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Category Archives: Wellbeing

Continence Management with Empower Nurses

Continence ax web

Continence Assessments

 

 

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

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

 

How we can help

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

Our support

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

Our Multidisciplinary Team support

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

Dietetics

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

Physiotherapists

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

Occupational Therapists

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

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

Click to read more about our Nurses

Catheter management

Medication management

Wound care

 

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At home catheter care provided by Empower Nurses

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

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

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

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

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

Good catheter care starts with good nursing care.

Our catheter care routines help users:

Reduce Urinary Tract Infections

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

Eliminate Leakage

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

Avoid Kidney damage

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

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

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

 

Click to read more about our Nurses

Medication management

Wound care

 

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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Embracing Innovation with a world-first in Dementia education: Talk with Ted

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Dementia training

 Half a million Australians are living with dementia today, this number is set to double over the coming years.

Our Empower therapists have the privilege of meeting and working with many clients and their families who are facing the challenges that dementia can bring. That is why we were so happy to learn of a new approach to training healthcare workers in the best strategies for communicating with people living with dementia.

 

Talk with Ted

Talk with Ted is a program developed by Dementia Australia’s Centre for Dementia Learning and Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute in collaboration with healthcare workers.The program is based on real life experiences of people living with dementia and Ted is an artificially intelligent avatar who is facing many of the common struggles that people with dementia manage daily.

 

The immersive learning experience teaches a person-centred approach to communicating with the individual and gives our newly graduated clinicians the opportunity to practice and improve their skills. This is just one of the ways we are striving for excellence and constantly looking for ways to help our clinicians deliver high quality healthcare with the best possible outcomes for our clients, their families, and communities.

Our clinicians feedback:

I liked the avatar. Especially when aiming to use the right language – Tony
Gaining empathy and understanding of what it feels like for the residents with dementia – Kristea
Understanding the Human Rights of patients when requesting an action from them – Michelle
The importance of a good introduction – gaining rapport & finding out the person’s interests – Alissa

 

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 fuelled 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.

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

 …

Walking (Gait) Aid Prescriptions with our Physiotherapists

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Gait aid all

 

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

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

What is a walking (gait) aid?

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

How do physiotherapists view gait aids?

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

 

Why do we use our physiotherapists for gait aid prescription?

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

 

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

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

A case study:

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

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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The role of Nurses in medication management

Medication Management Blog

250 000 Australians are hospitilised each year due to problems relating to medicine use, and many more are not experiencing the full benefits of the medicines prescribed to them due to mistakes made in how they take their medication – Nurses can assist with medication management.

When used correctly, medicines can prevent serious illness and improve health and wellbeing, but the positive and powerful effects of medications can also carry risks when not used properly.

Home Care Nurses play a key role in assisting people to manage and obtain the maximum benefit from their medicines, safely and conveniently, in their own homes. With their extensive pharmacological and clinical knowledge, nurses can provide the right amount of support to suit each person’s unique circumstances. They do this by providing the following care and services:

Assessment
Nurses supporting people with medication management conduct thorough assessments to determine the needs of their clients.

Education
Nurses play a vital role in educating people about the medicines they are taking, the dosages and timing of administration.

Monitoring
The aim of good medicine management at home is to maintain independence through the self-administration of medicines where possible. Nurses can help by monitoring the use of medicines and determining if there are any issues with administration.

Intervention
Home Care nurses can help people and care givers with practical ways of scheduling, planning and administering medication as independently as possible.

Communication and referral
When issues arise related to medication, nurses can reach out to dispensing pharmacists, GP’s and specialists in order to optimise medicine use.

Good medication management means creating as much independence and self-management as possible with the support needed to ensure that clients receive better, safer and more convenient care where they want to be – at home.

 

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.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 …

Why Nathan enjoys being an Allied Health Assistant

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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

 

 …

Tracey Easte joins Empower Healthcare as Nursing Manager

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Tracey Easte joins Empower Healthcare as Nursing Manager

We welcome Tracey Easte to the Empower family as our Nursing Manager. Tracey brings a wealth of experience to the role, enabling her to contribute to Empower Healthcare’s continued expansion of our nursing services across Australia.

As Nursing Manager, Tracey will be leading the nursing team in delivering on Empower Healthcare’s mission to change lives with innovative health services by ensuring efficient execution of day-to-day nursing service delivery, combined with a robust focus on continuous improvement.

Tracey has an extensive professional background in both hospital and community nursing, having started her career at Epworth and Royal Women’s Hospitals in Melbourne before moving on to Calvary Community Care, Royal Freemasons and Aveo, achieving a Grad Dip of Management along the way. It was during her time at the Royal District Nursing Service that Tracey discovered her passion for community nursing. Aside from the high caliber of professional and managerial experience Tracey brings to Empower Healthcare, she also brings a relational nature, curiosity and a track record of success.

Tracey shares “In my experience people heal best while at home when supported appropriately. In their own environment with their pets, comfort items and routines they are involved and in control of the decisions regarding their care.  This approach to care promotes independence and improves their health and wellbeing. I believe that people should be supported as much as possible to remain in their homes to gain the best health outcomes”

On a personal note, when not at work Tracey loves catching up with family and friends as well as exercising, cooking and baking. She likes to learn new things and so you’ll often find her watching cooking shows to get ideas.

 

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

 …

Managing Osteoporosis: How Allied Health Professionals can help keep bones healthy

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Managing Osteoporosis: How Allied Health Professionals can help keep bones healthy

Managing Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common cause of fractures and loss of independence for older adults. While many people may experience this disease, osteoporosis is preventable and treatable and there is a lot that can be done to improve bone density at all stages of life.

Exercise

Exercise is the first step in preventing loss of bone density and some of the consequences that impact on vitality and quality of life. Physiotherapists design safe exercise programs that include weight bearing and muscle strengthening and are developed to be enjoyable and appropriate for the unique needs of their clients. Allied Health Assistants can supervise and assist with exercise programs to ensure that people get the best results, safely and effectively, inside their homes or communities.

Diet

Getting enough calcium and vitamin D at all ages is the key to protecting bone health and density. The best way to do that is through diet, not supplementation, where possible. Dietitians can help by using a Food First approach to create balanced meal plans that are rich in dairy products, fruits, and vegetables to support bone strength, while still including the food that people enjoy as well as suit their tastes and needs.

Fall prevention

People who live with osteoporosis are more at risk of fractures and loss of independence as a result, with only 30% of older women who suffer an osteoporotic hip fracture being able to return to independence.  Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Occupational Therapists, Nurses and Allied Health Assistants all play vital roles in maintaining safe mobility, preventing falls and reducing the consequences when they happen. Interventions that are most effective at preventing falls include:
• The use of correctly selected and fitted equipment such as walking frames.
• Occupational therapist assisted home modifications that support a safe and independent lifestyle.
• Assessment and management of specific health risk factors that increase the likelihood of falling.
• Individualised exercise programs that include strengthening, balance training and functional activities.
• Good medication management and monitoring.
It is never too early or too late to start improving bone health. Small choices, made regularly, can have the biggest effect on health and when those choices seem daunting, there is support available to help.

How To Get Started With Empower

To arrange a referral, click on the image below

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

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 fuelled 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

 

 

 

What your clients can expect from a home massage

Massage Blog body image

What your clients can expect from an Empower home massage treatment

Home massage offers the power of touch whilst assisting accelerated healing, induce relaxation, reduce pain, and provides general comfort for the receiver. During a time when human contact and interaction have been drastically reduced due to social distancing requirements a home massage can help. This ancient evidence-based therapy is more vital than ever in addressing the needs of people who have limited mobility and are isolated while managing chronic conditions at home.

Highly Trained Health Care Professionals

Empower massage clinicians are highly trained health care professionals who use a therapeutic approach to massage. They offer a broad range of individualised massage treatments chosen to accommodate the mobility status, preferences and needs of the people they see at home.
Our clinicians bring their own equipment with them and can massage the client on a massage table, on their bed, or in high supported sitting with a range of relaxing oils and creams, or the personal products preferred by the client.

Benefits of Home Massage

Decreased depression and agitation, resulting in feelings of wellbeing and comfort.

Many people are anxious about massage until they have one and experience the benefits that  this therapy can bring, including;
  • Relaxation of muscles and soft tissue that have become tight and shortened due to postural changes and decreased activity.
  • Reduction in pain caused by common conditions such as osteoarthritis and lower back problems.
  • Improved circulation leading to decreased swelling and improved lymphatic function.
  • Decreased depression and agitation, resulting in feelings of wellbeing and comfort.
Living independently does not have to mean living in isolation and in pain. Massage therapy can be a powerful tool in improving the quality of life of people who struggle to access services and supports outside of their homes and who wish to continue living life the way they want to, where they want to.

 

Click here to learn more about our remedial massage service offerings.

How To Get Started With Empower

To arrange a referral, click on the image below

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

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 fuelled 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.

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