Palliative, Residential Aged Care

Conversations about end of life – our clinicians are prepared

Posted on August 4, 2023January 22, 2024 by Nicole Cook

04
Aug

Palliative care is more than just end of life.

Our bodies weren’t designed to live forever and death, whilst sad is inevitable for everyone. Empower clinicians are in a privileged role where they know their clients well, and can recognise changes as they near end of life.

Signs of deterioration in a client’s condition or behaviour can be a signal to start the conversation about end of life and dying. Our clinicians are trained to look for changes different to the persons norm. These conversations can be difficult and companies like PEPA help normalise the topic and remove the fear from emotionally difficult conversations.

PEPA is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and provides palliative care education and training. Our RAC clinicians attend the program to learn how to provide high quality and effective care to people in the final phase of life.

Listen to some outtakes from the program.

The WHO (2017) define palliative care as

“.. an approach that improves the quality of life of individuals and their families facing the problems associated with life-limiting illnesses, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and the treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychological and spiritual”.

The difference between palliative care and end of life care is;

Palliative is a holistic medical treatment regime over time. It ensures the best quality of life for anyone with a life limiting illness.
End of life – is terminal care.

There are different decline trajectories in palliative care and having an Advance Care Plan in place for all scenarios makes discussions easier during such an emotive time. The conversations include how and where the person wants to be treated and planning for anticipatory medications. These conversations set everyone on the same agreed path – the clients, the family, and the carers whilst taking cultural requirements into consideration.

Not everyone needs specialist Palliative care, our clinicians are trained to recognise and understand the stages. Each State and Territory have their own palliative care peak body team and our team can help with those contacts.

Our Empower Values closely align the values in palliative care, and they are part of everything our team do every day to improve the comfort care of our clients through all stages of life and death.

For more information and advice speak to one of our Empower clinicians or call PCAS directly: Home Page – Palliative Care Advice Service (pcas.org.au)

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Announcements, Exercise, Residential Aged Care

Empower selected to deliver group therapy program to RAC facilities

Posted on January 16, 2023December 15, 2023 by Nicole Cook

16
Jan

Empower Healthcare is commissioned by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) to deliver group therapy to RAC facilities.

What is the NWMPHN?

The NWMPHN is a government funded primary health network that supports health providers and organisations in the North and West of Melbourne. The aim is to deliver efficient, effective and accessible care. NWMPHN is operated by Melbourne Primary Care Network (PHN).

What service does Empower provide in partnership with NWMPHN?

Empower clinicians provide evidence backed falls prevention group therapy classes based on the Sunbeam Program. under this PHN funding. This Australian developed exercise intervention aims to improve the physical functioning of those most at risk of deconditioning and falls during COVID-19 restrictions.

NWMPHN commissioned multiple allied health providers to deliver group therapy programs to these eligible RACFs in 2021-2022, aiming to improve physical function of residents at risk of deconditioning due to COVID-19 restrictions.

During the pandemic, our clinicians continued to work with the people most affected by isolation due to restricted freedom of movement and reduced services across the sector. Restrictions and policies limited the implementation of group therapy and we saw the negative effects that had on the residents. We know how important exercise is and were proud to be able to bring this great program to more residents across Melbourne.

NWMPHN explains the expected outcomes for the many stakeholders:

RACF residents:

increased access to allied health services
improved overall health outcomes due to physical reconditioning
more opportunities for social interaction and engagement.

RACFs:

improved health outcomes and experiences for residents
access to group therapy for residents at no cost
increased awareness and access to allied health services within their facility
strengthened relationships with allied health providers.

Allied Health providers:

increased capacity to deliver evidence-based group therapy programs to older adult populations
opportunity to lead group therapy and contribute towards better health outcomes for RACF residents
collection and contribution of robust data that can add to the evidence base and help inform future allied health funding models
strengthened relationships with RACFs.

Striving for Excellence

Empower is dedicated to delivering high quality healthcare services and meaningful outcomes in our community. Our skilled and committed clinicians are excited to continue their mission to improve the lives of aged care residents in partnership with NWMPHN and the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.

Get in touch if you are interested in achieving fantastic outcomes through group therapy for your residents.

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Exercise matters

Get back into movement with Physios and Osteos

Click Here for Aged Care

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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Announcements, Foot Care, Podiatry, Residential Aged Care

Falls can be caused by foot problems – Podiatry has the solutions

Posted on June 16, 2022November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

16
Jun

Foot problems are a leading cause of falls. Research shows that good podiatric care can significantly reduce the rate of falls for people living at home.

Falls are a major cause of injury with 43% of hospitalisation caused by falls and over half of all fall injuries involve a fracture. Reduced sensation, circulation and strength in the feet and lower legs can increase the risk of falling for people who may otherwise be living independent and comfortable lives on their own terms.

If these problems are accompanied by pain, everyday tasks and movement may become unmanageable, negatively affecting quality of life. Common foot conditions that can contribute to a fall include arthritis, heel pain, weakness, toe deformity, and decreased range of motion in the joints of the foot.

Podiatrist can help by
• Assessing the feet and legs of people who have a history of foot problems or falls.
• Conducting specific neurovascular foot assessments.
• Providing advice and recommendations for appropriate and well-fitting shoes.
• Implementing effective pain management strategies.
• Prescribing foot and ankle strengthening exercises.
• Providing complete toenail care.
• Introducing aids and tools to promote independence in safely tying shoelaces and putting on socks and hosiery.
• Providing comprehensive diabetic foot care.

Our Podiatrist also work with people on foot self-care where possible for the management of common foot conditions. By treating the causes of falling, Empower Podiatrist can help keep people on their feet.

Download our Podiatry Flyer

How To Get Clients Started With Our Podiatry Services

Simply click below to complete our referral form.

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Announcements, Foot Care, Podiatry, Residential Aged Care

Diabetic Neurovascular Foot Assessments for your clients

Posted on January 27, 2022November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

27
Jan

Poor circulation is most often the result from commonly seen health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues.

Our Podiatrists can provide your clients with a Diabetic /Neurovascular Foot Assessment to determine their current risk status, as well as monitoring for health problems occurring in the future. This Assessment is painless and involves the testing of the sensation, blood supply, skin integrity, reflexes, muscle control and structure of the feet.

Clients with diabetes should have their feet examined every 6 – 12 months. If their circulation is declining and left untreated, this can result in damage to the nerve endings, blood vessels and structure of their feet.

Clients that are non-diabetic should also invest in an annual Diabetic /Neurovascular Foot Assessment. This test is essential for the early recognition of neurovascular deterioration or compromise. Delays in recognising neurovascular compromise can lead to permanent deficits, reduction in independence/mobility and even loss of limb.

Empower Healthcare Podiatrists now offer Diabetic /Neurovascular Foot Assessments. Talk over your podiatry needs today on 13000 HELPU (1300 043 578) or start now with our quick and easy online referral form.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Podiatry Services

Simply click below to complete our referral form.

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.

…

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

How Dietitians help manage malnutrition

Posted on October 6, 2021October 7, 2021 by Nicole Cook

06
Oct

Too little, or too much of one thing – malnutrition comes in many forms.

Whether it be insufficient nutrient intake, excessive intake of low nutrient foods or diets that are missing specific nutrients, an imbalance in what we eat can lead to poor health outcomes. Our Empower Healthcare dietitians can help manage malnutrition.

Dietitians are trained to identify the causes and risk factors for malnutrition across all age groups. They work with people struggling to meet their nutritional needs to develop interventions that restore the balance of nutrients required for vitality, energy, health and well-being.

Food First

When possible, dietitians develop diet plans that place good quality, nutrient rich foods at the core of treating malnutrition. Simple substitutions and manageable changes take preference. The unique needs of people are also incorporated into menus and meal plans in consultation with clients, their families and caregivers.

Supplementation

Where food alone cannot meet the nutritional needs of clients due to specific deficiencies, physical barriers or illness, dietitians may recommend supplements to boost intake. In cases where a person cannot receive food by mouth, dietitians may create a plan for supplements to be provided by a tube as the only source of nutrition. Improving energy and vitality through careful use of supplementation can restore food tolerance and appetite, as well as improve physical function, independence and quality of life.

Monitoring

Managing and treating malnutrition requires careful monitoring to ensure that strategies are working and nutritional status is improving. Dietitians consult with clients and caregivers in person or via telehealth to follow up on dietary interventions and adjust them to the changing needs of their clients. Diet and food preferences are sensitive and complex- involving personal, financial, cultural and psychological factors. When poor nutrition negatively impacts health, dietitians play a vital role in restoring balance and well-being, taking all factors into consideration while ensuring that food and eating be as safe, enjoyable and beneficial as possible.

Book a Referral today to help your clients manage malnutrition.

Read some of our other blogs

Six signs that your client or resident may need a dietitian

Have you considered Group Therapy?

About Empower

We Change Lives

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

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

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

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

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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Community, Dietetics, Exercise, Falls Prevention, Home Nursing, In Home Care, Massage Therapy, NDIS, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Residential Aged Care, Wellbeing

Why Nathan enjoys being an Allied Health Assistant

Posted on August 30, 2021December 15, 2023 by Nicole Cook

30
Aug

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.

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.

…

Continue reading →

Announcements, Residential Aged Care

Exercise and Pain Management: Movement is Medicine.

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Nicole Cook

20
Jul

Pain is a normal part of life, sometimes helpful and often unwelcome, but what should we do when pain starts getting in the way of the things that really matter to us?

When pain becomes a regular, unpleasant addition to daily life, we often feel that rest and medication are the best solutions. Thanks to a growing body of clinical research, we now know that the best way to cope with many painful conditions, is exercise.

Our joints, muscles and cardiovascular systems were made to move and when they are injured or unhealthy, often the best medicine is movement.

How does exercise help?

Reduces joint pain and swelling.
Assists rehabilitation after a procedure or a flare-up.
Slows the deterioration of arthritic joints.
Improves mood and sleep.
Decreases anxiety and helps fight depression.
Essential in managing other chronic conditions that are common for people with ongoing pain, such as diabetes and heart disease.

What is the best exercise?

The idea of starting an exercise program can be daunting and overwhelming. Many of us think that exercise needs to include expensive gym memberships or training for a marathon. The good news is that exercise can be simple, easy, and most importantly- enjoyable! In fact, the best exercise is the exercise you want to do and will do, movement is the medicine.

Where to start:

Small changes, made consistently, can produce the greatest results. Walking, swimming, stretching, indoor exercises and exercises specifically designed for you to do at home are all great ways to kick start a more active life.

People managing chronic, painful conditions may need more help in finding the best exercises for them. Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Occupational Therapists are trained to assess, treat, and develop programs that are safe, effective, and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Breaking the cycle of inactivity and worsening pain starts with the first step. Why not take it today?

The Empower Difference

Changing Lives Through Exceptional Care

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

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

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

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In Home Care, Occupational Therapy, Recruitment, Residential Aged Care

Why Occupation Therapist Teri Chose The Graduate Program At Empower

Posted on July 9, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

09
Jul

As a recently qualified Occupational Therapist deciding on where to apply for a job, I was looking for opportunities to learn and improve my skills. Empower Healthcare offered me a comprehensive New Grad program and extensive professional development opportunities that have given me the best start to my career.

I am being supported with

In person and online training.
Practical learning opportunities.
Professional Development time allocated within work hours.
Generous funding for external courses.
Formal and informal mentorship with experienced colleagues.
Working within supportive multi-disciplinary teams.

I have been able to work in Home Care and Residential Aged Care environments and split my time in a way that suits my life and interests, while experiencing professional autonomy within supportive teams.

Empower Healthcare is enabling me to find myself as a clinician, it can do the same for you.

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.

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.

Empower healthcare is changing lives – yours could be next.

Join us to open the door to what is possible.

At Empower Healthcare we believe that our strength lies in our people. By building strong teams and supporting the professional development of our clinicians, we have established ourselves as a national Allied Health provider that raises the standards of clinical practice in Home Care, NDIS and residential aged care.

Every day we deliver high quality, innovative allied health solutions across Australia. We have opportunities for clinicians looking to develop at all career stages, from newly graduated to well established therapists wanting to lead in:

Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Nursing
Podiatry
Dietetics
Osteopathy
Massage Therapy

Fastrack Your Career

Discover the possibilities with mentoring, career planning, on-line and in-person learning modules, extensive New Graduate program and external professional development. We look within for promotion to leadership roles and develop our own people to grow our business.

Work, Your Way

Create true balance with work hours that work for you, flexible leave arrangements and low stress environments.

Be Valued

We offer competitive salary packages that grow as you do and acknowledge your unique strengths and contributions.

Join the Team

Experience the satisfaction that comes from being a part of multidisciplinary teams, focused on delivering the best outcomes for the people we care for, while learning from each other.

If you’re interested to see how we can help open the door for your next career move, click on the link to learn more.

View current job opportunities

…

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In Home Care, Occupational Therapy, Recruitment, Residential Aged Care

Amanda’s Enjoys Career Progression As An Occupational Therapist At Empower

Posted on July 8, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

08
Jul

Empower has amazing occupational therapists and Amanda Chan reflects on her career progression and journey at Empower.

When I joined Empower Healthcare four years ago as a newly graduated Occupational Therapist, I was looking for positions close to home and support to develop as a clinician. Today, I am a Team Leader supporting other clinicians to grow and thrive, just like I did.

Empower has encouraged my professional development and given me leadership and managerial opportunities, while supporting me to return to work after maternity leave, twice!

I love being able to balance work and home life with

Flexible, family friendly work hours.
Leadership opportunities and career progression.
Varied opportunities within Home Care, NDIS and Residential Aged Care.
The ability to work from home when possible.
Internal and External professional development in my areas of interest.

I love the clients and residents I work with and being part of the team that makes the environments I work in healthy and happy for everyone.

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.

About Empower

We Change Lives

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.

Empower healthcare is changing lives – yours could be next.

Join us to open the door to what is possible.

Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Nursing
Podiatry
Dietetics
Osteopathy
Massage Therapy

Fastrack Your Career

Work, Your Way

Create true balance with work hours that work for you, flexible leave arrangements and low stress environments.

Be Valued

We offer competitive salary packages that grow as you do and acknowledge your unique strengths and contributions.

Join the Team

Experience the satisfaction that comes from being a part of multidisciplinary teams, focused on delivering the best outcomes for the people we care for, while learning from each other.

If you’re interested to see how we can help open the door for your next career move, click on the link to learn more.

View current job opportunities…

Continue reading →

Announcements, Residential Aged Care

Participation in Pain Assessment Clinical Trial

Posted on June 22, 2021 by Nicole Cook

22
Jun

We have been participating in the Australian Government‘s 12 month national clinical trial of the PainChek® pain assessment tool for residential aged care providers. The Federal Government invested $5 million in April last year for the 12 month trial to promote innovation in the sector and support improved care and pain assessment for people living with dementia or other cognitive impairments.

The medical device is in the form of an App for smartphones and uses artificial intelligence to assess pain levels in residents who are unable to communicate, including those with dementia. The information is assessed and recorded within the app, providing the carer with essential information to facilitate the pain management process.

Empower’s team members have been reporting their findings on the practicality and accuracy of the device and assessment tool.

We collaborate with our healthcare clients to foster a research culture by investing in or participation of research opportunities focusing at improving performance on measures including elder mortality, quality of life, organisational efficiency as well as staff satisfaction and retention.

Click Here to learn more

The Empower Difference

Changing Lives Through Exceptional Care

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

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

…

Continue reading →