Announcements, Community, Equipment, Falls Prevention, In Home Care, NDIS, Physiotherapy, Wellbeing

Walking (Gait) Aid Prescriptions with our Physiotherapists

Posted on May 2, 2022November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

02
May

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.

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Announcements, Community, Home Nursing, In Home Care, NDIS, Wellbeing

What is aseptic technique?

Posted on April 11, 2022May 4, 2022 by Nicole Cook

11
Apr

Bacteria can be our best friend. They help us digest food and get the most out of our diets and good bacteria can protect us from infection and disease. They can, however, also be our worst enemy. Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause disease are all around us and it is vital that healthcare providers protect clients from the pathogens that are found even in the cleanest of environments. To do this, clinicians use practices and procedures to prevent contamination.

These strict rules and processes are the aseptic technique.

When is aseptic technique used?

Any time the skin or mucous membranes are breached, it is vital that clinicians ensure sterility of the area, equipment, and themselves. Examples of instances requiring this technique are:
• Catheterisation
• Surgical procedures
• Wound care

Can this technique be used in a home environment?

Yes, many procedures require healthcare practitioners to be able to create sterile conditions to meet the needs of their clients. They do this by creating a sterile field to work in, using sterile equipment, proper cleaning of the area and their own hands, wearing gloves and other protective clothing and masks and lastly by following a process that maintains the pathogen free zone throughout the procedure.

How do I know that my healthcare provider is able to perform asepsis technique?

All Empower Healthcare nurses are qualified and trained to be able to perform asepsis technique when indicated. All Empower Healthcare clinicians are equipped and trained to protect their clients by using the appropriate techniques and equipment for the needs of the people they work with.

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Medication management

Wound care

About Empower Healthcare

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 rocket-australia.com their lives the way they want to.

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Announcements, Community, Home Nursing, In Home Care, Medication Management, NDIS, Pain, Wellbeing

The role of Nurses in medication management

Posted on September 29, 2021October 29, 2021 by Nicole Cook

29
Sep

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

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.

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Announcements, Community, Home Nursing, In Home Care, NDIS, Wellbeing

How A Nursing Assessment Can Support Health At Home

Posted on August 4, 2021November 22, 2023 by Nicole Cook

04
Aug

Inviting someone into a client’s home when they are unwell can be daunting. Our Empower Home Nursing team are skilled at making people feel at ease whilst prioritising their safety and quality of care during all assessments. A home nursing assessment gives the nurse an opportunity to assess the client in their own environment and tailor a specific care plan, to keep them home for longer.

Clients who benefit from home nursing assessments include:

New clients on home care packages
People with deteriorating health
Individuals managing chronic health conditions
Clients with complex care needs
Anyone who has recently returned home after a hospital admission and is struggling

Why is a nursing assessment important?

To assess all aspects of physical, mental and social wellbeing.
To identify areas in which individuals require additional support.
Establishing whether clients are safe and able to cope at home.
To assist in planning and implementing of appropriate care.
Nursing assessments allow clients to participate in their own care by engaging them in the assessment process.

The primary goal of a home nursing assessment is to manage the clients health at home for longer and avoid hospitalisation. Book an appointment now giving your client the freedom to live the life they choose to live.

About Empower Healthcare

Changing lives is what we do.

Delivering high quality allied health services is how we do it.

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

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Announcements, In Home Care, Osteopathy

How Osteopath Callan Reid Helps Clients Achieve Their Health Goals

Posted on July 7, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

07
Jul

Osteopath Callan has helped a diverse range of people across private practice, home care and recently residential aged care. He actively listens to and works collaboratively with consumers to develop targeted treatment plans to overcome pain and injury, supporting them to reach their healthcare goals.

Callan believes it is the job of the therapist to provide a path for that person so they might enjoy a state of health. As an Osteopath, Callan can help consumers achieve their health goals through use of:

Gentle or deep soft tissue techniques
Joint mobilisations
Strength and mobility exercise prescription
Falls prevention and balance training
Habitual and lifestyle changes
Pain management and complex care
Collaborative care with other allied health professionals.

He graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Remedial Massage (Myotherapy) in 2007 and practiced eight years in a variety of clinical settings. Callan decided to further develop both his diagnostic and manual skills, graduating from Victoria university with a Masters of Health Sciences (Osteopathy) and a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathy) in 2017.

In addition to working as an Osteopath, Callan is also a clinical educator helping to train the next generation of Myotherapists. In his free time, Callan is a student of functional/mindful movement who enjoys rock climbing, calisthenics, and handstand training. A nature lover, he enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with his dog, Spectre.

Empower has a team of incredibly talented Osteopaths ready to help your clients get moving, feel better and get back to what they love doing most!

Click Here to learn more about Osteopathy

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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Announcements, In Home Care, Osteopathy

When to Consider Using an Osteopath for Your Client

Posted on May 27, 2021June 2, 2021 by Nicole Cook

27
May

An osteopath is an Allied Health professional who specialises in the assessment and treatment of structural and functional integrity of the human body, focussing on musculoskeletal system- the bones, muscles, nerves, blood and lymph circulation and other tissues that support the body and control its movements and function. Osteopaths aim to trigger healing processes in the body by treating movement restrictions, promote balance between different systems of the body and activate physiological processes required to achieve recovery.

Osteopaths working in Home Care assess each client holistically in their own environment and analyse how the body and its systems function when the person move or at full rest. They physically examine using their hands to determine which areas of the body are healthy and which are not so healthy that may be causing pain or disfunction.

Osteopaths believe that the body heals best if the right combination of manual techniques and treatment such as massage and the mobilisation of muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues are used to treat areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction, or strain in the body. Techniques are chosen based on the needs of the individual client and the symptoms they have reported as well as their functional goals.

These include but not limited to:

Therapeutic Massage and soft tissue techniques- to release and relax the muscles and other soft tissues
Mobilisation of stiff joints – to restore range of movement.
Articulation- where joints are moved through their natural range of motion.
Clinical exercise programs

These aim to reduce pain, improve movement, encourage blood flow and activate healing processes.

When to book at Osteopathy consultation

There are many reasons to see an osteopath when pain or movement problems effect quality of life, independence or function. Some typical conditions that benefit from osteopathy include:

Any joint, muscle and body pain.
Restricted movement in any part of the body.
Non-traumatic musculoskeletal injuries.
Reduced function due to stiffness, aches and pain
Headaches.
Chronic neck and back pain.
Poor posture, body alignment or weakness.

Osteopaths are also very successful with frail clients who may have multiple conditions as they are able to utilise a variety of gentle or indirect techniques.

Empower has a team of incredibly talented Osteopaths ready to help your clients get moving, feel better and get back to what they love doing most! Denis explains why he loves working in community allied health care.

Click Here to learn more about Osteopathy

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.

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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Announcements, Community, Home Nursing, In Home Care, NDIS, Wellbeing

The 5 types of clients who would benefit from a home nursing assessment and why

Posted on March 26, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

26
Mar

Home health care nursing services can be vital for the wellbeing of clients living at home and wanting to continue to do so. A home nursing assessment is a convenient and easy way to establish the support and medical needs for people who find attending out-patient services difficult, while providing the clinician with valuable information regarding the holistic care needs of clients seen within their unique home environments.

Clients who benefit from home nursing assessments include:

New clients on home care packages,
People with deteriorating health,
Individuals managing chronic health conditions,
Clients with complex care needs,
Anyone who has recently returned home after a hospital admission and is struggling.

Why is a nursing assessment important?

To assess all aspects of physical and social wellbeing.
To identify areas in which individuals require additional support.
Establishing whether clients are safe and able to cope at home.
To assist in planning and implementing of appropriate care.
Nursing assessments allow clients to participate in their own care by engaging them in the assessment process.

Booking a home care nursing assessment can be an important step in giving people living at home the freedom to live the lives they choose to live.

About Empower

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

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Equipment, Exercise, In Home Care, Mobility, NDIS, Physiotherapy, Wellbeing

Why the Otago Exercise Programme may be right for your client

Posted on March 11, 2021December 15, 2023 by Nicole Cook

11
Mar

Physiotherapists working in community settings can improve the independence, safety and quality of life of older people living at home by implementing evidence-based exercise programmes as part of comprehensive home care.

Why the Otago Exercise Programme?

Proven 35% reduction in falls and injuries resulting from falls.
It is equally effective in men and women.
The programme improves participants’ strength and balance.
Maintains confidence in carrying out everyday activities without falling.
The programme is cost effective and easy to implement at home.

Who benefits from the programme?

Older adults who:

Have a history of a fall.
Rely on walking for independence.
Fear falling and lack the confidence to enjoy activities inside and outside the home.
Have experienced a decrease in function following illness or injury.
Notice reduced strength and balance when performing activities of daily living.

By using this programme, physiotherapists can adapt exercises to meet the unique goals of individuals with complex medical needs at most stages of reablement and walking mobility while using a proven and effective approach to exercise therapy.

About Empower

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Announcements, Equipment, Exercise, In Home Care, Mobility, NDIS, Occupational Therapy, Wellbeing

Promoting Independence at Home Through Retraining Activities of Daily Living

Posted on March 10, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

10
Mar

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. Research has shown that Activities of Daily Living (ADL) retraining is important for improving an individuals’ sense of self identity, quality of life, and ability to live safely in their own home. Occupational therapists focus on enabling clients to participate in life activities that are important and meaningful to them.

What Are Activities of Daily Living?

ADL’s include all those basic activities we engage in to make sure that we survive and can function in society. These are the little and not so little things we all need to do to take care of ourselves, our families, and our homes. ADL’s include some of the most important skills for independence–but also some of the most challenging.

Some Activities of Daily Living include:

Grooming and hygiene
Functional mobility and getting from place to place.

ADLs could also include activities to support the various roles we play in our lives such as:

Laundry
Cooking
Writing
Using the computer
Gardening
Driving
Leisure activities are also considered activities of daily living as they are essential for quality of life.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help with Retraining in Daily Living Skills?

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

Some of the techniques used in occupational therapy for ADL include:

Making recommendations for changes to be made in your home and equipment needed, including shower bars, non-skid surfaces on stairs, built up cutlery and helping patients learn to use new equipment.
Individualised strength-based training using theraputty and hand therapy.
Reteaching basic movements, from getting in and out of bed to getting in and out of the shower or bath.
Working with clients on actual daily life activities to regain fine motor skills and confidence. This includes activities like opening and closing a tube of toothpaste, working on buttons and zips, stacking coins, and picking up small objects.
Doing arts, crafts, cooking and baking–both as a creative release and a fine motor skill booster.
Playing games like cards and chess that involve picking up small pieces as well as using cognitive strategies.

The main goal of retraining Daily Living Skills at home is restoring independence. Ability to complete ADLs is a predictor of safety and independence in the home. Helping clients develop the skills and confidence they need to remain at home is a goal that home care Occupational Therapists aim for every day when working in the community.

Learn More About Our Home Care Occupational Therapy Services

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Community, Physiotherapy, Professional Development, Recruitment

InProfile with Tim Cooper, Senior Physiotherapist

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Nicole Cook

28
May

MVP winner Tim Cooper, Senior Physiotherapist shares his background and love for aged care physio. Regarded highly by his colleagues as “the loveliest physiotherapist” his kind, gentle and encouraging personality is admired by many of our clients. With an affection for basketball, kayaking and the Foo Fighters, what’s not to love about Tim!

Why did you choose Empower?

I was moving on from 10 years in private practice and looking for employment that was flexible with my schedule of looking after kids, while decreasing some of the stress that a private clinic can bring.

I got an instantly warm vibe from both Matthew (COO) and Adam (CEO), who made the Empower team seem like a big family. I haven’t felt so relaxed in an interview, which I knew was a sign that this was a place I wanted to be.

To top it off, being a tragic Michael Jordan fan growing up, I saw a framed Jordan poster in Matt’s office during my interview and knew I was making the right decision!

What do you love most about your job?

In aged care, you often see clients for longer periods than in a private practice setting. I believe this allows you to form strong bonds with the people you are treating. It’s a fulfilling sensation providing a service to someone who you get to know so well. I have one client who says I remind her of her son and loads me up with chocolate (not any old chocolate either – Ferrero Rocher!) before I leave each session. It doesn’t get much better than that.

What has been your most memorable moment?

In what ways has Empower supported your growth personally & professionally?

Empower have been so accommodating in supporting my work-life balance, which can be difficult to find in some workplaces. This has been highlighted recently by allowing me to juggle of seeing clients while managing recent home-schooling duties that accompanied the COVID-19 outbreak.

Empower host regular PD events, help foster team cohesion, in addition to having a supportive management team. All these factors are vital in providing the scaffolding for professional growth. When I started at Empower I had several staff members share hints and tips to make my transition into the workplace easier. Coming from a busy private clinic, this support was most welcome.

In your new role, what will you be looking to achieve in 2020?

In any job, it is important to set personal goals and always work towards something to keep things interesting. I have several goals that I am working towards this year. After working in private practice for so long, my clientele with neurological disorders were rare. As there is a variety of conditions across all aspects of physiotherapy in aged care, my aim is to brush up on a range of specific neuro-physiotherapy treatment techniques.

The joy of physiotherapy comes with helping a client achieve their goals. My main focus for the year is to make as many of their goals a reality. Due to Empower having a multi-disciplinary team at your fingertips, in addition to working closely with case managers, I am looking forward to utilising these services to really make as much of a positive impact for my clients.

What piece of advice would you give your new graduate self?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of more experienced physios. Clinical experience is where most of your learning will come from, which as a new graduate is obviously in short supply. Building rapport with your team leader to discuss clients and conditions is the most effective way to put all the pieces together.

Out of the workplace, what are your interests and hobbies?

Other than spending quality time with my wife and 2 kids, my other passions involve a lot of sports. I still play basketball, enjoy the football (mad Eagles supporter) and enjoy taking my kayak out in the bay over the summer. I have a fiddle around with my guitar, which normally involves a feeble attempt to play along with the Foo Fighters. I also love podcasts and go through countless episodes from my favourite hosts when travelling between appointments.

Written by Tim Cooper

Tim joined the Empower family in Oct, 2019.…

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