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Category Archives: NDIS

How the Multidisciplinary Team Can Help to Prevent Falls

How the multidisciplinary team can help to prevent falls

How the multidisciplinary team can help to prevent falls

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

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.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

InProfile with Eloise Mellor – Residential Aged Care Relationship Manager

Eloise Mellor website

Eloise Mellor - Residential Aged Care Relationship Manager

Eloise Mellor joins Empower’s Relationship Management Team and brings over 12 years of healthcare experience to oversee Residential Aged Care client satisfaction and new partnerships across the eastern seaboard.  With her warming personality, empathetic ear and professionalism, our clients are already experiencing Eloise’s abilities in presenting ideal solutions to their problems.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself

Although this is my first time working in the Aged Care sector, I have been in healthcare for 12 years and done a bit of everything. In England I have worked in a Private hospital as a Ward Clerk, Theatres receptionist, Bookings assistant, Ward Hostess and even in Finance. From there I went on to work for a private medical and dental healthcare insurer, looking after current and prospective clients across the UK. I then booked a one-way ticket to Australia and only meant to stay here for a year, however I loved it and ended up landing a sponsored job for a healthcare tech company, again looking after existing and prospective clients, this time across Australia and New Zealand. I have now made the move to Empower Healthcare and am very excited to be making a difference in such a critical sector.

 

What do you love most about your role?

I love that no two days are the same, I get to meet a whole range of different people with diverse needs when it comes to Allied Health. I love working to resolve what it is people want and finding ways to make it happen. My job also involves me liaising with many of my colleagues on a regular basis and requires me to be an expert on multiple aspects of the business, which means I get to learn a lot and work with amazing people, whether they be clients or colleagues on a daily basis.

 

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

Some of my main goals for this year are to build my network in this sector and to be known as a reliable key contact when it comes to Allied Health. I want to ensure that as many as possible facilities and Aged Care residents, across Australia, are receiving the quality and human care they deserve.

 

What’s your thoughts around allied health services for aged care?

For too long Allied Health’s primary role in Aged Care was to tick a box to generate ACFI funding or to meet basic standards, Empower Healthcare has changed that by using our time to genuinely make a difference to residents lives every day.

 

What attracted you to Empower?

I truly feel passionately that Empower Healthcare is making a difference to peoples lives and this belief has been cemented by the kind, considerate and passionate people I have met across the business. Also, with all the negatives of COVID-19 it really got me thinking that I want to work in a critical sector and make a difference.

 

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

I love seeking out a sunset and just appreciate nature putting on a show- perhaps with a wine in hand. I also like to keep fit, particularly spin classes or hiking. I have also been known to jump out of a plane before.

I also love travelling round this beautiful country that is Australia – Perth is next on the list when restrictions allow.

 

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

Believe it or not I have a degree in Fashion, I was headhunted by Ted Baker at Graduate fashion week in London and designed for them for a bit – a bit different to what I’m doing now! As much as I love designing as a hobby, I realised the fashion industry was not for me, I gained so much from the experience all the same and I’m very happy to be where I am now.

 

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.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

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Empower Embraces 2020 Legacy Week

Website Mary Burne

Mary Burne receiving her Legacy Week bear

Giving Back To The Community

During 2020 Legacy Week, running from 30 Aug – 5 Sep, we are handing out 100 Legacy Week bears to Aged Care residents, Home Care & NDIS clients that have a connection with Australia’s defence force services. Clients were also given the bears in recognition for their dedication and focus in achieving their health goals.

Empower Healthcare is a proud partner of Legacy Week 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.

Scroll through our gallery of client stories on their appreciation of Legacy’s support to their families.…

Empower Healthcare proudly partners with the charity group Legacy to support 2020 Legacy Week

Blog header Legacy Week launch

Empower Healthcare is proudly partnering with the charity group Legacy - 2020 Legacy Week

 

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.

Click Here

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Kurtis Rae Appointed Relationship Manager WA

Blog header Kurtis Rae

Kurtis Rae Appointed Relationship Manager WA

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.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 …

Home Nursing Services Now Available!

NDIS Home Nursing 2 Website page 800 x 800

NDIS Home Nursing Services

Home nursing services are now available for Home Care packages & NDIS participants.

​Enjoy a full-service allied-health platform, where you can experience and benefit from our responsive service promise across all care professions.

Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Home Nursing, Podiatry, Dietetics, Osteopathy and Massage therapy.

Easily manage your client portfolio by using our streamlined processes that digitally capture your requests, quickly schedules appointments and receive timely reports without needing to chase or follow-up.

 

Home Nursing Service Solutions

We offer a wide range of home nursing services from; Medication Management, Wound Management & Skin Integrity, Diabetes Management, Continence Management, After Hospital Nursing Care, Clinical Assessments and Mobility Assessments and Recommendations.

Access our national office qualified nurse support member to answer enquiries on short and long-term care needs of your respective clients and any queries you may have surrounding transition.

And have peace of mind knowing we have carefully selected our nursing team to ensure they maintain our exceptional care service standards and have been screened and police checked to provide your clients with the highest nursing competence and safe care.

 

Home Nursing Service Coverage

Our nurses are available 365 days a year, from 7am to 9pm,

 

Home Nursing Service Geography

We will initially be servicing the South-East region of Victoria.

This area ranges from Brighton down to Mornington and east across to Beaconsfield.

Empower Healtthcare Home Nursing Services Geography Coverage Home Care, NDIS

Suburb listing

Below is a comprehensive listing of the suburbs we will cover.

 

We are getting a lot of interest in other areas too, so to help us identify meeting your nursing area needs, please register your interest by sending us an email and we will update you when we release our second stage in extending our geography coverage.

Click here for our contact form

 

Home Nursing Information pack

Our information pack extensively covers our home nursing service capabilities.  Download a copy to confirm that we can meet your clients needs.

Download our 10 Page Home Nursing Information Pack

 

Click here to go our Home Care Nursing Page & download the information pack.

Click here to go our NDIS Nursing Page & download the information pack.

 

Pricing

Please call us on 03  9583 1364 and speak to our Home Care Support Team or our national office qualified nurse for our pricing.

 

Referrals

Want to get started? Click on the image below for our online referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

 

 

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Home Nursing Services Coming Soon!

Nursing website image 1500 x 800

Home Nursing Services for Home Care Packages and NDIS participants

We are very excited to announce the introduction of home nursing services for Home Care packages & NDIS participants.

​Enjoy a full-service platform, where you can experience and benefit from our responsive service promise across all care professions.

Easily manage your client portfolio by using our streamlined processes that digitally capture your requests, quickly schedules appointments and receive timely reports without needing to chase or follow-up.

Access our national office qualified nurse support member to answer enquiries on short and long-term care needs of your respective clients and any queries you may have surrounding transition.

And have peace of mind knowing we have carefully selected our nursing team to ensure they maintain our exceptional care service standards and have been screened and police checked to provide your clients with the highest nursing competence and safe care.

 

Nursing Service Solutions

We will be offering a wide range of nursing services involving:

  • Clinical Assessments
  • Medication Management
  • Wound Management & Skin Integrity
  • Continence Management
  • Diabetes Management
  • After Hospital Nursing Care
  • Mobility Equipment Purchases

 

Nursing Service Coverage

Our nurses will be available from 7am to 9pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

 

Nursing Service Geography

We will initially be servicing the South-East region of Victoria.

This area ranges from Brighton down to Mornington and east across to Beaconsfield.

Empower Healtthcare Home Nursing Services Geography Coverage Home Care, NDIS

Suburb listing

Below is a comprehensive listing of the suburbs we will cover.

 

We are getting a lot of interest in other areas too, so to help us identify meeting your nursing area needs, please register your interest by sending us an email and we will update you when we release our second stage in extending our geography coverage.

Click here for our contact form

 

Download our 10 Page Home Nursing Information Pack

 

Click here to go our Home Care Nursing Page & download the information pack.

Click here to go our NDIS Nursing Page & download the information pack.

 

Pricing

Please call us on 03  9583 1364 and speak to our Home Care Support Team or our national office qualified nurse for our pricing.

 

Referrals

Online nursing referrals are welcome from 11 May with bookings commencing from 18 May.

Click below if you would like to get started with us using our temporary Word doc referral form.

Click here

 

 

 

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Influenza Vaccination Policy Communication

Influenza Vaccine image 1

Influenza Vaccination Policy Communication, Empower Healthcare, allied health, agede care, home care, NDIS

We recognise the importance of healthcare professionals taking every measure to help protect the health and well being of our clients and themselves in light of the continuing spread of COVID-19.

And we support the expert medical advice that everyone aged six months and over should be vaccinated against influenza this year, and every year, to protect themselves and the community.

Empower Healthcare is acutely aware that from 1 May 2020, all aged care workers and visitors must have been vaccinated against seasonal influenza to enter an aged care facility.

So, in alignment with the decisions made by the National Cabinet, we have updated our Influenza Vaccination Policy mandating all Empower Healthcare employees visiting clients in residential aged care facilities and in the community, to have up-to-date (i.e. 2020) vaccinations against influenza by 24 April 2020.

Employees will be required to provide evidence of this vaccination to Empower Healthcare by Friday 24th April 2020, in the form of:

  • Statement or record from a health practitioner
  • Immunisation history statement available from Medicare online or the Express Plus Medicare Mobile app

And we will provide all clients with clinician certification by Thursday 30th April 2020.

An email with our updated Influenza Vaccination Policy has been sent to all clients. If you would like a copy, please call the national office on 03 9583 1364.…

4 Tips To Stay Healthy While Social Distancing And Self-Isolating

senior couple stretching

4 Tips To stay healthy while social distancing, TeleTherapy, Telehealth service, allied health

We know a lot of you are doing your bit during these challenging times – social distancing & self isolating… whatever you’re doing, we are grateful for your contribution! We also know that it’s quite easy to fall into the habit of sitting for long periods as we’re cooped up in our homes. That’s why we want to share with you some tips on how to keep moving in your home. Movement and physical activity is essential, especially during these trying times, to keep our immunity and mental well-being up! Better still, studies have shown that staying active in your senior years can add 5 years to your life.

1.       Don’t stop moving!

Functional decline can happen very quickly. Just remember, if you don’t use it, you lose it! Walking around your backyard is a good start (& you don’t need a big back yard to do this!). 30 minute walks are recommended, but you can break it down into 10 minute walks, 3 times a day.

2.       Maintaining your strength

Strength can decline very quickly.  No need to go to clinics for exercises, you can do them in your own home. Exercises along the kitchen bench are usually recommended. While you’re in the kitchen, grab 1L milk cartons or your canned foods to use as weights, one in each hand and lift them above your head – that’s one of the many ways to build your shoulder strength. It’s that simple!

3.       Maintaining your respiratory health

We know that COVID19 affects your respiratory system. Did you know that Physios are the experts in respiratory health? We can provide exercises to improve lung and airway function – this can be simple as walking up and down the stairs!

4.       Keeping your flexibility

Stretching is also essential especially when your body is in one position for prolonged periods of time – stretches in bed or on the couch, especially for your hips, neck and back as they usually under most stress when sitting for too long!

 

Introducing TeleTherapy Services

At Empower, we can do all this, from a distance! We have introduced TeleTherapy services for people that are self-isolating, are unable to have face to face appointments due to their health or feel uncomfortable with a face to face appointment.

This means we can help you with the points mentioned above – without needing to physically be there! Our new service model will enable continued therapy services without direct contact that will keep you and your family safe from COVID-19.

Click below to learn more or call us on 9583 1364 for more details on our new TeleTherapy service approach.

Learn more

 

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 TeleTherapy services

Existing clients –  Call 03 9583 1364 to discuss.

New referrals – Simply click below to complete our referral form.

Complete our online referral form in minutes

 

Click here for the article by Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) that confirmed the status of allied health professionals as an ‘essential service’.

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TeleTherapy Services Now Available

1500x800 ipad

TeleTherapy service model is now available for Empower Healthcare clients.

This additional service delivery option underpins today’s confirmation that ALL allied health services are considered an ‘essential service’ by the Australian Minister for Health and the Federal Minister for Health, The Hon Greg Hunt.

Empower’s TeleTherapy service will help our community stay healthy and independent during this situation, it also will reduce isolation and offer the ability for those most at risk to stay safe whilst remaining connected to their valued services.

All our services will continue to be provided in person where possible. Empower Healthcare is taking the risks associated with COVID-19 seriously and have introduced many precautionary measures to protect consumers and our team during Home Care & NDIS visits, including Pre-Screening all Home Care & NDIS clients prior to visits.

In addition, our new TeleTherapy service is available immediately for the following services:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Osteopathy
  • Dietetics

In our TeleTherapy model, clients can choose between; using their own device – smartphone, tablet, PC, and we will supply an email with a single link to start a video call.

For those clients that do not own a device, or find it hard to use technology, Empower will supply a sanitised device on the day of treatment.

Our TeleTherapy service is perfect for people that are self-isolating, are unable to have face to face appointments due to their health or feel uncomfortable with a face to face appointment.

Call us on 03 9583 1364 for more information and pricing on our TeleTherapy service option.

 

Download our TeleTherapy Flyer

TeleTherapy Services Flyer for Home Care packages & NDIS participants

Download now

 

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 TeleTherapy services

Existing clients –  Call 03 9583 1364 to discuss.

New referrals – Simply click below to complete our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

Click here for the article by Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) that confirmed the status of allied health professionals as an ‘essential service’.…