📢 Free Webinar to Support Better Foot Health for Your Clients Wednesday 8 October | 🕛 12:00 PM AEDT
The Foot and Ageing Foot – a practical session to help you better understand and advocate for your clients’ podiatry needs.
🔍 What we’ll cover: • Common foot ailments in older adults • Barriers to accessing footcare • The role of podiatry in maintaining mobility and independence • Live Q&A with our friendly podiatrist
🎯 Ideal for case managers supporting older clients or those with chronic conditions.
When most people hear the word dietetics, their minds jump straight to food restrictions, calorie counting, and weight loss plans. But dietetics is a science, a calling, and a powerful tool for healing—far beyond the confines of what’s on your plate.
🌱 The Science Behind the Plate
Dietetics is rooted in biochemistry, physiology, and evidence-based medicine. Dietitians don’t just tell you what to eat—they understand how nutrients interact with your body, how chronic diseases alter metabolism, and how tailored nutrition can support recovery, resilience, and longevity.
Managing diabetes through carbohydrate education
Supporting cancer patients with therapeutic nutrition
Preventing heart disease with lipid-lowering strategies
Enhancing gut health through microbiome-friendly foods
💬 Nutrition is Communication
Dietetics is also about listening. A skilled dietitian doesn’t just hand over a meal plan, they explore your lifestyle, culture, beliefs, and emotional relationship with food. They help you rewrite your food story with compassion and clarity.
Culturally sensitive nutrition advice
Mental health support through intuitive eating
Empowering clients to overcome disordered eating patterns
🧠 Beyond the Body: Dietetics and Mental Health
Food affects mood, cognition, and emotional wellbeing. Dietitians are increasingly working in mental health settings, helping clients manage anxiety, depression, and ADHD through nutritional strategies that support brain function and hormonal balance.
Omega-3s for mood regulation
Gut-brain axis and fermented foods
Stabilizing blood sugar to reduce emotional volatility
💪 Empowering Through Education
Dietetics is about empowerment. It’s not about telling people what they can’t eat, it’s about showing them what they can do with food to reclaim their health, energy, and joy.
Whether you’re recovering from illness, managing a chronic condition, or simply seeking to thrive, dietitians are your allies in health, not food police.
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.
Supporting flyers
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.
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:
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.…
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.
