Author Archives: Nicole Cook

Graduate Program, Professional Development

How a Graduate Program Benefits You

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Blog post How a Graduate Program Benefits You
28
Oct

Regional Manager showing graduate program members technical therapy skills in a practical workshop

Choosing your first workplace to kick-start your career can be a little daunting and yet so exciting at the same time. An organisation that provides a graduate program can offer you rewarding opportunities and benefits.

Graduate programs can provide you with support, training and a structured plan to help you transition from a graduate into a promising clinician.

So, what sets one graduate program apart from another?

Here’s what you should be looking for when evaluating a graduate program:

1. Mentoring

In a graduate program, you should receive hands-on mentoring that you won’t find in most jobs. A mentor will individually guide and help you through your journey. You can’t find this priceless information in an employee handbook!

2. Exposure to work across varied caseloads

The organisation of choice should be able to offer you the chance to be exposed to diverse environments, clients and conditions so that you can develop well-rounded skills. Research each program carefully and confirm if that you will have the opportunity to thrive in a diverse range of treatment cases with work colleagues from different background experiences.

3. Flexible learning structure

Everyone has their own preferred learning style. Does the organisation take this into account and provide a graduate learning and development program that accommodates auditory, visual and or kinaesthetic approaches?

4. Informal career planning & evaluations

Informal career assessments are a way to help you gain a better understanding of who you are, what you would like to learn and what you would be good at. Through informal conversations and self-reflection worksheets, you can discover your true passions and what is standing in the way from reaching your goals. Make sure your graduate program of choice is genuinely interested in you, your aspirations and is prepared to implement individual activities for personal growth.

5. Clear career succession pathway

Does the graduate program impart a clear career progression advancement pathway? It’s important to know what career opportunities within the organisation are available beyond the graduate year. You want to assess an organisation in terms of its ability in; developing talented people, building a pipeline of future leaders and if you have a sense of control over your career.

Using the five criteria above will greatly help you short-list your preferred graduate programs for application. Have peace of mind that this process will ensure you choose an organisation that can help you become the very best you can be.

 

Empower’s Graduate Program

Our professional and comprehensive graduate program can set the foundations for a bright career!

Get the support you need to transition into life as a first-year clinician and extend the skills you worked hard to develop at university.

We have created a comprehensive 12 month program that provides you with the tools and training to grow as a professional through:

  • structured learning
  • mentoring
  • peer support and
  • e-courses.

See our Graduate Success Map below for our yearly graduate program.

Graduate Success Map for Empower's Graduate Program

At Empower, we value our staff and make everyone feel welcomed, accepted, and appreciated. Inclusivity and belonging are a part of our core values at Empower and with our graduate program, you’ll get to train with the best.

If you’re looking to get your physio career kicked off to a great start, make sure you apply with Empower.

Make sure you don’t miss out!

We have 10 graduate program positions available for 2020.

Applications close 10 December 2019.

 

Apply for Empower's 2020 Graduate Program intake

Need more info?

Call Lilian our Recruitment Manager for a copy of our our Graduate Program flyer on 0412 709 161

 

Interested in joining the Empower family?

Learn more

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In Home Care, Occupational Therapy, Residential Aged Care

Occupational Therapy – Providing You With Empowerment For Choice and Person-Centric Care

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Blog post Amanda Chan
23
Oct

During Occupational Therapy (OT) Week, Empower is celebrating its amazing occupational therapists and  Amanda Chan reflects on why she joined the profession and the importance of collaborative work and person-centric care.

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.

Throughout my training as an Occupational Therapist, we are taught that engaging and participating in meaningful activities provide positive benefits to a person’s feeling of wellbeing.”

Many occupational therapists work with people who have an illness, have a disability or recovering from an injury, and there is a high degree of sensitivity and respect for humanity that is required for this profession.

“Being able to support people of all abilities to engage and participate in what is important to them is my motivation to be the best that I can be. I enjoy working together with the client to create a treatment plan that is meaningful and reflective of their functional and independence goals, be it a leisure activity like knitting, self-care activity such as having a shower safely or a productive activity like preparing their own meals.”

Meaningful Goals and Working Together

“The person who seeks her services is the expert in their lives. They know what is important for them and what is meaningful to them, and from there, they can work together to form goals and work towards those goals together.

At Empower, we recognise the importance of collaborative work. Cooperating and working together with other professionals, families, caregivers and consumers are important with helping consumers achieve their meaningful goals with a holistic approach.”

Therapy activities provided by Occupational Therapists can include;

  • teaching new techniques to complete the activity
  • relearning tasks included in completing activities
  • providing equipment to assist with completing activities or
  • modifying an environment to enable a person to engage in the activity.

All these can facilitate independence, reduce environmental barriers and provide resources to facilitate a sense of well-being.

Promoting Choice

Health care is becoming more person-centered where consumers are encouraged to make informed choices to better support their needs and well-being.

“With the rollout of the NDIS and the new aged care standards, I can see more relevance in the new health care focus in relation to occupational therapy. There is a shift in health care to promote choice, dignity and respect for consumers.

For example, consumers using NDIS funding have access to services based on goals set by consumers together with the support workers. Looking at the new aged care standards, the new standard of care to be provided to older adult consumers in community and in aged care residential facilities is centralised around maintaining a consumer’s choice, dignity and respect.

This resonates with occupational therapist’s core values where the consumer is the expert of their lives and services provided to them should include their choice in all matters to enable consumers to live life to the best of their abilities. This shift empowers consumers to take charge of their own lives and to be able to make more choices to support their health and well-being.”

Author – Amanda Chan, Occupational Therapist at Empower.

 

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.

 

How can I find an Occupational Therapist?

  • We have an amazing team of therapists
  • Comprehensive coverage across Metropolitan Melbourne, Mornington and Geelong
  • Responsiveness is our allied health home care service guarantee
  • Services available to residential aged care organisations
  • Friendly and professional staff

 

Call our friendly team on PH: 9583 1364.

 

Learn more on how our Occupational Therapists can help you

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Community, Occupational Therapy

In Profile – Emily McLeod, Occupational Therapist

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Emily image website4
21
Oct

In recognition of OT Week, Empower is celebrating its amazing occupational therapists and as part of our Staff Profile series, spoke to Emily McLeod about her role as occupational therapist in our Community Services – Home Care division and her passion for helping clients regain independence.

Why did you choose Empower?

Following working in residential aged care and inpatient rehabilitation in my first year out of uni, I developed a passion for the concept of helping people remain living in their home for as long as possible.

I was working with a lot of patients and residents who may have stayed safe and independent in their homes for longer than what they were experiencing, if they had the right supports around them. I wanted to be one of those supports!

In my early conversations with the team at Empower, they said that they agree with this, and that they are passionate about supporting their clients in the community and expanding their occupational therapy services in this area. Empower works with a range of home care providers, from those who are well cared for, to those who are the most vulnerable in our community. I was instantly attracted to the variety of the work that was coming in, and I could feel the amazing team atmosphere even over Skype interview!

What do you love most about your job?

Easy – the smiles on my clients faces when they receive new equipment or learn new ways to participate in activities that they thought were long behind them. Independence is everything. I love giving that to people.

What has been your most memorable moment?

Leaving university, I had no desire to work with children. I felt it was too difficult and that I didn’t have the knowledge or skills to work with young people with different disabilities. Through our growth into working with the NDIS, I have worked with a number of clients aged between 10-18 years, which I now love.

My most memorable moment was only recently – I visited the home of one of my 14-year-old clients who when I first met him; was glued to his Ipad, reliant on his mum for everything, and had a temper that would spark at the drop of a hat.

I was blown away to see him drop his Ipad when I walked in, show me a new book, tell me of a new club he has joined, get his lunch (that he made by himself) out of the fridge and pack a lunchbox for school, and then watch him help his younger brother get breakfast!

Seeing someone shift in their attitude and personal beliefs of their own abilities is amazing – I thought I was just helping him learn basic cooking and creating generic checklists for a morning routine. As it turned out, I had shifted his engagement with all aspects of his life!

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

The team at Empower have provided me with many opportunities to attend professional development sessions, and always listen when I have suggestions for growth or change. I am constantly presented with new challenges, and always supported while working my way through these.

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

Nobody knows all the answers every time. We are all learning every single day – it’s okay to make mistakes and it’s okay to ask for help. You’ll be surprised how often you ask someone a question to be answered with ‘I don’t know either, let’s find out together’.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Out of the workplace, what are your interests and hobbies?

On the weekends I am usually at home with my boyfriend or spending time with my sister. We love cafes, sunshine, and the occasional afternoon at a bar. I’m not very exciting out of work – I occasionally go on a little adventure into the bush or down to the beach, but most of the time I’m switching off and enjoying some R&R.

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 wellbeing.

We are a successful privately owned and operated organisation that continues to experience significant growth, driven by our fantastic services and family of professionals.

 

How can I find an Occupational Therapist?
  • We have an amazing team of occupational therapists
  • Comprehensive coverage across Metropolitan Melbourne, Mornington and Geelong
  • Responsiveness is our allied health home care service guarantee
  • Services available to residential aged care organisations
  •  Friendly and professional staff
Call our friendly team on PH: 9583 1364.

 

Learn more on how our OTs can help you

…
Continue reading →
Exercise, Muscle Function, Office, Posture, Wellbeing

10 health and wellness tips for office workers

Posted on by Nicole Cook
varidesk 1
09
Apr

In case you haven’t heard sitting is the new smoking. Research has shown that sitting for extended periods of time, like sitting at a desk or in a car, can have serious health implications. Aside from developing musculoskeletal issues like neck, shoulder and back pain sedentary lifestyles increase our risk of developing obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even some types of cancer.

So here are our top 10 tips to getting you moving more in the workplace:

  1. Stand up and change position every half hour
  2. Take the stairs where possible instead of an elevator
  3. Organise a group activity (Different exercise every hour on the hour i.e. 10 squats or star jumps)
  4. Rather than sending an email walk over to a colleague to talk
  5. Try standing or walking meetings
  6. Park you’re car as far as possible or better yet walk to/from work or catch public transport
  7. Try sitting on an exercise ball
  8. Drink plenty of water
  9. Use a stand up workstation
  10. Use phone calls as a trigger to get up and walk around the office or better yet walk around whilst talking on the phone
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Massage Therapy, Mental Health, Osteopathy, Physiotherapy, Wellbeing

The Science of Massage and why it feels so good

Posted on by Nicole Cook
unnamed file
01
Mar

Having a massage is one of the most relaxing things on Earth. I mean it doesn’t take a Scientist to know that having a massage feels so good. But there are a few Scientific things occurring to our bodies during and after a massage that explain why we feel so good.

 

1. Increased circulation

Research tells us that massage leads to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) through stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system receptors. Through the physical manipulation of soft tissue and associated chemical responses, the circulatory or cardiovascular system ensures that blood is circulated throughout the body.

Why is this important you ask?

Well blood contains nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones and blood cells and the circulatory system is the means to transport these to and from the cells and tissues within our bodies. This creates healthier cells and tissues within the body by removing the toxins and waste to promote homeostasis.

 

2. Increased levels of Happy chemicals: Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin and Endorphins

This quartet is responsible for our happiness and many studies have shown that Massage leads to increased levels of these neurotransmitters in our systems. So not only is Massage beneficial for our Physical wellbeing but improves our Mental wellbeing also.

 

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurohormone that is released by the Hypothalamus in our bodies and provides us with improved psychological effects. This neurotransmitter helps regulate movement, emotional response and most importantly controls the brains reward and pleasure centers. So for some people receiving a massage induces the same sense of pleasure as physical intimacy, alcohol or recreational drugs. No wonder some people have an addiction to massages!

 

Serotonin

Serotonin is a mood stabiliser and often flows when we feel significant or important. Research has shown that massages can decease our levels of cortisol by 30 percent and when the production of Cortisol is inhibited our brains are in an optimal state to produce serotonin. As a result from the positive impact on mood and feelings of content it is not uncommon for people to fall asleep during a massage despite rigorous physical manipulation.

 

Oxytocin

More commonly known as the “love hormone” is released when massage is not vigorous i.e. a gentle massage you would receive in a spa whilst getting pampered. The increased production of this hormone often leads to that warm and fuzzy feeling inside and is often elevated in nursing mothers or people who fall in love.

 

Endorphins

We’ve all heard of Endorphins but what are they actually? Endorphins or “endogenous morphine” refers to a morphine-like substance originating from within the body (they are produced by the Central Nervous System and the Pituitary Gland). Their primary role is to inhibit the communication of pain signals but can also produce a feeling of euphoria  (an experience of pleasure or excitement and intense feelings of wellbeing and happiness) funnily enough the same sensation experienced from other opoids. 

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Children, Mobility, Muscle Function, Pain, Posture

Is your child’s schoolbag too heavy?

Posted on by Nicole Cook
children wearing backpacks
01
Mar

With the Holiday period coming to an end most parents are looking forward to their kids going back to school. But before the fun begins most parents find themselves making one last dash to the shops to make sure everything’s ticked off the back to school supplies check list – including a school bag. But how often do we stop and think about the importance of a school bags size and weight?

We’ve put together this simple checklist of considerations to reduce the physical stress on children’s bodies

  • Make sure the total weight of the bag (including drink bottles and lunch boxes) does not exceed 10 per cent of the child’s body weight i.e. a child weighing 40kgs should have a bag weighing no more than 4kgs
  • Bag heights and widths are also important – the picture below features a general sizing guide
  • Try backs made from lightweight materials
  • Make sure the bag has adjustable shoulder straps  and encourage children to use both shoulder straps instead of just one to help evenly distribute the weight – I know one strapping is cooler but there’s nothing cool about a sore back!
  • Bags with padded bags are preferable
  • For High School kids that have to carry heavy textbooks and computers try a back with wheels so that the backpack can be pulled rather than carried
  • Wheels so that the backpack can be pulled rather than carried
  • Always pack the bag with heavier items first, that weigh (pun intended) heavier items are closer to the body’s centre of mass and their is more load on the stronger leg muscles than back
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Neck, Osteopathy, Pain, Physiotherapy, Posture, Thoracic Spine

Upper Cross Syndrome – Are you a victim?

Posted on by Nicole Cook
upper crossed syndrome
15
Feb

In today’s day and age many of us spend hours on a computer, tablet or phone and are falling victims to Upper Cross Syndrome, but what actually is it?

Upper cross syndrome is a muscular imbalance commonly seen in those with an office based job, drive for long hours, bike riders or people who are frequently on their phones. The muscular imbalances cause a forward neck posture and rounded shoulders resulting in a lot of stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulder and upper back. Specifically, the upper traps, levator scap and pectorals muscles become tight and overactive, while the deep neck flexors, lower traps and serratus anterior become weaker. The condition gets its name from the “x” shape that develops when regions of overactive and underactive muscles overlap.

The upper crossed syndrome often compromises scapular function, causing neck strain and pain, thoracic stiffness, shoulder pain, headaches or migraines. The muscle deficiencies result in poor posture in the upper body and can often result in lower body chain reactions, resulting in lower back pain.

Exercise and manual therapy is important to maintain good posture and hinder muscular deficits. Exercises that may be considered include scapular setting, deep neck muscle training and pectoral stretching ensure coordinated and synergistic function of these muscle groups. Manual therapy has also been proven to aid in pain relief and improve function.

If this sounds familiar then get in touch with our team to book an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists, Osteopaths or Massage Therapists to see what they can do for you.…

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Muscle Function, Pain, Physiotherapy, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

Shoulder Pain: Where is it really coming from?

Posted on by Nicole Cook
1200 520132430 woman having shoulder pain
08
Feb

One of the common causes of shoulder pain is scapulohumeral dysfunction. The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in your body – it relies on the synergistic movements of 4 different joints around you shoulder. The four joints are :

– Glenohumeral joint

– Acromioclavicular joint

– Sternoclavicular joint

– Scapulothoracic joint

It is important to identify the scapulohumeral deficiencies to allow smooth and coordinated movement. Dysfunction of the scapulohumeral junction is often the underlying cause for rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, impingement etc.

Once your physiotherapist has identified which part of the shoulder complex is deficient, the appropriate exercises and treatment will be prescribed. Talk to one of our team members to have a physiotherapist complete an assessment and treatment plan for you!

 

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Community, Falls Prevention, Physiotherapy

Preventing Falls: The Otago Exercise Program

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Our Services Guy in gym
01
Feb

The Otago Exercise Program is a simple to complete program with strong evidence for decreasing falls in elderly people living in the community. Shown to decrease falls by 35%, the program has strong evidence to support its effect.

According to the study, the following groups of people are at higher risk of falls:

  • Aged 80+
  • Previous falls
  • Female
  • Recent illness or surgery
  • Reduced strength or balance

 

So what’s involved in the program?

This evidence based program targets leg muscle weakness, difficulty walking and balance systems which are some of the most common risk factors for falling.

  1. Strength exercises: 3 x per week
  2. Balance exercises: 3 x per week
  3. Walking: 2 x per week

Strength exercises focus on major leg muscles required for important movements like walking and standing. Physiotherapists are experts identifying deficiencies and selecting the right exercises to address identified problems. Importantly, they will also teach you how to do the exercises properly for maximum benefits.

Balance exercises are designed to retrain people in maintaining balance. Selected exercises will improve your ability to balance and your ability to recover your balance when something goes wrong. Selection of appropriate exercises and advice on performing challenging exercises safely by a physiotherapist is important.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. You’re never too old for this adage! Regular walking helps you to regain endurance and challenge your body to improve. Walking is the simplest part of the program to do safely and effectively, so some tips are provided below for getting started.

 

Getting Started With Walking

Now you know about the program, it’s time to get started with some walking.

The aim is to walk for 30 minutes two days each week. This needs to become a habit! Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Walk at a comfortable pace.
  • Use your usual walker or stick if you have one.
  • If someone normally walks with you for safety, walk with them.
  • If you can’t walk 30 minutes continuously, break it down into multiple shorter walks. Try 3 lots of 10 minutes or 2 lots of 15 minutes.
  • Push yourself! It should be a challenge but not exhausting.

 

Next steps

Talk to our team about seeing one of our exceptional physiotherapists for tailored strength and balance exercises. We can see you in the comfort of your home, at our Cheltenham clinic or in a Residential Care facility. Call us on 9583 1364 or submit an enquiry to find out more.…

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Community, Equipment, Mobility, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Wheelchair

Wheelchair Prescription – Part 1: Wheelchair Types

Posted on by Nicole Cook
customlong
25
Jan

For people with limited mobility Wheelchairs can often be a game changer. But with so many options on the market how do you know what to look for?

We’ve put together this 3 part blog to help you learn more about the different types of chairs on the market, what customisations are available and the important considerations around seating and positioning in a wheelchair.

  • Part 1: Different Types of Wheelchairs and what to consider.
  • Part 2: Standardisation vs Customisation.
  • Part 3: Seating and Positioning guideline.

Part 1 – Different Types of Wheelchairs and what to consider.

When looking at purchasing a Wheelchair it’s important to think about the following things as this will steer you in the right direction to choosing the right chair for you.

  • What is the primary use of the chair?
  • How often will the chair be used?
  • Will the chair be used indoors, outdoors or both?
  • Will you be propelling the chair or will you need someone to propel it for you?

Once you have a good understanding of the above you can then look at the different types of chairs to determine what will suit your needs. Ideally having a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Equipment Provider involved in this process is highly recommended to help guide you down the right path and make sure you end up with a chair that is right for you!

Manual vs Electric

Generally, the first differentiating factor when prescribing a wheelchair is whether the requirement is for a Manual or Electric Wheelchair. Manual Wheelchairs are the most common types of wheelchairs and require someone to “manually” push the chair. This can be either self propelled or require someone to push the chair. Electric chairs on the other hand are (as the name suggests) chairs that are propelled  by an electric motor.

Standard

Standard wheelchairs are the common “off the shelf” type of chair and generally quite basic and economical. They come with a durable steel frame and standard sizes of 16 x 16, 18 x 18 and 20 x 20inch chairs (the size refers to the seat’s width and depth). These chairs can often be folded but are generally quite heavy and cumbersome due to the steel frame.

Lightweight

In comparison to a Standard Wheelchair a Lightweight Chair is well…much lighter. The main reason for this is that these are made with lighter metals, generally aluminium, titanium or carbon fibre. They are generally used as a transit chair (transport someone from one place to another) and come with castors as opposed to large wheels with spokes and tyres which means you can’t propel yourself and will need someone to propel the chair for you.

The Castors along with the change in metal have a significant impact on the chairs weight and can often be half the weight of a standard wheelchair (Standard chairs are generally~15kgs vs a lightweight chair which weighs ~8kgs if not lighter!) These chair are commonly used in people that are ambulant but may not be able to walk long distances so are ideal for a family member to fold it up and easily lift it into the car.

Tilt in Space

Tilt in space chairs are often prescribed for clients that may spend most of their day in a chair. Tilt in Space chairs have the ability of tilting the entire chairs frame as one solid unit. This means that you can maintain the angles of key joints (hips, knees and feet – Part 3 of this blog will provide more info on seating posture and positioning) and help redistribute pressure to offload the ischial tuberosities (the bony parts of your bottom) to support comfort and reduce the risk of pressure sores from developing as a result of constant pressure due to lack of movement.

Some Tilt in space chairs come with a recline function which enables the chair’s backrest to change position on its own. This is especially helpful in clients with limited hip flexion and can be adjusted to ensure comfort as well as reduce the risk of sliding off the chair.

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