Announcements, Massage Therapy

4 Benefits of Massage Therapy for Seniors

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Nicole Cook

03
Mar

Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years as part of holistic health practices. Thanks to a growing body of research, we now understand why massage is effective and how best to use it to improve health and wellbeing across all life stages. While regular massage therapy may improve overall quality of life, here are some specific benefits for older adults receiving regular massage therapy:

Relaxation of muscles and soft tissue that have become tight and shortened due to postural changes and decreased activity in later life.
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 in older adults resulting in feelings of wellbeing and comfort.

Older adults bear much of the stress and anxiety during the current COVID-19 crisis. The limits on safe human interaction and touch have resulted in poor mental health outcomes for many people. The powerful stress relieving effects of massage therapy can help to alleviate the impact of social distancing and isolation for vulnerable seniors living at home and improve their ability to manage living independently for longer.

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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

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, Physiotherapy, Recruitment

In Profile with Cristina Speranza – Physiotherapist NSW

Posted on February 22, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

22
Feb

We welcome Cristina Speranza to the Empower family. Cristina is our newest graduate physiotherapist in NSW.

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi! My name is Cristina Speranza and I am a new graduate Physiotherapist that has recently joined the Empower NSW team. I completed a Bachelor of Human Science majoring in Human Movement at Macquarie University and a Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Technology Sydney. During my degree, I discovered that Physiotherapist’s can treat much more than your usual musculoskeletal injuries, in fact we can EMPOWER client’s to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. I have discovered a deep passion for neurological rehabilitation and in the future I aspire to become a clinical educator and share my knowledge and passion for Physiotherapy with the future generations to come.

In your new position at Empower, what will you be looking to achieve in 2021?

Being the first Physiotherapist on the NSW team, I would love to share my current knowledge with future Empower Physiotherapist’s and contribute to expanding the team. I would also love to learn and expand my own Physiotherapy skill set to ensure I am delivering quality care to all clients.

What do you love most about your role?

I love when client’s feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness when they have achieved their goals. That is the reason why I wake up every morning and do what I do. I also love being able to connect with client’s and hear their stories and wisdom.

What has been your most memorable moment?

The most memorable moment of my Physiotherapy career was when I was managing a paraplegic client and she had been hospitalised for 5 months since her injury. She had not left the hospital in that time and her goal was to complete a car transfer to go for a drive to Coogee beach. The only thing that was stopping her, was her inability to complete a transfer out of her wheelchair. After a lot of motivation, intensive practice and strength training she was able to complete the car transfer and her husband drove her to Coogee beach. After the drive, she was crying of pure happiness and could not stop thanking me for never giving up on her. That was the moment when I realised no matter what condition the client has there is always an alternative solution for them to achieve their goals.

What attracted you to Empower?

Being a new graduate Physiotherapist, I initially found it quite overwhelming to start practicing with minimal to no supervision. Empower offered a great new graduate program that has a great balance of support and independence. Another aspect that attracted me to Empower was that it permits me to treat clients in their own homes. This enhances the specificity of treatment options and it makes the therapy more relatable and functional for each client.

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

The best piece of advice I would give to myself and any new graduate was a mantra I was told by a UTS lecturer, and it is “Don’t overcomplicate it. Keep it simple stupid.” Also take any opportunity that comes your way because opportunities breed opportunities.

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

I love going to the gym and exercising. I enjoy a variety of training styles including strength training, cardiovascular training, Pilates and boxing. More importantly I love food and cooking, especially baking! Being Italian it’s in my genetics. I also love to travel (COVID has been a bit of a buzz kill with that) but I am definitely making the most of traveling around Australia.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

A fun fact is that I was a dancer for 15 years and I used to compete around NSW. I also used to play the piano at a very high level during school. I still know how to play “Empire State of Mind” by Alicia Keys, “End of the Road” by Boys to Men, “Clocks” by Coldplay and a few others.

Our Service Guarantee

“Our promise: We respond faster. Whether it’s our short waiting lists, same day reporting or simple referral process, you can rest assured that your client is in the best hands.”

We have listened to our clients and they don’t have the time to micro-manage their portfolio. They want to partner with someone that is reliable and dependable with transparent pricing structures.

Adam Gilroy Smith, CEO reveals, “Empower has grown by 100% over the past year based on our service model across Home Care, NDIS and Residential Aged Care. By listening to our clients and the challenges they face, we adapt, stay well positioned and respond fast to deliver exceptional care. The launch of our new service model is another example of Empower Healthcare’s ability to be agile in a rapidly changing environment.”

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

Six signs that your client or resident may need a dietitian

Posted on February 11, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

11
Feb

Malnutrition is often missed in older people.

Appetite and weight tend to decrease slowly as older people who manage their own shopping, food preparation and eating reduce dietary intake without realising it. Family members and carers who see the person regularly may only begin noticing the weight loss after significant physical changes have occurred. While the causes of weight loss are complex, here are a few indicators that someone may need dietary intervention:

Unplanned weight loss in the last 3-6 months
Falling Body Mass Index (BMI)
Reduced nutritional intake
Low levels of nutrients noted during blood analysis
A history of alcohol misuse
Use of medicines including insulin, chemotherapy, antacids, or diuretics.

Dieticians specialise in improving and optimising nutrition by considering the needs and preferences of the individual. Early, practical intervention can help in maintaining general health, activity levels and independence for older people living in the community and in residential aged care.

About Empower

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

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

Six ways a dietitian can help your ageing clients

Posted on January 27, 2021February 3, 2021 by Nicole Cook

27
Jan

Malnutrition is a common cause of loss of vitality and poor health outcomes in older people.

Reduced dietary intake of essential nutrients and calories often occurs as a result of a combination of conditions and factors that can make food preparation and eating difficult and unappealing for older adults. Getting to the bottom of why someone may be developing nutrient and calorie deficits and implementing strategies to improve diet and quality of life can take time and expertise.

A dietitian can assist in the management of at-risk older people living in the community and residential aged care settings by:

1. Screening to ascertain the BMI and nutritional intake of people experiencing unwanted weight loss.- Comprehensive assessments to determine the causes of malnutrition.

2. Implementing “Food First” strategies like eating small but frequent, high energy, high protein snacks and meals.

3. Implementing nutrition support for malnourished people who are unable to maintain body weight by food intake alone.

4. Developing practical and appropriate meal plans and schedules to improve daily nutritional intake.

5. Supporting people in the community to access meal and food services that meet their individual tastes, dietary needs, and abilities.

6. Improve the quality of life of ageing clients by increasing the energy they have available to participate in social and community activities.

Diet and food preferences are personal and often sensitive matters, dieticians work with individuals to create the best personalized and enjoyable solutions for people struggling to maintain adequate nutrient intake.

Empower’s dietetic services is available across all of our service channels, residential aged care, home care and NDIS. Please click on the relevant link below to learn more.

About Empower

We Change Lives

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

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, Physiotherapy, Recruitment

In Profile with Felicia Yapp – Occupational Therapist VIC

Posted on January 27, 2021November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

27
Jan

Felicia joined the Empower team in 2020 as an occupational therapist, during a challenging 2020 Felicia managed to work with her clients and excel in providing quality service and care.

Tell us a bit about yourself

Originally from Malaysia, I came to Australia in 2007, completed my Foundation Studies in Adelaide and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University, Geelong. I started my professional OT career in 2012 predominantly working at a private hospital in Geelong – acute medical care, inpatient rehabilitation (orthopaedic, reconditioning, neurological conditions). I was also involved with facilitating individual/group treatment sessions for Outpatient Programs such as Parkinson’s and Cognitive ‘Rust Removers’ group, Pulmonary and Reconditioning program.

I moved to Adelaide in 2018 and worked at a not-for-profit residential aged care and home care community organisation as well as Transitional Care Program. I also had the opportunity to work alongside Psychologists from Spain to establish a cognitive program adapted from Spain within the residential aged care facility and as part of the community program. I moved back to Melbourne in 2020 and began working with Empower in March.

What attracted you to Empower?

I was referred to join Empower by a mutual friend and the opportunity seemed like a good fit.

What do you love most about your role?

As a Community Occupational Therapist, it continues to challenge my skills and knowledge gained over my working experience. I find that I learn something new each day. Most of all I love to see the smile on our client’s face, support them in achieving their goals and independence and also the acknowledgment that we are providing a quality service.

What has been your most memorable moment?

A previous client who was diagnosed with early stage of dementia, who in his first session told us that it was impossible for him to do sudoku puzzles. Through our cognitive therapy group session, he developed the skills and confidence to do sudoku puzzles (along with other tailored activities). I felt a great sense of achievement that he found new interest and motivation to keep his mind active. As an OT I have always known that we “put the fun in functional!”

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

Approach everything with an open mind. There is no such thing as a ‘silly question’. Be pro-active and always persevere to develop your knowledge and skills as you progress as an OT.

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

I love baking – it is my relaxation therapy. I like to try out new recipes and explore new restaurants/cafes. I also like to draw/sketch and make DIY cards.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I am a lefty.

Our Service Guarantee

“Our promise: We respond faster. Whether it’s our short waiting lists, same day reporting or simple referral process, you can rest assured that your client is in the best hands.”

We have listened to our clients and they don’t have the time to micro-manage their portfolio. They want to partner with someone that is reliable and dependable with transparent pricing structures.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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Announcements, Podiatry, Residential Aged Care

Doppler Ultrasound Assessments Built into Standard Resident Podiatry Assessments

Posted on December 4, 2020November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

04
Dec

We’ve listened to our clients and now include Doppler ultrasound assessments into annual resident podiatry assessments at no extra cost.

We share the desire to raise the standards of care in this sector and make a difference in people’s lives. Whilst we already utilise Doppler ultrasounds for clients that show symptoms of peripheral vascular issues, by preventatively using this screening tool for every resident as standard will help flag residents that have poor quality blood flow in their lower limbs even before symptoms may appear.

Early detection means that a facility’s multi-disciplinary team can look at further testing to facilitate an unrecognised condition, as well as implement complementary therapy services such as physiotherapy or dietetics to help reduce the risk of complications related to diabetes, strokes, and clots that if left untreated, may result in a preventable fatality.

Doppler ultrasound assessments are also available on request, whether it’s for new resident admissions, someone has a newly developed leg/foot wound or a change in health status. We want to ensure every resident is receiving the best possible care.

At Empower we do more, so you get more. We offer value packed solutions that aim to maximise the quality of the allied health services you receive for your investment.

Experience the Empower difference in Aged Care allied health services.

If you would like to learn more about the Empower difference, contact Eloise Mellor our Residential Aged Care Relationship Manager on (03) 9583 1364.

Compliant & High Quality Allied Health Aged Care Solutions

Our goal is to help you maximise the quality of care for residents, while achieving the best health outcomes at the lowest cost without affecting an individual’s right to safety and tailored care.

We help organisations achieve this by delivering evidence-based early interventions that reduce acute care episodes.

At Empower, we deliver focused solutions around preventive, restorative and reablement care, by highly qualified and skilled practitioners, including physiotherapists, dietitians and podiatrists.

Value Packed Services

Our value packed solutions are tailored to suit the specific needs of your organisation and maximise the safety, function and quality of life for your residents.

Working closely with each management team, our service is delivered in a transparent, compliant manner by experts giving you hassle free, peace of mind. As a result, we are a trusted partner of national clients.

Our professional allied health team treat residents with respect, compassion, kindness and make them feel appreciated. Patience, quality care and dignity are what sets us apart.

Exceptional podiatry that promotes healthy feet and an active lifestyle

When you work with Empower, you can rest assured that your resident’s footcare needs are being taken care of. Our aged care podiatry program provides diagnostic and therapeutic foot care, promoting healthy feet and an active lifestyle for your resident.

We work tirelessly to lower the cost of podiatry whilst lifting the level of care delivered. Plus we provide training and support to utilise the EPC program to reduce costs.

Empower’s aged care podiatry team cap treatment numbers to give you high-quality services you are paying for. Plus, we’ve listened to our clients and now include Doppler ultrasound assessments into annual resident podiatry assessments at no extra cost.

Our 6 weekly podiatry program provides comprehensive foot care to your residents and includes:

Initial assessment
General nail trim
Trimming of ingrown nails
Treatment of painful calluses and corns
Diabetic foot care
Prevention of infections
Treatment of foot trauma

Click Here for Residential Aged Care podiatry

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, Physiotherapy, Recruitment

In Profile with Jeremy Ong – Physiotherapy Home Care Team Leader WA

Posted on November 30, 2020November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

30
Nov

We welcome Jeremy Ong to the Empower family. Jeremy is our Physiotherapy Home Care Team Leader in WA and has joined the management team to lead the Physio Team in mobile physiotherapy services.

Tell us a bit about yourself

My passion in physiotherapy stems from seeing the gap between a patient in hospital and returning to normal life at home. I hope on working to help with that transition and with that in mind, have completed extra studies in Chronic pain, Vestibular disorders and Lifestyle Integrated Functional Exercises.

Graduating from Curtin in 2012, I spent my first four years as a Physiotherapist in Victoria working in Aged Care facilities and Rehabilitation Hospitals prior to moving back to Perth. Since returning, I’ve been employed in the community sector as a mobile physiotherapist.

What attracted you to Empower?

It wasn’t the purple uniforms! I felt that Empower Healthcare’s values aligned similarly with my own. Having heard of the proven systems and structures working in Victoria, it was great to see and have that same support implemented in WA. Finally, knowing that the company will only look to grow if they continue to keep their promises made this role very appealing.

In your new position at Empower, what will you be looking to achieve in 2020?

I’m hoping to make an impact and establish Empower Healthcare as the number one choice as allied health home care provider in WA.

What do you love most about your role?

I get great satisfaction in being a part of a client’s journey in working towards and achieving their goals. Even though I have taken on a Team Leader role, I still get to go on the road and treat clients right in the own homes, whether the goal is to walk normally after surgery or to be able to climb stairs for the first time in 10 years.

What has been your most memorable moment?

“Having seen a client for 8-9 months after experiencing set-back after set-back to taking their first unaided steps with her husband looking on with tears of joy.”

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

“If you treat the DISEASE, you win, you lose. You treat the PERSON, I’ll guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome” – Hunter Patch Adams

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

I am a father of one very active toddler. My main sport of choice is basketball but up for trying different activities. I also enjoy working in the garden, despite having artificial grass in my backyard.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I prefer listening to Podcasts and talk-back radio rather than music while driving.

Our Service Guarantee

“Our promise: We respond faster. Whether it’s our short waiting lists, same day reporting or simple referral process, you can rest assured that your client is in the best hands.”

We have listened to our clients and they don’t have the time to micro-manage their portfolio. They want to partner with someone that is reliable and dependable with transparent pricing structures.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, Occupational Therapy, Recruitment

In Profile with Tom Cui – Occupational Therapist

Posted on October 29, 2020October 29, 2020 by Nicole Cook

29
Oct

As a leading provider of allied health services, Tom Cui joins the NSW team as an Occupational Therapist. He joins our brilliant national OT team that are passionate in solving our client’s problems, making a real difference to their lives.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I came to Australia from China for study in 2012. I finished a two year program in the University of Sydney and got a degree in Master of Occupational Therapy. I have been practicing as an Occupational Therapist in a wide variety of settings since 2015, for instance, occupational rehabilitation, community practice, private hospital and aged care facility. I am experienced in ADL assessments, equipment prescription, home modifications, falls prevention and pressure care prevention.

What do you love most about your role?

As a Home Care Occupational Therapist, I enjoy travelling on the road and meeting different clients every day. I like the flexibility at work and look forward to empowering clients so they can cope at home safely and independently.

What has been your most memorable moment?

Within the first few weeks of working at Empower, I had an invaluable team experience that cemented my assurance in choosing the right employment organisation. I had an urgent Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) referral and with collaboration from the OT Manager and Case Manager, was able to conduct and submit a comprehensive assessment report within a very short turn-around time that successfully achieved the goal of facilitating approval for appropriate accommodation and services within a limited time frame.

As an Occupational Therapist in NSW, what will you be looking to achieve in 2020?

It has been an exciting time and I’m so grateful in having the opportunity and experience to expand Empower Healthcare’s allied health services into New South Wales. It’s fascinating observing a business grow organically from scratch and I have been thankful in transferring my previous experience and knowledge to deliver individualised, innovative and high quality health care as per my fellow work colleagues around Australia.

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

As an international student, I used to worry if I would be able to find a job and survive in this field. Apparently, I have proven that I worried a little bit too much! Therefore, I would like to leave a piece of advice to the new graduate self “No worries, you are better than you thought – chase your dreams.”

What makes Empower different to previous places of employment?

Empower is like a big family to me. I feel I am well supported in the team.

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

I am a very active person. I like all sorts of sports, such as cycling, soccer, basketball and snooker.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I am a big fan of heavy metal. I feel sorry to my neighbours when I play guitar at home…

Our Service Guarantee

“Our promise: We respond faster. Whether it’s our short waiting lists, same day reporting or simple referral process, you can rest assured that your client is in the best hands.”

We have listened to our clients and they don’t have the time to micro-manage their portfolio. They want to partner with someone that is reliable and dependable with transparent pricing structures.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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Announcements, Equipment, Exercise, Falls Prevention, Residential Aged Care, Wellbeing

Empower Healthcare collaborates with Mayflower on design of Wellness Centre

Posted on October 26, 2020November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

26
Oct

The team at Empower are thrilled to have been able to support, our partners in health, Mayflower with the design of the Wellness Centre in their new building.

As Allied Health Professionals our recommendations for the equipment and general use of the room has been carefully considered to ensure it caters to a range of people including staff, residents, older people in the community and clients with disabilities.

The Wellness Centre will provide a whole range of physical, social, and mental benefits for everyone at Mayflower. We envisage that this space will promote a culture of wellbeing for everyone as it will encourage and invite residents to get together, have a laugh and participate in daily physical activity.

Whether the goal is to improve walking, optimise heart and lung function through cardiovascular exercise or strengthen bones and muscles, there is something in the space for everyone.

The inclusion of parallel bars (which are great for getting people back on their feet after a stroke or surgery) an adjoining treatment room (for private hands on therapy by our Physiotherapists) and a wall of floor to ceiling mirrors (to monitor technique and visible improvements) positions the humble space to resemble a smaller rehabilitation style gym.

It’s a credit to the team at Mayflower for their hard work and determination in providing a space that truly promotes wellbeing. We are honoured to have been involved in this project and couldn’t be happier with the end result.

We’re looking forward to the grand opening of the facility.

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Announcements, Falls Prevention, In Home Care, NDIS, Residential Aged Care

How the Multidisciplinary Team Can Help to Prevent Falls

Posted on September 30, 2020November 28, 2023 by Nicole Cook

30
Sep

Here is a short overview of how falls prevention is approached through screening, assessing and intervention by the different professions that form our multidisciplinary teams.

75% of all injury hospitalisations for people aged 65 and over are a result of a fall. Despite this, falls need not be an inevitable aspect of ageing. Evidence indicates that falls prevention programs that address multiple risk factors are most effective with interventions that focus on the individual’s needs and specific risk considerations.

The Physiotherapist

Weak muscles and impaired balance are leading contributors to increasing fall rates in the elderly. Physical activity can go a long way toward falls prevention. Combinations of targeted balance exercises, general strengthening and walking programs are the most effective approach for long term fall prevention. Physiotherapists can create custom exercise programs aimed at improving balance, flexibility, muscle strength and gait. Physiotherapists can aid in finding the right walker, frame or equipment to improve safe mobility for older adults and those with a movement challenge.

The Nurse

Problems with bowel and bladder control can impact on an older person’s ability to stay active, healthy and independent. Incontinence, urinary frequency and assisted toileting have been identified as falls risk factors for residents in residential aged care facilities. Nurses can assist in managing incontinence that can lead to increased falls risk.

By working with GPs and doctors, nurses can also help to manage medication side-effects and interactions that can increase the risk of falls.

The Podiatrist

Podiatrists deal exclusively with foot, ankle and the related structures of the leg which are imperative to function and balance in standing and walking. A podiatrist can analyse stride and gait and recommend foot and lower extremity exercises that can strengthen this mechanical chain. Podiatrists can assess and fit appropriate shoes that provide support, fit properly and are non-slip.

The Occupational Therapist

Falls can often be the result of the interplay of environmental (extrinsic) and personal (intrinsic) factors. Occupational Therapists focus on supporting maximal independent function for the completion of activities of daily living (ADLs) in the safest and most ergonomic way. This may be through adaption of the environment to meet the needs of clients and residents or by intervening with rehabilitation to improve the quality and safety of functional activities.

The Dietitian

Nutrition is an important factor in falls prevention, as frailty and weakness result in loss of muscle mass and strength, neuromuscular impairment and limited mobility. Nutritional status has been shown to be a determining factor in risk of falling, severity of injuries incurred and recovery time after a fall related injury. Dieticians assist in developing food-based diets that support vitality and ensure the energy required to stay active and strong.

About Empower

We Change Lives

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

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