genevieve

DOT Team Lead Genevieve

 

We are thrilled to welcome Genevieve to the Empower Healthcare team as DOTS Team Leader. With a robust background in Dietetics, Genevieve brings a wealth of experience across various healthcare settings, shaping her professional skills and patient care approach.

Genevieve’s career began in rural communities, where she gained a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced in these areas. She then transitioned to community health, helping individuals achieve their health goals.

Her time in the acute sector allowed her to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, providing specialised patient care. Throughout her career, Genevieve has also gained significant project management experience, working to implement and improve services in hospitals.

In addition to her clinical work, Genevieve has found great fulfillment in her role as a Dietetic lecturer. She enjoys teaching and mentoring future Dietitians while staying current with evidence-based practices. This varied experience gives her a holistic view of healthcare, enabling her to address individual needs with empathy and a commitment to enhancing lives through nutrition.

Over the past four years, Genevieve has worked at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance. There, she led the development and refinement of program management frameworks and guided teams in embedding best practices to deliver impactful outcomes across research and education programs.

Genevieve thrives in collaborative environments where challenges lead to innovation.

I am motivated by helping clients achieve their goals and supporting colleagues by building trusting relationships with a shared vision for success

When she’s not working, you can find Genevieve walking her cheeky cavoodle puppy, playing backyard cricket with her seven-year-old son, or enjoying dinner out with friends and family. She particularly enjoys family holiday time.

The Empower Healthcare motto, “We Change Lives,” deeply resonates with Genevieve. She believes in creating an environment where talent is nurtured and inclusion is fostered. Through mentoring and support, Genevieve aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of colleagues and clients alike.

Welcome, Genevieve!

 

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Speech Pathologists and Dietitians work together to help people with Dysphagia

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

Falls Prevention

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

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The evidence is in – exercise matters

Exercise Matter web banner 1500 × 800px

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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Empower welcomes Heather to our NSW Occupational Therapy Team

Heather NSW OT blog

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!

 


How To Get Clients 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

 

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Our Multidisciplinary Team Approach To Mobility Assessments

Mobility Assessment 1500 x 800 px

We can help you take the guesswork and uncertainty out of whether your client would benefit from the success of physiotherapy, an exercise program or assistive equipment to improve their mobility when movement is challenging.

Our multidisciplinary team understand that mobility inside the home, within the community and beyond is a requirement for independence and a cornerstone of quality of life at all ages.

To assess mobility, our team may:

  • Perform a thorough subjective assessment to ascertain what aspects of movement a client is finding challenging and what effect that has on their lives.
  • Analyse gait on a variety of surfaces.
  • Evaluate a person’s ability to move in bed, sit and stand up.
  • Assess stair or step climbing, if appropriate.
  • Determine the need for mobility aids.
  • Assess strength, endurance, and balance to understand the causes of loss of mobility.

Once a thorough assessment has been performed, we will work with clients to create goals of treatment and individualised interventions that can help them to reach those objectives.

Here’s five signs that a person may need a mobility assessment:

  • Reduced ability to manage activities of daily living due to problems with walking, standing up or stair climbing.
  • Loss of confidence in leaving the house.
  • Family members or caregivers reporting an increased need to assist with standing-up and walking.
  • A history of falling or fear of falling.
  • Anyone returning home after a period of prolonged hospitalisation due to injury or illness who is experiencing a reduction in function.

With our multidisciplinary and holistic wellbeing approach, Empower’s assessment reports provide clarity and direction to equip you with the knowledge to determine the best care plan going forward.

Go to our online referral to get started.  https://www.empowerhealthcare.com.au/referrals/

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.

  1. Extensive service offerings
  2. Care provided by highly skilled clinicians
  3. A team approach to delivering continuity of care
  4. User friendly referral process
  5. 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.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

Our QLD team is growing with Occupational Therapist Amy

Amy Chen OT Web 1500 x 800 px

Dedicated to Occupational Therapy in Aged Care

Amy’s diverse experience brings a wealth of knowledge to Empower. Having worked in areas of aged care, community, mental health and disabilities across Queensland, her OT clinical experience is broad.

What drives Amy in her professions is

OT is very diverse! I can work in different areas and meet a lot of people. I can also be creative in ways which I help my clients and collaborate with them

Out of work she enjoys good tea, music, travelling and reading. Amy spends time with her family and enjoys cooking fresh beef or chicken jerky for her cat.

Amy’s appointment marks our commitment to growing and developing our services across Australia as we continue to deliver high quality healthcare solutions.

Occupational Therapy Services

Our Home Care Occupational Therapy (OT) team are experts in helping people live safely and independently. They employ a range of strategies to improve functional independence, increase confidence in daily activities and engage in the community.

Our services include;

Functional assessments
– Home modifications
– Neurological rehab – stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury
– Cognitive assessments
– Falls prevention
– Equipment and assistive technology prescription
– Home assessments
– Pressure care recommendations
– Mental health OT

Visit our OT Services page for further information

About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

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. 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

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

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Senior OT brings NDIS specialist skills to Empower

Tiffany Cheung OT Web 1500 x 800 px

Tiffany Cheung OT

Occupational Therapist Tiffany Cheung joins the Empower NSW Team

Experienced Occupational Therapist Tiffany Cheung joins our growing NSW team. Tiffany is experienced working with people with disabilities and complex conditions across different age groups. She helps them achieve their goals through person-centred individualised care.

Her five years spent in hospital and community settings has developed her interest and specialist skills in Complex Assistive Technology Prescription and Complex Home Modifications under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Tiffany is experienced in completing OT assessment in clients’ homes after they are discharged from hospital and provides interventions to ensure they are safe at home so they can live safely and independently.

Tiffany says
I love working in OT because it enables me to make a difference in other people’s lives. I love helping my clients to discover their potential and I would like to try my very best to support them to live a happy and fulfilling life regardless of whether they live with disabilities or other medical conditions

In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys a wide range of activities including swimming, boating, reading, and painting and is a big fan of Music and is studying to become a certified therapeutic harpist.

Welcome to the team Tiffany.

Visit our OT  Services page for further information

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.

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

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

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OT Services available in QLD with short wait periods

Website Kinnon ndis

Occupational Therapy now available in QLD with short wait times

We are now happy to extend our Occupational Therapy (OT) services to the Queensland community servicing the greater metropolitan Brisbane area. Our short two week wait times ensure your clients are our priority.

Empower’s OT team work with all conditions and people of all ages to address each person’s individual needs. The OT team are experts in helping people live safely and independently. They employ a range of strategies to improve functional independence, increase confidence in daily activities helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.

Empower provide a broad range of OT services

OT Services offered include:

✔️Functional assessments
✔️Cognitive assessments
✔️Home assessments
✔️Home modifications
✔️Falls prevention
✔️Pressure care recommendations
✔️Neurological rehab – stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury
✔️Equipment and assistive technology prescription
✔️Mental health care

Start now with our quick and easy online referral form – scroll down for the link.

Activities of daily living

Activities of daily living (ADL’s) include those basic activities we engage in to make sure that we survive and can function in society. ADL’s include some of the most important skills for independence–but also some of the most challenging.

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.

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

Click To Read More

 

Need any minor equipment or home modifications?

Home modifications are a key factor in enabling individuals to live in a place or home of their choice for as long as possible. Our OT team are skilled at recognising how the environment affects the ability to perform desired actions.

Our Home Care Occupational Therapy (OT) team are experts in helping people live safely and independently. They employ a range of strategies to improve functional independence, increase confidence in daily activities and engage in the community.

By analysing how a person interacts with their environment to complete a task or activity, we can identify appropriate modifications and interventions.

Our detailed report will help you manage the process from start to end.

Click To Read More

Have an enquiry?

You can contact Tammy Peace, Operations Manager – QLD
Email on tammyp@empowerhealthcare.com.au or
Phone on 07 3180 3925.

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 and knew how to do it. 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.

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

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

Why Nathan enjoys being an Allied Health Assistant

Nathan Burton Blog banner

Why Nathan Loves being an Allied Health Assistant

Empower Healthcare has a team of Allied Health Assistants (AHA’s) that work under the direction of Physiotherapists to deliver holistic care.

This diverse role can range from delivering tailored treatment plans to providing education to clients and families. Far from dull, the role of an AHA is another service approach available to freeing up funds for improved access to extended therapy, equipment and medical needs.

Nathan shares his experience as an Allied Health Assistant

Being an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) at Empower allows me to use my experience to make a connection with people and their community whilst offering the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals. Since completing my Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, I have gained experience in aged care, community health, and in-home care.

I have been involved in many community health programs including hydrotherapy, chronic pain management, and balance and strengthening exercise programs, working alongside several different health professionals most notably Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists.

Working as an AHA in the community allows me to see and share in the clients benefits and achievements which is inspiring. Working closely with people from all walks of life and being a part of their story is a special feeling. I am very fortunate to be able to help empower others and have a positive impact on their wellbeing.

Outside of work I love spending time with my family which includes my wife, my two energetic, competitive and rapidly growing boys, and our much loved (spoilt) border collie Tilly. I try to stay fit and active and enjoy jogging, riding, and walking. I also love getting to work in the garden especially growing veggies and chilies. In my down time I love to read (usually historical fiction), and enjoy watching most sports including AFL, basketball and soccer, and I am a tragic fan of the Tour de France.

 

READ TO MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANTS

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 and knew how to do it. 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.

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

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

 …

Follow the gold standard in wound care

Wound awareness 2

A Team Approach to Wound Care

On any given day, half a million Australians are living with a poorly healing or chronic wound. These wounds can be very difficult to live with and manage as they are often in hard-to-reach areas of the body and can impair mobility and independence. Examples of chronic wounds include leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and pressure injuries.

Research has shown that a multidisciplinary approach is the gold standard in preventing and managing wounds and the pain, disability and loss of independence that they can cause. Each clinician brings skills and expertise, with the shared goal of maintaining and improving quality of life.

Nurses

Assess for risk factors that can lead to chronic wounds.

Assist in the management of underlying health conditions that can cause hard-to-heal wounds.

Assess wounds to determine the best treatment approach.

Treat- including cleaning, applying pharmaceuticals and dressing wounds.

Refer for additional care when required.

Podiatrists

Perform wound assessments on the foot, ankle and leg at every visit.

Are the cornerstone of diabetic foot care.

Ensure correct footwear to reduce pressure injury and falls related wounds.

Dietitians

Understand that good, balanced nutrition is the first step in preventing chronic wound formation.

Assess for the nutritional causes of chronic wounds, including poorly managed blood glucose and malnutrition.

Create meal plans that ensure adequate nutritional intake to prevent wounds and aid healing.

Physiotherapists

Assess for risk factors that can lead to chronic wounds.

Intervene with rehabilitation programs to reduce risks of falls, loss of mobility and poor circulation.

Assist with pressure care by implementing pressure relieving strategies.

Occupational Therapists

Perform assessments of clients and their environments for wound risk factors.

Reduce the risk of wounds by assisting with adapting homes to be safer and easier to move around in.

Recommend pressure preventing and relieving equipment and accessories.

Provide therapy that assists clients function safely and independently in their homes and communities.

 

By determining the unique needs of each client, an individualised treatment program can be developed that includes the health care team members best suited to providing the most effective treatment for the management of chronic wounds- promoting healing, health and vitality.

Here’s 4 reasons why you should place wound care at the heart of client care.

References

http://www.aushsi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Chronic-Wounds-Issues-Paper-20-Oct-2017.pdf

https://www.qut.edu.au/institute-of-health-and-biomedical-innovation/about/news/news?id=145230

 

 

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 and knew how to do it. 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.

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

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes