Category Archives: Wellbeing

Announcements, Telehealth, Wellbeing

Empower Telehealth Services: Accessible Care, Anywhere

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Telehealth web banner (1500 x 800 px)
26
Aug

Telehealth web banner (1500 x 800 px)

At Empower Healthcare, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality allied health services, regardless of location, mobility, or circumstance. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of Telehealth services designed to bring professional clinical Allied Healthcare directly to your home.
Whether you’re in a remote area, managing a busy schedule, or simply prefer virtual consultations, our model ensures you receive the support you need with flexibility and convenience.

Why Choose Empower Telehealth Services?

– Faster access to appointments for urgent needs.
– Reduced travel time and costs for clients in rural or regional areas.
– Comfort and safety for those self-isolating or with mobility limitations.
– Cost-effective alternative to in-home services.

Telehealth Services Available

Empower offers the following services via Telehealth:

Dietetics

– Dietary Management
– Medical Nutrition Therapy
– Personalised Nutrition Plans
– Weight Management
– Dysphagia Management
– Food Intolerance & Allergy Management
Occupational Therapy
– Daily Living Skills Training
– Home Safety Assessments
– Equipment Prescription
– Falls Prevention
– Dementia Support (COPE Program)
Physiotherapy
– Pain Management
– Mobility & Balance Training
– Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
– Exercise Programs
– Injury Recovery
Speech Pathology
– Communication Therapy
– Swallowing Assessments
– Language & Literacy Support
– Voice Therapy

How It Works

Clients can access Telehealth services with a support person, using a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with a camera. Empower provides easy-to-use links for video calls.

Our Support Team is here to guide you through every step, from referral to treatment, ensuring a smooth and personalised experience.

Getting Started
Referring is simple:
1. Complete our online referral form
2. Select your service.
3. In the “About your referral” section, mention “Telehealth”.
Access more information about Telehealth services here.

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Telehealth docs screengrab

Empower Healthcare’s Telehealth services are designed to keep you safe, supported, and connected, no matter where you are. Let us help you live independently and confidently with care that comes to you.

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Announcements, Dietetics, Wellbeing

The Truth About Malnutrition in Older Adults

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Malnutrition Blog web 1500x800
22
Jul

Malnutrition Blog web 1500x800

Malnutrition is a serious and often overlooked health issue, especially among older adults. It’s not just about eating too little, it’s about not getting the right nutrients. Alarmingly, nearly 50% of older Australians, whether in aged care or living independently, are either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

Importantly, malnutrition can affect anyone, regardless of body size. Even individuals who are overweight or obese may be nutritionally compromised.

 

What Is Malnutrition?

Malnutrition occurs when the body doesn’t receive enough energy, protein, vitamins, or minerals to function properly. It can result from:

  • Insufficient food intake
  • Poor dietary choices
  • Difficulty absorbing or utilising nutrients

Over time, these deficiencies can lead to serious health complications.

 

Spot the Signs Early

Early identification is key to preventing long-term health impacts. Common signs of malnutrition in older adults include:

  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Reduced appetite or fluid intake
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Digestive issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation)
  • Slow wound healing or pressure injuries
  • Muscle weakness or fatigue
  • Recent illness or hospitalisation
  • Cognitive decline affecting eating habits

 

Quick Screening Tool: Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST)

The Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) is a simple, evidence-based way to identify those at risk. It involves just two questions about recent weight loss and appetite.
👉 Download the MST here 

 

Why Older Adults Are Vulnerable

Malnutrition in older adults often develops gradually due to:

  • Reduced appetite or sensory changes
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Chronic health conditions and medications
  • Cognitive decline or depression
  • Social isolation or financial hardship
  • Limited mobility or frequent hospitalisations

These factors can make it harder to maintain a balanced diet and adequate nutrition.

 

The Cost of Delayed Intervention

Without timely support, malnutrition can lead to:

  • Loss of muscle mass and strength
  • Increased risk of infections and falls
  • Poor wound healing
  • Fatigue and cognitive decline
  • Longer recovery times
  • Greater dependence and risk of hospitalisation

 

Dietitians Make a Difference

Timely referral to a dietitian can significantly improve outcomes. Dietitians provide:

  • Comprehensive nutritional assessments
  • Personalised dietary plans
  • Practical nutrition education
  • Support for appetite and weight stabilisation
  • Improved healing, energy, and independence

 

Accessible Support

We offer flexible options to suit your needs, including:

  • In-person consultations
  • After-hours telehealth appointments

 

Key Takeaway

Malnutrition isn’t always visible, but its impact is profound. By raising awareness, encouraging early screening, and referring to dietitians, we can help older adults live healthier, more independent lives.

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Announcements, Muscle Function, Physiotherapy, Wellbeing

Boosting Strength and Health: The power of resistance training for older adults

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Blog resistance training image
17
Jun

Blog resistance training image

The decline in muscle mass often begins as early as 30 and can accelerate after 60. Without preventive measures, this can lead to a host of health issues.

Muscle weakness isn’t just about feeling less strong. It’s linked to serious health concerns such as disability, diabetes, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis, and can even increase the risk of early mortality. But there’s good news: resistance training can make a difference!
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes. One of the most significant being sarcopenia or better known as age-related muscle mass loss. Did you know that sarcopenia affects about 10% of adults over 60 and more than 50% of those over 80.

 

Why Resistance Training?

Current research highlights resistance training as a powerful tool to combat muscle disuse. By incorporating resistance exercises into your routine, you can fight against the loss of muscle strength and mass. This type of training not only helps reduce frailty but also improves physical function in several ways. Enhanced mobility, greater independence, better management of chronic diseases, improved psychological well-being, and a higher overall quality of life are just a few of the benefits.

 

Tailoring Your Training

To achieve the best results, resistance training programs for older adults should be tailored to be person centered. This personalised approach ensures that the training is safe, effective, and aligned with your specific goals.
For those interested in starting a resistance training program, consulting with an Empower Healthcare Physiotherapists or Osteopaths can be invaluable. Our team can help design a program that meets unique needs and help achieve fitness goals.

References:

Fragala, Maren S.1; Cadore, Eduardo L.2; Dorgo, Sandor3; Izquierdo, Mikel4; Kraemer, William J.5; Peterson, Mark D.6; Ryan, Eric D.7. Resistance Training for Older Adults: Position Statement From the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 33(8):p 2019-2052, August 2019. | DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003230

 

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Announcements, Community, Muscle Function, Wellbeing

Sore, But Strong: Why Muscle Soreness Shouldn’t Hold You Back 

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Muscle Soreness Banner
13
May

Muscle Soreness Banner

Understanding muscle soreness: causes and remedies

Have you ever felt that familiar muscle ache after a workout? That’s muscle soreness, a common experience for those who stay active. But what causes this discomfort, and how can you manage it?

Muscle soreness, felt as pain or stiffness, occurs post-exercise due to tiny injuries in the muscle fibers, known as micro-trauma. Typically, it appears a day after exertion, making muscles sensitive to touch and painful during movement, sometimes reducing strength for up to a week.
Symptoms of Muscle Soreness
• Dull ache
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain with stretching
• Temporary loss of strength

Why Does Muscle Soreness Happen?

1. Eccentric Movements: Stretching a muscle in the opposite direction of its tension can lead to soreness.
2. Infrequent Exercise: If you’re not regularly active, even light exercises can cause soreness due to poor muscle coordination.
Muscle soreness differs from the immediate pain of a tear, as it usually develops hours after activity or the next day. This delay is because pain receptors are in connective tissues, not muscle fibers. For activation, certain substances must be released, causing the soreness experienced.

Common Causes of Sore Muscles

• Introducing eccentric loads
• Restarting exercise after a long break
• Increasing workout intensity rapidly
• Trying unfamiliar movements
• Overusing muscles
• Exercising while unwell

Managing Muscle Soreness

• Use sore muscles gently in daily activities
• Avoid heavy lifting and intense workouts temporarily
• Engage in gentle stretching
• Try light exercises for sore muscles
• Apply heat for pain relief

Prioritising movement is key to staying active and feeling your best. While muscle soreness is a natural part of exercise, persistent or sharp pain shouldn’t be ignored. If discomfort is holding you back Massage Therapy can help and talk to our allied health clinicians who are here to help.

We’ll work with you to manage and prevent pain, so you can move with confidence and keep enjoying your fitness journey. Keep moving, keep thriving

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Announcements, Community, Wellbeing

Empower Healthcare streamlining solutions for busy caseloads

Posted on by Nicole Cook
EMPOWER Linkedin Ads Campaign FA 04
11
Apr

In the world of care management, we understand that tackling heavy workloads while delivering outstanding client care is a daily challenge

We offer practical solutions that reduce caseload burdens, like a simple online referral forms, weekly wait time updates, short wait times, exceptional support and more. Our approach is tailored to meet the needs of care managers everywhere.

 

 

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Announcements, Community, Wellbeing

Weekly Wellness Webinars: supporting wellness at home

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Weekly webinars
25
Feb

 

 

Weekly webinars

✨ Join Our WEEKLY WELLNESS WEBINARS! ✨

We are thrilled to introduce our Weekly Wellness Webinars, a series of live Zoom sessions led by our knowledgeable clinicians.  Join us every week to explore how Allied Health services can enhance your wellness at home.

When?: Every Wednesday
Where? Zoom

What?

– Actionable insights
– Practical tips
– Live Q&A sessions with our clinicians

TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • Empowering Independence: Assistive Technology for Home Care
  • Safe Eating: Swallowing and Mealtime Tips
  • Golden Years Nutrition: Healthy Eating at Home
  • Staying Steady: Falls Prevention Strategies for Home Care

Missed a session this month? No problem! Our webinars will be repeated monthly, and updated links will be available on our website.
Got questions? Feel free to reach out to us!

 

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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Community, Massage Therapy, Osteopathy, Physiotherapy, Wellbeing

Newly created Retention role, meeting client needs.

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Debbie M blog banner (1)
29
Jan

Debbie M blog banner (1)

Welcome Debbie to Empower Healthcare: Our New Service Retention Officer

At Empower Healthcare, we are excited to announce the addition of Debbie to our team in the newly created role of Service Retention Officer. This position was established to enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring seamless management of planned and unplanned appointment changes within our Victorian POMA (Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Massage, and Allied Health Assistance) services.

Enhancing Client Experience with Debbie

Debbie’s warm and personable demeanour on the phone has quickly established a genuine connection with our clients and coordinators, leading to high satisfaction levels. Our commitment to going the extra mile is evident through our personalised approach, where we invest time in finding and offering alternative appointment options whenever our clinicians are unavailable. This dedication truly enhances the client experience and reinforces our commitment to meeting their needs.

Debbie arrived from England many years ago on a one-year holiday visa and decided to make Australia her home. With 25 years of experience running her own sales and marketing businesses, 10 years at QML Pathology QLD, and the last 2 years in a QLD government call centre managing over 350 services, Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the new role.

Impacting Lives Through Continuity of Care

Debbie is passionate about ensuring clients have continuous appointments and do not miss any sessions. She believes in the importance of maintaining the continuity of appointments because of the health-related consequences.

Debbie says,

It’s important to keep the continuity of appointments because our bodies quickly lose muscle memory. By offering alternative appointments with the clinicians they love and have built rapport and relationships with, we help maintain their fitness.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Debbie holds a degree in Biomedical Science and enjoys reading medical thrillers. She is also busy with her cherished eight grandchildren, ranging from 15 months to 8 yrs old.

At Empower Healthcare, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and services to our clients. With Debbie on board as our Service Retention Officer, we are confident that we will continue to enhance our clients’ experiences and ensure their needs are met with the utmost care and attention.…

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Announcements, Community, Mental Health, Wellbeing

We wish you a jolly good self care season!

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Caring for the Carer
04
Dec

Caring for the Carer

We Wish You a Jolly Good Self Care Adventure!

As the bustling festive season draws near, it’s all too easy to become caught in a whirlwind of tasks for others, neglecting the sacred art of self care. Here we are helping you to take a moment to reflect and explore various ways in which you can prioritise your own self care.

 

1. Set Boundaries

It’s important to know your limits and communicate them to others. Saying “no” when you’re overwhelmed is perfectly acceptable and necessary for your mental health. Therefore, make sure to prioritise activities that bring you joy and peace.

2. Schedule Downtime

Amidst the hustle and bustle, ensure you have pockets of time dedicated to relaxation. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or indulging in a favourite hobby, these moments of downtime can recharge your energy.

3. Maintain a Balanced Diet

With all the festive treats around, it can be tempting to overindulge. Aim to balance indulgence with nutritious meals to keep your body feeling its best. Remember to stay hydrated and incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to center yourself. These activities can help alleviate stress and enhance your emotional health.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Prioritise sleep to ensure you’re well-rested and able to enjoy the festivities. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even with late-night celebrations.

6. Connect with Loved Ones

While it’s easy to get caught up in the preparations, don’t forget to spend quality time with family and friends. Meaningful connections can greatly enhance your emotional well-being.

7. Engage in Physical Activity

Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and relieve stress. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance class, or a workout session, find an activity you enjoy and make time for it.

8. Reflect and Express Gratitude

Take a moment to reflect on the year and express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift focus to the good things and improve your overall outlook.

9. Pamper Yourself

Treat yourself to something special, whether it’s a spa day, a new book, or a cozy night in. Small acts of pampering can have a significant impact on your mood.

10. Seek Support if Needed

If the festive season becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Whether it’s talking to a friend, family member, or professional, sharing your feelings can provide relief.
Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity, especially during the holiday season. By incorporating these self-care tips, you can ensure that you enjoy a joyful and balanced festive period.

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Announcements, Community, Home Nursing, In Home Care, NDIS, Wellbeing

Continence Management with Empower Nurses

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Continence ax web
13
Jul

Continence Assessments

 

 

Incontinence is a very common condition affecting 1 in 4 Australian adults.

The good news is that there are many ways that both bladder and bowel leaks and accidents can be treated and managed. With the help of nurses and other health care professionals, your clients can continue to live an active and independent life with dignity.

 

How we can help

Our nursing services involve support in the management of bladder and bowel control problems. We offer discreet services that aim to preserve dignity, reduce stress, and help people regain confidence so they can participate in daily activities and get you back to enjoying life.

Our support

We will take the time to fully assess your client and understand the challenges they face. We will conduct a Level 2 Basic Continence Assessment and then develop personalised plans and strategies to suit the persons lifestyle and goals.

Our Multidisciplinary Team support

Whilst our nurses provide continence treatment, they also have access and work closely with a large team of Allied Health therapists that can also provide additional continence care and intervention.

Dietetics

Our Dietitians assist with:
• urinary incontinence by monitoring fluid intake and providing recommendations for other bowel management strategies. Clients experiencing urinary incontinence tend to restrict fluid intake and this can contribute to poor health through dehydration and increase the occurrence of constipation.
• faecal incontinence by recommending a modified diet that can alleviate the urgency of bowel motions as well as assist clients with implementing a diet that will help with the frequency and consistency of bowel motions.
*Dehydration is a great risk in this group of clients.

Physiotherapists

Our Physiotherapists assist with:
• improving a client’s mobility and function so that they can access facilities in a timely manner
• utilise their continence aids safely.
• improve balance and coordination to assist with independent toileting
*We don’t have any specialist continence physios.

Occupational Therapists

Our Occupational Therapists assist with:
• routines based interventions – working on toileting routines
• strategies such as visual prompts and social stories to support understanding, reinforce routines and reduce anxiety
• understanding their sensory systems and interoception, so the person understands the body’s signals of when they need to go to the toilet.
• working towards independence with assistive technology eg. over toilet seats or commodes, Clothing adaptations
• educating clients family and formal supports.

Management depends on the type of incontinence, its aetiology, the severity of symptoms, as well as the consumers factors such as cognition, functional status and medical history. Our nurses have the clinical background and experience to advise options for suitable treatment approach for each individual to match their lifestyle and keep them at home longer.

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Catheter management

Medication management

Wound care

 

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Announcements, Community, Home Nursing, In Home Care, NDIS, Wellbeing

At home catheter care provided by Empower Nurses

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Catheter care blog banner
01
Jun

It is possible to live an independent and active life with a catheter and Empower’s nurses are ready to help clients and their families.

Our nurses are trained to deliver best practice catheter care with dignity to help people maintain the life they are accustomed to.

Our skilled nurses are fully trained to deliver care for all three types of catheters:
• Male
• Female
• Suprapubic

For people who rely on catheters, having a routine to care for the catheter is an important part of living a full life without the common complications that a catheter use can cause. Empower nurses deliver person centred, individualised catheter care to every client beginning with a comprehensive assessment at home.

Our nurses assess the level of support, education and care needed and work with clients and their families to set goals and develop management plans to suit their individual needs.

Good catheter care starts with good nursing care.

Our catheter care routines help users:

Reduce Urinary Tract Infections

By regularly emptying bags and performing hygiene activities like good hand washing, people who use catheters can reduce the likelihood of infection. Developing habits of adequate water consumption can also help to reduce bacterial infection risk and keep the system functioning optimally.

Eliminate Leakage

Regular emptying of bags is necessary to reduce the chance of overflow leakage. Having established fluid consumption routines can also help with the management of urine output.

Avoid Kidney damage

Reducing the load on the kidneys by allowing complete bladder voiding protects kidney function.

Live a full life 
A well-established routine can allow people who rely on catheterisation to lead full and active lifestyles with the freedom to work, travel, exercise and socialise knowing that their bodies are well cared for.

Having a plan and support is vital for developing routines when taking care of a catheter system. Our experienced nurses help people to ensure the best care for their catheters while meeting their lifestyle needs and goals. After all, catheterisation should allow people to focus on the things in life that really matter and enable them to live life their own way.

 

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Medication management

Wound care

 

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