Dementia and the Aging Brain

Posted on October 16, 2023November 23, 2023 by Nicole Cook

16
Oct

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in the general Australian population, with 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 living with this condition.

Empower clinicians have the privilege of working with people with Dementia to support them and their families to live their best lives.

Educating the families and communities about the needs of people living with dementia allows a more dementia-friendly conscious society.

Communities that take action to become dementia-friendly have:

Less fear and a greater understanding of dementia
Less stigma and discrimination

More support and better systems for people living with dementia to live well in their community for longer

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of conditions which effect the brain and its functions. It can affect individuals cognitively, physically and socially.

The four most common types of Dementia people are diagnosed with are:

Alzheimer’s disease (60-80%)
Vascular dementia (5-10%)
Lewy body disease (5-10%)
Frontal temporal dementia (5-10%)

Early warning signs

Memory loss that effects day to day function
Increasing confusion

Reduced concentration
Personality or behaviour changes
Apathy, withdrawal or depression
Cognitive decline
Physical changes

Loss of ability to do everyday tasks

Not only does Dementia have cognitive effects, it also effects people physically and socially and in all aspects of life. This is why it is so important to ensure Dementia is managed by a comprehensive multidisciplinary team. Empower provides quality interdisciplinary collaboration and understanding about when a referral to another service is needed.

As well as the above it is important the client is seen regularly by a competent medical team often made up of a geriatrician, neurologist and various other psychiatric practitioners

Further support networks

Dementia Support Australia: www.dementia.com.au

24-Hour help 1800 699 799
Dementia Australia: www.dementia.org.au
National dementia helpline – 1800 100 500
Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org
Local support groups

Alzheimer association
Lifeline Australia: www.lifeline.org.au
24 Hour help 13 11 14 or SMS 0477 13 11 14

Get in touch if you think you or the person you care for would benefit from a Dementia assessment or assistance. And click the below image to watch our Dementia Webinar Recording.

Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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Exercise, Physiotherapy

When to refer for cardio respiratory Physiotherapy

Posted on July 24, 2023December 15, 2023 by Nicole Cook

24
Jul

Physiotherapists play an important role in managing pulmonary conditions through cardio respiratory Physiotherapy

According to the Lung Foundation, lung disease and cancers are Australia’s second leading cause of death and 1 in 3 Australians will be impacted by a serious lung condition in their lifetime.

Our Physios can help with cardio respiratory Physiotherapy.

Colder weather and covid infections, especially for older people or those with existing conditions, brings signs of sick lungs which can include;

• Chronic cough (eight weeks or longer for adults)

• Shortness of breath

• Difficulty breathing

• Increased mucus production

• Pain or tightness in the chest when breathing

If you notice any of these symptoms refer to our Physios who can help with a process driven assess management approach

• Assess chest and lung function: auscultation, resp rate, resp quality, oxygenation, chest configuration and general health

• Manage acute and chronic conditions

• Provide hands on chest physiotherapy when needed

• Aid return to work and function

• Improve endurance, oxygenation and quality of life

• Assist with managing fatigue

• Develop strategies for living with lung disease, including domiciliary oxygen

• Maintain physical conditioning, balance and strength

• Educate clients, carers and family members about lifestyle modification to improve vitality.

Respiratory Physiotherapy treatments are designed to remove secretions and improve airway clearance and make breathing and functioning easier with aims to;

– Remove secretions

– Decrease work of breathing

– Promote lung expansion.

– Prevent lung collapse.

– Improve respiratory function

– Improve quality of life

Mother nature knows what she is doing by clearing airways and secretions with a good old fashioned cough BUT we can help the cough to be effective or assist when a cough is too weak to clear the chest through;

– ACBT and AD: breathwork combined with positioning.

– Positioning alone for oxygenation and best possible lung function

– Pulmonary Rehab after infection

– Strength and cardiovascular fitness

– Pain management

Physiotherapy aims to holistically improve all the function that our clients have lost through the infection itself, but also from the sequalae of prolonged convalescence and recovery.

Get in touch if you think you or the person you care for would benefit from Respiratory Physiotherapy.

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Announcements, Exercise, Physiotherapy

A Physiotherapists top tips for keeping active this Winter

Posted on May 24, 2023December 15, 2023 by Nicole Cook

24
May

As the cold and wet months set in, follow these top tips for keeping active this winter.

Staying active in winter requires a bit more planning but it is vital to avoid losing all the fitness and conditioning you may have gained during the warmer months.

Why is exercising in winter so important?

Consistent activity, especially in the fresh air and sunshine, is a powerful immune boosting way to stave off winter bugs. Keeping our cardiovascular system functioning at its best means we are more able to fight off illness and recover from injuries that are a normal part of life. Lastly, exercising keeps you warmer than a blanket by raising your basal metabolic rate, warming you up from the inside and lasting long after you have stopped moving.

Tips for Enjoyable Winter Workouts

Adapt, don’t stop

Perhaps your warm weather, early morning walk with a friend seems impossible when mornings are dark and wet or the idea of a water aerobics class or swim is less appealing when the wind is blowing. Winter may present a great opportunity to shake things up by trying a new exercise class or a different routine. Most important is that you schedule time to prioritise your health and try to have a backup plan if you need to exchange an outdoor walk for an indoor option.

“No such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes” Billy Connolly

Winter is the perfect time to invest in a good pair of shoes with non-slip grip and the right amount of foot and ankle support. Depending on the latitude, a good quality jacket can make even the coldest days, outside days. Whatever the climate, don’t let the weather hold you hostage. Dressing for the weather makes exercising more enjoyable all year round.

Variety is the spice to keep you warm

Have a variety of options, if you prefer to stay indoors on colder days, having a few exercise programs that can be done indoors will help to keep you motivated. Having inside and outdoor options will make exercising possible no matter the weather.

Don’t waste a sunny day

When the sun shines, try to get outside. Activity in the sunshine is linked to improved vitamin D levels and helps to reduce low mood linked to the winter months.

Warm ups and cool downs

It’s never more important to take your time warming up before and cooling down after exercise than it is when it is cold. Be gentle with your body and take the time to adjust to activity and rest, as quick transitions increase the likelihood of injury.

Honourable mention: Some people prefer exercising in winter

For those of us who dislike the warm or have certain heat sensitive health conditions, winter may be the best time to reach those health and fitness goals. Remember that exercise is powerful but slow medicine and increase your activity levels slowly, by about 10% per week. Listen to your body, giving rest and recovery when you feel sore or fatigued.

Lastly, be kind to yourself

Some days just don’t work out- be it a matter of the weather, a winter virus or a complete lack of motivation. That’s OK! As long as it doesn’t become a habit, its totally fine to take a break, have a rest or shake things up.

If you or someone you care for is struggling to get moving due to injury, a health condition, age or lifestyle circumstances a physiotherapy assessment may be the doorway to a healthier, stronger life. Physios can design programs and recommend exercises that take the uniqueness of the individual into account, setting realistic and rewarding goals that matter, at any time of the year.

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Announcements, Exercise, Residential Aged Care

Empower selected to deliver group therapy program to RAC facilities

Posted on January 16, 2023December 15, 2023 by Nicole Cook

16
Jan

Empower Healthcare is commissioned by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) to deliver group therapy to RAC facilities.

What is the NWMPHN?

The NWMPHN is a government funded primary health network that supports health providers and organisations in the North and West of Melbourne. The aim is to deliver efficient, effective and accessible care. NWMPHN is operated by Melbourne Primary Care Network (PHN).

What service does Empower provide in partnership with NWMPHN?

Empower clinicians provide evidence backed falls prevention group therapy classes based on the Sunbeam Program. under this PHN funding. This Australian developed exercise intervention aims to improve the physical functioning of those most at risk of deconditioning and falls during COVID-19 restrictions.

NWMPHN commissioned multiple allied health providers to deliver group therapy programs to these eligible RACFs in 2021-2022, aiming to improve physical function of residents at risk of deconditioning due to COVID-19 restrictions.

During the pandemic, our clinicians continued to work with the people most affected by isolation due to restricted freedom of movement and reduced services across the sector. Restrictions and policies limited the implementation of group therapy and we saw the negative effects that had on the residents. We know how important exercise is and were proud to be able to bring this great program to more residents across Melbourne.

NWMPHN explains the expected outcomes for the many stakeholders:

RACF residents:

increased access to allied health services
improved overall health outcomes due to physical reconditioning
more opportunities for social interaction and engagement.

RACFs:

improved health outcomes and experiences for residents
access to group therapy for residents at no cost
increased awareness and access to allied health services within their facility
strengthened relationships with allied health providers.

Allied Health providers:

increased capacity to deliver evidence-based group therapy programs to older adult populations
opportunity to lead group therapy and contribute towards better health outcomes for RACF residents
collection and contribution of robust data that can add to the evidence base and help inform future allied health funding models
strengthened relationships with RACFs.

Striving for Excellence

Empower is dedicated to delivering high quality healthcare services and meaningful outcomes in our community. Our skilled and committed clinicians are excited to continue their mission to improve the lives of aged care residents in partnership with NWMPHN and the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.

Get in touch if you are interested in achieving fantastic outcomes through group therapy for your residents.

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Announcements, Exercise, In Home Care, Physiotherapy

Staying healthy and injury free this festive season – TOP TIPS

Posted on December 13, 2022December 15, 2023 by Nicole Cook

13
Dec

Stay healthy and injury free this summer by following some simple tips from our clinicians

Stay Active

No need for gyms and studios – going for walks, bike rides or swims are all great ways to stay active for the whole family.

Top Tip: Try to get moving early in the day, before the heat and festivities reach a fever pitch.

Take care of your back

Lifting boxes of gifts, preparing big meals and decorating are all part of many people’s plans but put our bodies in positions and under strains that we may not be used to. Avoid back aches and pains ruining your holiday by taking care of your posture and spine.

Top Tip: Carry heavy loads close to your body and lift them by bending your knees, not your back.

Avoid falls

Many emergency rooms see an uptick in injuries in early January after December mishaps. Changes in routine and unfamiliar surroundings increase the risk of trips and falls. Limiting alcohol consumption, keeping living areas clutter free and asking for help when feeling unsteady can help to reduce the chances of a fall.

Top Tip: Choosing well-fitted and supportive footwear can help to prevent trips and slips.

Indulge in moderation

Sharing great food is a big part of most Australian Christmas celebrations. From pavlovas and prawns to choccies and cheeses, many of us will be indulging in delicious treats over the next few weeks. Make sure that you are still getting enough nutrients by getting 5 serves of vegetables and fruit a day.

Top Tip: Have a healthy snack before heading out for meals.

Stay hydrated

As the weather warms up, it is important to keep hydrated by increasing your water intake. Listening to your body’s thirst cues is the best way to ensure you are drinking enough.

Top Tip: Always make sure you have water with you when exercising, especially in warmer weather.

Medication management

Don’t let changes in routine mean missing important medication. Fill scripts before going away or before public holidays to avoid running out. If you are unsure, contact your Home Care nurse, GP or pharmacy to help you plan for the weeks ahead.

Top Tip: Set an alarm to help you stick to your routine.

Whether you are planning a trip, celebrating with family or having a quiet time at home, Empower Healthcare is here for you throughout December and January. Get 2024 off to a healthy start by contacting our helpful Community Support team today or make a referral via the links.

Announcements, Exercise, Falls Prevention, In Home Care, Physiotherapy

Living at home longer…and better

Posted on November 24, 2022December 13, 2022 by Nicole Cook

24
Nov

Living at home longer…and better. How Physiotherapy can help your clients live as independently and actively as possible.

More Australians are opting to stay in their homes in later life, needing the support of Home Care packages to assist them to live in the place most familiar to them.

The Royal Commission into Aged Care found that Australians of all ages want to be assisted to live independently in their own home during their retirement years rather than having to go to an aged care facility. In fact, only 25% of older people would prefer to live in a facility should they need care.

only 25% of older people would prefer to live in a facility should they need care

So why do older people move into residential facilities?

Moving into a residential aged care (RAC) facility is often a complicated and an emotive decision that usually has more than one deciding factor. However, studies indicate that there are some common reasons that result in a move into residential facilities.

• History of a recent fall
• Recent hospitalisation for illness
• Dependence on others for activities of daily living
• Cognitive impairment
• Age older than 85
• Bereavement and loneliness
• Malnutrition
• Polypharmacy

How can Physio help your clients live independently for longer?

Physiotherapists assess and directly manage some of the risk factors that would otherwise result in people being admitted to RAC facilities. Using evidence backed interventions, physios can improve the function, safety and quality of life of clients who want to stay at home by providing:

• Falls Prevention programs and strategies
• Education for clients and care givers
• Risk reduction
• Functional exercise therapy
• Walking programs
• Rehabilitation after injury and hospitilasation
• Mobility aid prescription
• Referral to other health care clinicians when necessary.

There are less obvious ways that high-quality physiotherapy helps mitigate the causes of loss of independence at home, like:

• Exercise improves appetite (and reduces constipation)
• Activity can improve cognition
• Addressing the causes of pain means less reliance on pain medication
• Functional exercise therapy can directly target and improve ADL performance
• Care giver and family education and support
• Reducing the incidence of back pain for caregivers through demonstrating good manual handling techniques.
• Improving confidence to participate in social activities

Who else can help?

Occupational Therapists for home adaptions, assistive device prescription and functional therapeutic interventions.
Podiatrists for foot care and shoe fittings and recommendations, both of which are vital for safe mobility.
Nurses ensure good medication management, wound care and health monitoring.
Dieticians preventing and managing malnutrition in older people.
Massage therapists assist with pain management and therapeutic touch.
Allied Health assistants provide cost-effective care, supported by clinicians.
Osteopaths work with clients to manage pain and injury to holistically improve the health and vitality of older people at home.

Evidence shows that home and community-based Physiotherapy led exercise programs improve function in older adults living in the community, including those with cognitive impairment.

The best home based Physiotherapy places the needs and goals of the client at the core. With holistic, functional interventions that enable our clients to maximise well-being, safety and vitality while living life on their own terms.

Announcements, Equipment, Exercise, Falls Prevention, Massage Therapy, Mobility, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry

Our Multidisciplinary Team Approach To Mobility Assessments

Posted on May 4, 2022November 27, 2023 by Nicole Cook

04
May

We can help you take the guesswork and uncertainty out of whether your client would benefit from the success of physiotherapy, an exercise program or assistive equipment to improve their mobility when movement is challenging.

Our multidisciplinary team understand that mobility inside the home, within the community and beyond is a requirement for independence and a cornerstone of quality of life at all ages.

To assess mobility, our team may:

Perform a thorough subjective assessment to ascertain what aspects of movement a client is finding challenging and what effect that has on their lives.
Analyse gait on a variety of surfaces.
Evaluate a person’s ability to move in bed, sit and stand up.
Assess stair or step climbing, if appropriate.
Determine the need for mobility aids.
Assess strength, endurance, and balance to understand the causes of loss of mobility.

Once a thorough assessment has been performed, we will work with clients to create goals of treatment and individualised interventions that can help them to reach those objectives.

Here’s five signs that a person may need a mobility assessment:

Reduced ability to manage activities of daily living due to problems with walking, standing up or stair climbing.
Loss of confidence in leaving the house.
Family members or caregivers reporting an increased need to assist with standing-up and walking.
A history of falling or fear of falling.
Anyone returning home after a period of prolonged hospitalisation due to injury or illness who is experiencing a reduction in function.

With our multidisciplinary and holistic wellbeing approach, Empower’s assessment reports provide clarity and direction to equip you with the knowledge to determine the best care plan going forward.

Go to our online referral to get started. https://www.empowerhealthcare.com.au/referrals/

The Empower Difference

Changing Lives Through Exceptional Care

We pride ourselves in the delivery of innovative, high-quality, allied health solutions that constantly evolve to exceed the needs of your clients and their communities. Our service model integrates five service commitments that empower you to help your clients improve their sense of self-identity, quality of life, and ability to live safely in their environment.

Extensive service offerings
Care provided by highly skilled clinicians
A team approach to delivering continuity of care
User friendly referral process
Superior reports providing clarity on future care needs.

Click on your relevant health care industry sector below to learn more.

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Announcements, Exercise, Mobility, Osteopathy, Physiotherapy, Uncategorized

Get back into movement with Osteopaths and Physiotherapists

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

10
Sep

Reduced mobility can occur at any stage of life and for many reasons. Difficulties with moving around due to injury, chronic disease, or disability can have a profound effect on independence and wellbeing, interfering with work, relationships and community participation.

Seeing an osteopath or physiotherapist can help most people improve their mobility, even when complex health conditions are present.

Here are some of the ways they do it.

Effective Pain Management is often the first step in improving movement. An instinctive response that many people have when experiencing pain, is to keep still. Unfortunately, this often has the effect of increasing pain over time. By performing holistic assessments, osteopaths and physiotherapists seek to find the causes of pain and then intervene to reduce and manage painful symptoms, freeing up movement.

Easing stiffness in joints can allow for increased mobility as range of movement improves. Osteopaths and physiotherapists employ a wide range of techniques and strategies to reduce stiffness, some involving hands on treatment while others are activity based.

Increasing flexibility of soft tissues can assist in correcting postural causes of mobility restrictions.

Improving strength through individualised and function-based exercises that address the underlying causes of immobility.

Balance training to reduce the risk and fear of falling as both can be powerful inhibitors of mobility. Osteopaths and physiotherapists apply their deep understanding of human movement and balance to address the causes of falling and reduce the anxiety that often follows having experienced a fall.

Walking aid recommendations and adjustments to support independent and safe mobility inside the home and in the community.

Referral for services that promote mobility, this may include home adaption, medical care, nutrition management and home care support.

Movement is not only the result of quality clinical treatment, but also a powerful therapeutic tool and osteopaths and physiotherapists can help people unlock the benefits and joy of moving more. It all starts with an assessment and in most cases, the result is improved vitality, independence, and quality of life.

About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Changing lives is what we do.

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

Empower Healthcare was founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care and knew how to do it. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.

The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology.

Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.

A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients- helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.

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

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Community, Dietetics, Exercise, Falls Prevention, Home Nursing, In Home Care, Massage Therapy, NDIS, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Residential Aged Care, Wellbeing

Why Nathan enjoys being an Allied Health Assistant

Posted on August 30, 2021December 15, 2023 by Nicole Cook

30
Aug

Empower Healthcare has a team of Allied Health Assistants (AHA’s) that work under the direction of Physiotherapists to deliver holistic care.

This diverse role can range from delivering tailored treatment plans to providing education to clients and families. Far from dull, the role of an AHA is another service approach available to freeing up funds for improved access to extended therapy, equipment and medical needs.

Nathan shares his experience as an Allied Health Assistant

Being an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) at Empower allows me to use my experience to make a connection with people and their community whilst offering the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals. Since completing my Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, I have gained experience in aged care, community health, and in-home care.

I have been involved in many community health programs including hydrotherapy, chronic pain management, and balance and strengthening exercise programs, working alongside several different health professionals most notably Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists.

Working as an AHA in the community allows me to see and share in the clients benefits and achievements which is inspiring. Working closely with people from all walks of life and being a part of their story is a special feeling. I am very fortunate to be able to help empower others and have a positive impact on their wellbeing.

Outside of work I love spending time with my family which includes my wife, my two energetic, competitive and rapidly growing boys, and our much loved (spoilt) border collie Tilly. I try to stay fit and active and enjoy jogging, riding, and walking. I also love getting to work in the garden especially growing veggies and chilies. In my down time I love to read (usually historical fiction), and enjoy watching most sports including AFL, basketball and soccer, and I am a tragic fan of the Tour de France.

READ TO MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANTS

About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Changing lives is what we do.

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

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

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

…

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

Why the Otago Exercise Programme may be right for your client

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

11
Mar

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

Why the Otago Exercise Programme?

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

Who benefits from the programme?

Older adults who:

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

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

“I love using the Otago Exercise Programme with my clients. It’s effective and easy to adapt to the diverse environments I work in. My clients experience increased confidence that comes from improved balance and strength and allows them to participate in their community and remain independent for as long as possible.”

Briony Watt, Physiotherapist

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

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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