We’re excited to welcome Amanda to Empower Healthcare as our new Relationship Manager – VIC.
Amanda brings over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry, having worked closely with business partners, the community, GPs, specialists, and various medical physicians. She is passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives and enjoys engaging with a diverse range of groups.
Prior to her career in healthcare, Amanda spent 13 years at Coca Cola Amatil, where she was part of one of the world’s most recognised brands. During her time there, she built lifelong friendships with colleagues and customers.
Now returning to her old “stomping ground” in Moorabbin, Amanda is excited to give back to the community and support aged care participants. She is deeply passionate about building and maintaining strong business relationships and delivering exceptional service. She understands the importance of aligning with her partners’ needs and expectations.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys boxing, going to the gym, running, cooking, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.
Ten years ago, Empower Healthcare began with a simple but ambitious purpose: to deliver evidence‑informed, person‑centred allied health that genuinely improves independence, function, and quality of life. A decade later, that purpose hasn’t wavered — it has strengthened.
This anniversary isn’t just a marker of time. It’s a celebration of the clinicians who bring expertise and compassion into homes, workplaces, and communities across Australia. It’s a tribute to the individuals and families who have trusted us to walk beside them. And it’s a moment to reflect on the impact that reablement‑focused care can have when delivered consistently, thoughtfully, and with heart.
A Decade of Reablement in Action
For ten years, our clinicians have supported Australians to stay active, independent, and connected. From early intervention to complex care, from aged care to workplace health, our approach has always centred on one question: What will help this person live the life they choose?
Reablement isn’t a buzzword for us — it’s the backbone of our practice. It’s the quiet, steady work of building capability, confidence, and long‑term outcomes. And after a decade of delivering this model at scale, the results speak for themselves: improved function, reduced risk, greater participation, and thousands of stories of people achieving more than they thought possible.
10 Years of Impact: Real People, Real Outcomes
Across metropolitan, regional, and rural communities, our clinicians have supported Australians through:
Restoring mobility and strength after injury or illness
Supporting older adults to remain safely at home
Improving communication, swallowing, and cognitive function
Enhancing wellbeing through tailored exercise and therapy programs
These outcomes aren’t abstract — they’re deeply personal. They’re the moments when someone takes their first independent step after a fall. When a client returns to a beloved hobby. When a family feels supported and informed.
Clinicians at the Heart
Our 10‑year milestone is a tribute to the clinicians who show up every day with professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to best practice. Community‑based allied health is not easy work — it requires adaptability, clinical depth, and the ability to build meaningful relationships in diverse environments.
Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing Clinician Reflections: stories, insights, and moments that have shaped their practice. Because a decade of community care has taught us something important — meaningful outcomes start with meaningful relationships.
Thank You, Australia
For ten years, individuals, families, aged care providers, and community partners have trusted us with their wellbeing. That trust means everything. We’re proud to have walked beside so many Australians, and we’re grateful for every relationship built along the way.
Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of Allied Health
While anniversaries invite reflection, they also spark momentum. The next decade will bring new challenges, new opportunities, and new ways to strengthen capability, innovation, and quality across allied health.
We’re ready for it.
From day one to year ten, our purpose has remained steady: empower independence with evidence‑informed, person‑centred care. And we’re just getting started.
Here’s to the next decade of improving function, confidence, and quality of life across Australia.
Restorative Care Goal Plans Through Purposeful Nursing Support
At Empower, our nursing team is committed to delivering care that not only supports participants in the moment but strengthens their ability to thrive long-term.
As part of this commitment, our nurses are available to provide comprehensive assessments and nursing goal planning under Restorative Care Program (RCP) funding. If you believe this support may be beneficial, please contact our team, and we will work with you to determine how we can best implement this for you.
🌿 Why Goal Planning Matters in Restorative Care
Creating a goal plan is a cornerstone of the Restorative Care Pathway. Unlike traditional care plans, which often focus on managing existing needs, restorative care goal plans are designed to help participants maintain or regain function, build confidence, and prevent decline wherever possible.
This approach shifts the focus from “what support is needed today” to “what outcomes are possible over the next 16 weeks” a subtle but powerful change that places the participant’s aspirations at the centre of every decision.
🤝 A Collaborative, Person‑Centred Process
As restorative care partners, our nurses work closely with each participant and their multidisciplinary team to develop a clear, achievable set of goals. This collaborative process includes:
Comprehensive nursing assessments to understand current strengths, challenges, and functional capacity
Meaningful conversations that explore what matters most to the participant
Input from allied health professionals to ensure goals are clinically sound and holistically supported
A structured 16‑week timeframe that keeps progress focused and measurable
The result is a personalised roadmap that outlines not only the goals themselves but also the services, supports, and strategies required to achieve them.
📝 Replacing the Traditional Care Plan – With Purpose
While the goal plan replaces the traditional care plan, it still includes all the essential elements needed to deliver safe, effective, person centred care. What makes it different is its forward looking design. Instead of simply documenting care tasks, the goal plan:
Identifies functional goals that are meaningful and achievable
Details the interventions required to support progress
Encourages active participation and self‑management
Promotes collaboration across the care team
Provides a clear structure for reviewing and celebrating progress
This approach empowers participants to take an active role in their own wellbeing, supported by a nursing team that understands their goals and is committed to helping them succeed.
🌟 Empower’s Commitment to Restorative Care
Our comprehensive assessments and goal planning under RCP funding reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in community nursing. By embedding restorative principles into our everyday practice, we’re helping participants build resilience, independence, and quality of life.
Restorative care isn’t just a model, it’s a mindset. And at Empower, it’s one we’re proud to champion – please speak to our team or refer now.
We’re excited to welcome Rhiannon to the team as our new Relationship Manager in Queensland!
With over 15 years of experience in the aged care industry, Rhiannon brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector. Throughout her career, she has worked across a variety of roles, always with one clear focus: supporting participants to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Passionate about people
Rhiannon thrives on building strong, meaningful relationships. She believes:
Listening, understanding, and working collaboratively are the keys to ensuring clients feel supported and empowered.
Her dedication to helping others is at the heart of everything she does. When she’s not working alongside clients, you’ll find Rhiannon: Camping with family and friends under the stars, indulging in her love of chocolate (sometimes a little too much!), chasing sunset views wherever she can find them
Her balance of professional expertise and personal warmth makes her a wonderful addition to our team.
As Relationship Manager, Rhiannon is eager to connect with providers across Queensland, strengthen partnerships, and continue driving positive outcomes. We’re thrilled to have her on board and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make.
A fast and convenient way to access cognition supplement funding.
Your client may be eligible for additional funding through the Dementia and Cognition Supplement which can be provided by our Empower Nurses. This supplement offers an extra 10% on top of the Home Care Package funding to help keep clients at home for longer.
Who is Eligible?
The supplement is designed for people with dementia or cognitive impairment,. To be eligible, they need to demonstrate a need for regular supervision and assistance with daily activities.
Assessment Process
The assessment itself is a one-hour visit by a member of our Empower Nursing Team.
During the visit, the Nurse will use a cognitive assessment tool, such as the Psychogeriatric Assessment Scales or the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale to evaluate the client’s cognitive function.
The case manager then submits the form to Services Australia.
These assessment tools are recognised by the Department of Health. See more details.
Potential Benefits
The supplement can be highly beneficial for both clients and home care providers.
For clients, it can mean an additional 10% in funding, which can greatly contribute to their ability to stay at home.
For home care providers, it means more resources to provide the necessary care and support for their clients.
Efficiency and Convenience
One of the key advantages of this supplement is that it provides a fast and convenient way to access additional funding. The assessment can be completed in one hour, and the outcome is provided on the same day. This means that the client doesn’t have to wait for a long time to find out if they’re eligible for extra assistance.
The Dementia and Cognition Supplement offers a streamlined process for clients to access additional funding. This supplement can be a game-changer for clients with dementia or cognitive impairment, as it provides the financial support they need to stay at home for longer, where they are most comfortable and surrounded by a familiar environment.
So, if you haven’t already, make sure to inform your clients about this supplement and make an Empower Nursing referral today.
Passionate Speech Pathologist enjoys new challenges and assisting clients in the community.
Sharon joined Empower Healthcare to focus on working with adults and guiding students on placement, aligning with her career aspirations.
Her daily work is driven by the belief that communication is a fundamental human right, enabling interaction, self-expression, and identity.
The gratitude and positive feedback she receives from clients inspire and affirm the significant impact she is making on people’s lives.
Sharon works with Home Care and NDIS clients in Victoria’s North and West. Her scope of practice includes working with adults with neurological conditions and swallowing and communication disorders. Sharon empowers clients to improve their communication skills to help them actively engage in society to form meaningful connections.
Outside of work she prioritises physical and mental well-being by dedicating time to strength training and relaxing in an infrared sauna post-workout. Meditation is also essential to her to help find tranquility and mental clarity amidst a busy schedule. She is always eager to explore new ways to enhance overall well-being for both herself and the people she cares for.
Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
On the the success of our Melbourne Nursing services growth we are pleased to say that our exceptional Nursing care is now being offered in Geelong and surrounding suburbs.
Have peace of mind knowing we have carefully selected our Nursing team to ensure that our standards will continue for you and the people you care for.
Our Nursing appointments are minimum 30 mins (where appropriate) which differ from others in the area.
To ensure we have all the information needed, every new client will have an initial assessment.
How Empower Nurses and Dietitians can help with Ostomy management
Nurses and Ostomy Care
While many people with a stoma or ostomy can independently care for themselves, there are times when some extra help is required. This may be when adjusting to living with an ostomy, when experiencing illness or when managing additional health conditions or disability. Empower nurses provide general ostomy management and support for people who need it. They are fully equipped for ostomy care and carry emergency kits.
As part of delivering high quality nursing services, our Nurses provide:
• Ostomy bag changes
• Assessment of stoma and skin health
• General assessment of health, including monitoring for digestive problems
• Referral to Stomal Therapists if complex care is required.
Dietitians and Ostomy Care
It is possible for people with an ostomy to eat a full and satisfying range of foods. In fact, eating real food after surgery can help the digestive system to begin functioning again. However, learning what foods are easiest to digest, how a person’s body is responding to certain foods and how to maintain good nutrition following surgery can require the input of a Dietitian.
Dietitians can help people:
• Manage low appetite following surgery
• Ensure adequate nutrition and energy levels
• Develop meal plans that are enjoyable and nutritious
• Make dietary adjustments when necessary
• Monitor dietary intake, digestive health and stoma output
• Manage additional health conditions, like diabetes and hypertension
• Choose and use supplementation appropriately.
For in-home, professional care while recovering from surgery, living with a chronic condition or when managing life’s unexpected health challenges, let Empower take care of your health needs.
Click to read more about our Nursing and Dietetic Services
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.
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.
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