At Empower Healthcare, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality allied health services, regardless of location, mobility, or circumstance. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of Telehealth services designed to bring professional clinical Allied Healthcare directly to your home.
Whether you’re in a remote area, managing a busy schedule, or simply prefer virtual consultations, our model ensures you receive the support you need with flexibility and convenience.
Why Choose Empower Telehealth Services?
– Faster access to appointments for urgent needs.
– Reduced travel time and costs for clients in rural or regional areas.
– Comfort and safety for those self-isolating or with mobility limitations.
– Cost-effective alternative to in-home services.
Telehealth Services Available
Empower offers the following services via Telehealth:
Dietetics
– Dietary Management
– Medical Nutrition Therapy
– Personalised Nutrition Plans
– Weight Management
– Dysphagia Management
– Food Intolerance & Allergy Management
Occupational Therapy
– Daily Living Skills Training
– Home Safety Assessments
– Equipment Prescription
– Falls Prevention
– Dementia Support (COPE Program)
Physiotherapy
– Pain Management
– Mobility & Balance Training
– Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
– Exercise Programs
– Injury Recovery
Speech Pathology
– Communication Therapy
– Swallowing Assessments
– Language & Literacy Support
– Voice Therapy
How It Works
Clients can access Telehealth services with a support person, using a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with a camera. Empower provides easy-to-use links for video calls.
Our Support Team is here to guide you through every step, from referral to treatment, ensuring a smooth and personalised experience.
Getting Started
Referring is simple:
1. Complete our online referral form
2. Select your service.
3. In the “About your referral” section, mention “Telehealth”.
Access more information about Telehealth services here.
Supporting flyers
Empower Healthcare’s Telehealth services are designed to keep you safe, supported, and connected, no matter where you are. Let us help you live independently and confidently with care that comes to you.
Whether you’re a student, new grad or currently in hospital or private practice and wondering what it’s really like to work in community health, this is your chance to hear firsthand from the Empower team.
Discover the flexibility, impact, and career growth that comes with stepping into a community role. – Expect real stories, practical insights, and a relaxed space to ask questions.
At Empower Healthcare, we understand that palliative care is about more than managing symptoms, it’s about supporting people to live meaningfully, with dignity and comfort. That’s why our Occupational Therapy (OT) services are designed to help individuals continue engaging in the activities that matter most to them, even in the face of life-limiting illness.
A Holistic, Team-Based Approach to Palliative Care
Our occupational therapists work as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team (MDT) that includes experienced nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, and other allied health professionals. Together, we deliver coordinated, client-centred care that supports physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Whether it’s helping someone enjoy a favourite hobby, maintain independence in daily tasks, or simply feel more comfortable at home, our team is here to make it possible.
Home environment assessments to improve safety and accessibility
Energy conservation strategies to reduce fatigue
Adaptive equipment recommendations for daily living
Support for caregivers with education and practical tools
Emotional and psychosocial support through meaningful engagement
Our nurses play a vital role in monitoring health status, managing symptoms, and providing compassionate care that complements OT interventions.
Why Refer to Empower Healthcare?
We make referrals easy and seamless. Our team collaborates closely with GPs, aged care providers, case managers, and families to ensure every client receives the right support at the right time.
By referring to Empower Healthcare, you’re connecting your clients with a team that’s passionate about helping people live—not just exist.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re a healthcare provider looking to enhance your clients’ palliative care experience, we invite you to refer to Empower Healthcare. Together, we can empower comfort, autonomy, and joy—every step of the way.
Malnutrition is a serious and often overlooked health issue, especially among older adults. It’s not just about eating too little, it’s about not getting the right nutrients. Alarmingly, nearly 50% of older Australians, whether in aged care or living independently, are either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.
Importantly, malnutrition can affect anyone, regardless of body size. Even individuals who are overweight or obese may be nutritionally compromised.
What Is Malnutrition?
Malnutrition occurs when the body doesn’t receive enough energy, protein, vitamins, or minerals to function properly. It can result from:
Insufficient food intake
Poor dietary choices
Difficulty absorbing or utilising nutrients
Over time, these deficiencies can lead to serious health complications.
Spot the Signs Early
Early identification is key to preventing long-term health impacts. Common signs of malnutrition in older adults include:
The Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) is a simple, evidence-based way to identify those at risk. It involves just two questions about recent weight loss and appetite.
👉 Download the MST here
Why Older Adults Are Vulnerable
Malnutrition in older adults often develops gradually due to:
Reduced appetite or sensory changes
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Chronic health conditions and medications
Cognitive decline or depression
Social isolation or financial hardship
Limited mobility or frequent hospitalisations
These factors can make it harder to maintain a balanced diet and adequate nutrition.
The Cost of Delayed Intervention
Without timely support, malnutrition can lead to:
Loss of muscle mass and strength
Increased risk of infections and falls
Poor wound healing
Fatigue and cognitive decline
Longer recovery times
Greater dependence and risk of hospitalisation
Dietitians Make a Difference
Timely referral to a dietitian can significantly improve outcomes. Dietitians provide:
Comprehensive nutritional assessments
Personalised dietary plans
Practical nutrition education
Support for appetite and weight stabilisation
Improved healing, energy, and independence
Accessible Support
We offer flexible options to suit your needs, including:
In-person consultations
After-hours telehealth appointments
Key Takeaway
Malnutrition isn’t always visible, but its impact is profound. By raising awareness, encouraging early screening, and referring to dietitians, we can help older adults live healthier, more independent lives.
The decline in muscle mass often begins as early as 30 and can accelerate after 60. Without preventive measures, this can lead to a host of health issues.
Muscle weakness isn’t just about feeling less strong. It’s linked to serious health concerns such as disability, diabetes, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis, and can even increase the risk of early mortality. But there’s good news: resistance training can make a difference!
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes. One of the most significant being sarcopenia or better known as age-related muscle mass loss. Did you know that sarcopenia affects about 10% of adults over 60 and more than 50% of those over 80.
Why Resistance Training?
Current research highlights resistance training as a powerful tool to combat muscle disuse. By incorporating resistance exercises into your routine, you can fight against the loss of muscle strength and mass. This type of training not only helps reduce frailty but also improves physical function in several ways. Enhanced mobility, greater independence, better management of chronic diseases, improved psychological well-being, and a higher overall quality of life are just a few of the benefits.
Tailoring Your Training
To achieve the best results, resistance training programs for older adults should be tailored to be person centered. This personalised approach ensures that the training is safe, effective, and aligned with your specific goals.
For those interested in starting a resistance training program, consulting with an Empower Healthcare Physiotherapists or Osteopaths can be invaluable. Our team can help design a program that meets unique needs and help achieve fitness goals.
References:
Fragala, Maren S.1; Cadore, Eduardo L.2; Dorgo, Sandor3; Izquierdo, Mikel4; Kraemer, William J.5; Peterson, Mark D.6; Ryan, Eric D.7. Resistance Training for Older Adults: Position Statement From the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 33(8):p 2019-2052, August 2019. | DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003230
Understanding muscle soreness: causes and remedies
Have you ever felt that familiar muscle ache after a workout? That’s muscle soreness, a common experience for those who stay active. But what causes this discomfort, and how can you manage it?
Muscle soreness, felt as pain or stiffness, occurs post-exercise due to tiny injuries in the muscle fibers, known as micro-trauma. Typically, it appears a day after exertion, making muscles sensitive to touch and painful during movement, sometimes reducing strength for up to a week.
Symptoms of Muscle Soreness
• Dull ache
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain with stretching
• Temporary loss of strength
Why Does Muscle Soreness Happen?
1. Eccentric Movements: Stretching a muscle in the opposite direction of its tension can lead to soreness.
2. Infrequent Exercise: If you’re not regularly active, even light exercises can cause soreness due to poor muscle coordination.
Muscle soreness differs from the immediate pain of a tear, as it usually develops hours after activity or the next day. This delay is because pain receptors are in connective tissues, not muscle fibers. For activation, certain substances must be released, causing the soreness experienced.
Common Causes of Sore Muscles
• Introducing eccentric loads
• Restarting exercise after a long break
• Increasing workout intensity rapidly
• Trying unfamiliar movements
• Overusing muscles
• Exercising while unwell
Managing Muscle Soreness
• Use sore muscles gently in daily activities
• Avoid heavy lifting and intense workouts temporarily
• Engage in gentle stretching
• Try light exercises for sore muscles
• Apply heat for pain relief
Prioritising movement is key to staying active and feeling your best. While muscle soreness is a natural part of exercise, persistent or sharp pain shouldn’t be ignored. If discomfort is holding you back Massage Therapy can help and talk to our allied health clinicians who are here to help.
We’ll work with you to manage and prevent pain, so you can move with confidence and keep enjoying your fitness journey. Keep moving, keep thriving
In the world of care management, we understand that tackling heavy workloads while delivering outstanding client care is a daily challenge
We offer practical solutions that reduce caseload burdens, like a simple online referral forms, weekly wait time updates, short wait times, exceptional support and more. Our approach is tailored to meet the needs of care managers everywhere.
At Empower Healthcare, we’re passionate about keeping our clients and our teams safe. Here’s everything you need to know about optimising manual handling in healthcare.
What is Manual Handling?
Manual handling encompasses any task where force is required to push, pull, lift, carry, lower, or restrain a person or object. In healthcare, this goes beyond simply assisting clients—it’s about ensuring their safety while protecting yourself.
Did you know manual handling injuries account for 58.9% of cases in healthcare, significantly higher than the 43.9% across all other industries (WorkSafe Victoria, 2007)?
Let’s explore how to stay safe while delivering quality care.
Understanding Your Spine
The spine is the structural backbone of the body, offering a stable foundation and safeguarding the nervous system. Its three natural curves—cervical, thoracic, and lumbar—play a pivotal role in maintaining proper posture and reducing strain.
Posture Tips: • Keep your spine’s natural curves aligned for power and efficiency. • Engage your deep abdominal muscles to stabilise the spine—think of it as a protective ‘corset.’ Hold that belly button in and breathe steadily!
Poor posture can lead to long-term damage, resulting in sprains, chronic pain, or worse.
Let’s minimise risks together.
Common Manual Handling Injuries
Healthcare workers are susceptible to a range of injuries, including: • Muscle strains/sprains • Nerve compressions • Joint damage (hands, shoulders, knees) • Hernias and vascular issues
Identifying Hazards and Risks
Certain healthcare tasks—like lifting patients—cannot be fully avoided. This is where policies like the No Lift, No Injury Policy come in, aiming to: • Minimise manual lifting of clients. • Encourage the use of lifting aids like hoists and slides. • Promote client independence wherever possible.
Manual Handling Best Practices
Here’s how to optimise safety during tasks:
Lifting • Keep feet apart for stability. • Bend knees, not your back. • Keep loads close to your body.
Pushing • Use your body weight for momentum. • Maintain elbows close and a wide base of support.
Storage • Store frequently used items at waist height. • Avoid heavy items above or below shoulder level.
Teamwork • Use clear communication (e.g., “Ready, set, go!”). • Coordinate movements for efficiency.
Supporting Patient Transfers
Transfers are safer and smoother with attention to detail:
• Walking: Match your client’s pace and communicate clearly. • Sit-to-Stand: Maintain good posture and provide balanced support. • Slide Sheets: Use folding techniques and bed adjustments for bariatric clients.
Your Safe Handling Checklist
• Seek better, more efficient approaches to tasks. • Avoid twisting—rotate the whole body from the hips. • Ensure proper equipment is available and know how to use it. • Call for help if you’re unsure or fatigued.
At Empower Healthcare, our commitment to safety is unwavering. Together, we can reduce risks and foster independence for all. Empower Healthcare is here to train and support your team, ensuring safety and independence for all.
If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
We are thrilled to introduce our Weekly Wellness Webinars, a series of live Zoom sessions led by our knowledgeable clinicians. Join us every week to explore how Allied Health services can enhance your wellness at home.
When?: Every Wednesday
Where? Zoom
What?
– Actionable insights
– Practical tips
– Live Q&A sessions with our clinicians
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Empowering Independence: Assistive Technology for Home Care
Safe Eating: Swallowing and Mealtime Tips
Golden Years Nutrition: Healthy Eating at Home
Staying Steady: Falls Prevention Strategies for Home Care
Missed a session this month? No problem! Our webinars will be repeated monthly, and updated links will be available on our website.
As the bustling festive season draws near, it’s all too easy to become caught in a whirlwind of tasks for others, neglecting the sacred art of self care. Here we are helping you to take a moment to reflect and explore various ways in which you can prioritise your own self care.
1. Set Boundaries
It’s important to know your limits and communicate them to others. Saying “no” when you’re overwhelmed is perfectly acceptable and necessary for your mental health. Therefore, make sure to prioritise activities that bring you joy and peace.
2. Schedule Downtime
Amidst the hustle and bustle, ensure you have pockets of time dedicated to relaxation. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or indulging in a favourite hobby, these moments of downtime can recharge your energy.
3. Maintain a Balanced Diet
With all the festive treats around, it can be tempting to overindulge. Aim to balance indulgence with nutritious meals to keep your body feeling its best. Remember to stay hydrated and incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to center yourself. These activities can help alleviate stress and enhance your emotional health.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Prioritise sleep to ensure you’re well-rested and able to enjoy the festivities. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even with late-night celebrations.
6. Connect with Loved Ones
While it’s easy to get caught up in the preparations, don’t forget to spend quality time with family and friends. Meaningful connections can greatly enhance your emotional well-being.
7. Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and relieve stress. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance class, or a workout session, find an activity you enjoy and make time for it.
8. Reflect and Express Gratitude
Take a moment to reflect on the year and express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift focus to the good things and improve your overall outlook.
9. Pamper Yourself
Treat yourself to something special, whether it’s a spa day, a new book, or a cozy night in. Small acts of pampering can have a significant impact on your mood.
10. Seek Support if Needed
If the festive season becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Whether it’s talking to a friend, family member, or professional, sharing your feelings can provide relief.
Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity, especially during the holiday season. By incorporating these self-care tips, you can ensure that you enjoy a joyful and balanced festive period.