Empower Healthcare is proudly partnering with the charity group Legacy in recognition of the thousands of Australian Defence Force personnel that have been playing an important role in supporting the Government’s response to COVID-19.
This partnership is very important to us as we have over 100 health workers engaged in delivering essential aged care and community healthcare services to vulnerable Australians nation-wide during a public health crisis that presents numerous challenges.
We would like to show our appreciation for ADF’s role in keeping our team and Australians safe through their involvement in:
The Victorian Aged Care Response
Contact tracing and community engagement
Medical testing initiatives and
Border control and Victoria Police checkpoints.
Legacy provides supportive services to Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service. Legacy currently cares for 52,000 beneficiaries, including 1,845 children and disabled dependants throughout Australia.
During 2020 Legacy Week, which runs from 30 August – 5 September 2020, Empower Healthcare employees will be showing their appreciation by wearing a Legacy badge and handing out Legacy Week bears to Aged Care residents, Home Care & NDIS clients that have a connection with Australia’s defence force services.
Legacy Week
The Legacy Week appeal has been running since the 1940’s and is a time for all Australians to show their support for the widows and children whose loved ones have served our country.
The Legacy badge is a special emblem of support for our veterans’ families, symbolising our nation’s greatest values of mateship, compassion and fairness.
Legacy badges may be little but the funds they raise make a big impact in the lives of our veterans’ families.
Legacy Week is a time to give back to the families of those who have given so much.
2020 Legacy Week runs from 30 August – 5 September.
How Can You Get Involved?
Whether you make a tax-deductible donation, buy a badge, fundraise for Legacy or Volunteer during Legacy week, your compassion will touch the lives of our veterans’ families and give back to the families of those who have given so much.
The strengthening of a liaison between our Healthcare clients in WA will be one of the first priorities of newly appointed Relationship Manager WA, Kurtis Rae. In a move designed to expand and strengthen the organisation in all three care channels: Aged Care, Home Care & NDIS, Kurtis will be responsible for building on that success and embed the quality services of Empower Healthcare into the WA community.
Kurtis enjoys business relationship management and making an impact on business operations. He previously worked for St John Ambulance WA in a similar role that involved managing relationships within aged care facilities and hospitals. “As a ‘people-person’, I love connecting with anyone and everyone, especially being able to help provide solutions! I love that I get to build partnerships and relationships with like-minded providers to increase independence and improve the quality of life within our community.”
Interestingly, Kurtis’ kind and thoughtful nature extends to being a hero and saving a 16-year-old boy’s life. While the majority of the bystanders looked on in panic, yelled or got their mobile phones out to call for help, Kurtis and his friend immediately put their CPR training to work and kept the boy’s heart pumping until the paramedics arrived. “We were lucky enough to save his life. It’s still a key motivator for doing what I do, inspiring me to change and influence lives in the career I choose.”
So when he’s not saving lives, he’s coaching with Gwelup Croatia Soccer Club and spending time with family, friends and adopted bull-arab dog.
It brings us great pleasure in announcing Kurtis’ appointment to Empower Healthcare. Please join us in welcoming Kurtis.
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.”
How To Get Clients Started With Our Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
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?
Helping someone restore function that has been lost for so long is as satisfying to me as it is to the client. It may not seem like much, however I have a client who hadn’t been able to touch her head (making self care impossible) due to her shoulder pain over a number of years. After a progressive strengthening program she is now able to do all of her self-care independently, whilst also reaching to the top shelf of the fridge!
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.
Empower’s incredibly skilful remedial massage team are available and ready to renew massage therapy services to Home Care clients.
If your client is suffering from chronic pain, muscle soreness and or tightness, restriction of movement and muscle tension, our therapists are here to help.
Our accredited and experienced therapists deliver soothing remedial massage techniques that will release muscle pain, tension, stimulate circulation and aid natural healing processes in damaged areas of the body.
Click here to learn more about our remedial massage service offerings.
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.”
Following last week’s announcement by the Victorian government declaring a State of Disaster for six Local Government Areas and the Alpine Resorts, Empower Healthcare is showing its support by running an internal organisation bushfire disaster appeal to raise much needed funds for the Red Cross.
CEO, Adam Gilroy-Smith has pledged to match every employee donation. “As a community organisation, we want to help support the thousands of people who are struggling in evacuation centres and recovery hubs around the country and proud to support the Red Cross.”
Dealing with the immediate aftermath of the fires while many fires continue to burn across the state is a significant challenge that the government cannot manage alone. There are so many ways that Victorians who are in a fortunate position can help :
Fire/police/medical/volunteers – first responders
Communities that have lost homes Communities that have lost lives
Communities where businesses have been destroyed
Communities that have been evacuated
Communities that have injured animals, wiped out flora and fauna
Where Can You Donate?
See below for an outline of just a few of the available organisation’s that are supporting the bushfire disaster:
Supporting Victorian Fires
A Bushfire Disaster Appeal has been established in support community members affected by the recent bushfires in East Gippsland and Hume.
Donations to the Australian Red Cross and state-based brigades like the VIC or NSW Rural Fire Service will go towards bushfire relief. Red Cross Donations CFA Donations
Foodbank Victoria is providing much needed food and water to communities affected by the fires. Foodbank Donations
Giving Items
Charities like Givit specialise in goods, but act as a “charity broker” to avoid the trap of unwanted, random items.
The exact items people need are listed via charities and the public can match that or register the items they have, in case someone can use them.
Right now, Givit is running two specific campaigns supporting NSW and Queensland bushfire victims on top of its regular services. Givit Donations
Supporting Fallen firefighter families
The NSW RFS has created dedicated bank accounts to collect donations for the families of volunteer firefighters who have been tragically killed while on duty this fire season. RFS Donations GoFundMePageFalledfirefighters
Fire Affected Families
We can assist homeowners whose properties have been destroyed by the fires with kits to clear the property and find valuable items in the rubble. Samaritans Purse Donations
Evacuees
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is accepting donations on behalf of evacuees. $50 will provide food for an evacuated family. $150 will assist with bills and unanticipated expenses associated with the fire. St. Vincent de Paul Society Donations
The Salvation Army Emergency Services is currently providing meals to evacuees and frontline responders. Salvation Army Donations
Supporting Animal Rescue
Cash donations and a need for physical items for animals is important too.
Wildlife Victoria have a donations page.
Donations to our Victorian bushfire appeal will be distributed to wildlife shelters and carers to help rebuild enclosures and equipment that they have lost in the fires so that they can continue their lifesaving work, and support those that are struggling to cope with the enormous number of animals that will need care in the coming weeks and months. WildLife Victoria Donations
RSPCA is currently seeking monetary contributions….
“Whilst we really appreciate the offer, at the moment we are unable to accept donated goods as the time our volunteers and staff would spend sorting through goods is more valuable helping our impacted communities in other ways. If, and when, we are deployed to bushfire affected areas in the next few days we may launch a special appeal, but in the meantime if you would like to support our work the best way to do that is by making a donation here: RSPCA VIC Donations
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
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.
Strength exercises: 3 x per week
Balance exercises: 3 x per week
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.…
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.
Now that you’ve worked out what type of wheelchair to purchase it’s time think about the next question. Will a “standard off the shelf” wheelchair suffice or do i need to “pimp my ride?”
Well…it really depends on the individual using the chair, the frequency the chair will be used and how the chair will be used.
Some simple indicators may exclude the suitability of a standard chair for example:
Size:
Most standard wheelchairs come in 16/18/20inch x 16/18/20inch. When referring to chair sizes the first number always refers to the chairs width (measurement across someones hips) and the second number refers to the chairs depth (in a seated position measure from the back of the knees to the end of the bottom). Modifications to chair width and depth may be required as most standard chairs come in common sizes.. It is recommended you speak with an Equipment Supplier such as FIsherlane Mobility or Rehabhire around available customisations on particular chairs prior to purchasing.
Frame:
Standard chair frames are commonly made from steel or aluminium. For people looking at lightweight or sports chairs it might be better to look at chairs made from titanium or carbon fiber. Many accessories like wheel rims and foot plates can also be customised to match.
Upholstery:
The two most common types of upholstery on wheelchairs are Vinyl and Nylon. They both have their pros and cons. Nylon is more breathable and lighter in weight but can be difficult to clean and is more expensive than Vinyl. Vinyl on the other hand is the cheaper alternative, easier to clean and can be disinfected but not recommended for everyday use as the non-porous material makes you more likely to sweat!
Physical ability:
The physical ability of the user is paramount as this will determine the level of customisation required. For example someone who has sustained a stroke and has limited function in one side of their body can still independently propel themselves with a one arm drive system. One Arm Drive (OAD) Systems like the lever drive or double hand rim enable the user to propel and steer with one arm.
In circumstances with significant physical disability many customisations can be made to a chair. Most people are familiar with Professor Stephen Hawking who suffered from Motor Neuron Disease yet still excelled as a visionary scientist. Check out some of the customisations to his chair below!
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