Preventing harm from alcohol and other drugs among older adults - Bunbury workshop

Are you an allied health professional working with older adults?

As trusted healthcare providers, allied health professionals play a crucial role in supporting older adults and are well-positioned to identify and support those at risk of alcohol-related harm.

Alcohol is one of Australia's most widely used drugs, with Australian adults aged over 50 consuming alcohol more regularly than any other age group. In addition to drinking more frequently, older adults are at greater risk of harm from alcohol due to physiological differences in how older adults metabolise alcohol and the presence of other co-morbidities. 

Injury Matters, in collaboration with Professor Robert Ali and Professor Steve Allsop, are delivering this FREE workshop to equip allied health professionals in the South West with the knowledge and skills to effectively identify and address alcohol and other drug (AoD) risks in their older adult clients/patients.

This in-person workshop will focus on the application of the ASSIST-Lite (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test) and how to effectively utilise the tool with older adults. The ASSIST-Lite is a world-renowned evidence-based tool that supports a comprehensive approach to identifying and supporting individuals at risk of harm from alcohol and other drugs.

It is vital that older adults at heightened risk of alcohol and other drug use are supported to access specialised support and therefore this workshop will provide information and resources to support allied health professionals to ensure that older adults are empowered to access the support that they need. 

Following the workshop participants will:

• Recognise their role in identifying older adults at risk of alcohol and other drug harm and the importance of referring them to appropriate services.
• Have an increased knowledge about the significance of conducting AoD screenings using the ASSIST-Lite tool.
• Be skilled in applying the ASSIST-Lite screening tool effectively with older adults.
• Have an increased confidence to conduct AoD screenings.
• Be confident to make referrals to local support services when necessary.

Presenter profiles:

Professor Robert Ali

Associate Professor Robert Ali AO MBBS FAFPHM FAChAM is one of Australia’s leading alcohol and other drug clinician-researchers. Dr. Ali has extensive knowledge of the ASSIST-lite tool and is very experienced in training health professionals on how to use it.

Professor Steve Allsop

Professor Allsop has a strong background in workforce development having been director of Clinical Education in two state government AoD services and as Director of a National workforce development centre of excellence. He has also worked on projects focusing on alcohol and the ageing population, notably supervising an influential PhD in this domain.

Complimentary lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day.

By attending this workshop you can play a vital role in reducing the risk of harm to older adults. 

These workshops are delivered by Injury Matters, thanks to funding provided by Healthway.