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The Older Adults Preventing Harm from Alcohol and Other Drugs Health Promotion Pilot Program for Allied Health Professionals aims to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of Allied Health Professionals to identify older adults (aged 45 and over) at risk of alcohol and other drug use via the ASSIST-Lite screening tool.
A significant proportion of older Australians drink at risky levels, with adults over 50 drinking more regularly than any other age group. Older adults are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol and other drugs (including medications), due to physiological differences and co-morbidities. Co-morbidities also mean that older adults are more likely to take multiple medications as they age.
In February 2025, Injury Matters will facilitate a series of workshops featuring the ASSIST-Lite tool (The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Test).
The workshops will be delivered in-person in Perth (3) and Bunbury (1). These in-person workshops are designed to upskill participants by increasing their ability to both identify and address individuals at risk due to their alcohol and other drug use.
The ASSIST-Lite tool is a proven, evidence-based resource. By utilising this screening tool, you can take a comprehensive approach to treatment and work towards the goal of reducing the risk of injury and falls in older adults.
All attendees to the free workshops will be trained in utilising the ASSIST-Lite Tool for older adults.
The modules of the training provide you with an overview of substance use disorders, the foundations of screening and brief intervention and how to administer the ASSIST and how to respond to the scores.
Please note you must attend both half-day workshops in chosen location to complete the training.
| Perth Metro | Tuesday, 11th February 2025 at 12:30pm – 4pm; and Tuesday, 18th February 2025 at 12:30pm – 4pm. |
Register |
| Joondalup | Wednesday, 12th February 2025 at 12:30pm – 4pm; and Wednesday, 18th February 2025 at 12:30pm – 4pm. |
Register |
| Cockburn | Thursday, 13th February 2025 at 9am – 1pm; and Thursday, 20th February 2025 at 9am- 1pm. |
Register |
| Bunbury | Friday, 21st February 2025 at 9:30am – 4pm. | Register |
Associate 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 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 alcohol and the ageing population, notably supervising an influential PhD in this domain.
This is a Healthway-funded initiative.