AN ONLINE self-screening tool has been launched to help older Australians detect early signs of frailty and stay independent for longer.
Victorian-based not-for-profit aged care provider Benetas has launched the Positive Ageing Tool (PAT) on the back of government-funded research it undertook in 2018 in conjunction with Monash University.
Two years in the making, the new self-screening tool means that older Australians will be in a better position to detect and address early signs of frailty before a serious health decline occurs.
Benetas' general manager of quality, outcomes and research, Dr Catherine Joyce, said this is a much-needed tool with one in two Australians over the age of 60 who live in their own home being at risk of a relatively minor health issue triggering serious decline.
"Once that happens, for many there's no going back. If someone has low physical resilience, a small incident like a fall or virus could be the tipping point that means they'll no longer be able to live independently in the community.
"We all know someone who has been managing fine, and then an incident which might be minor for other people tips them over into being in need of high care and residential support. This is about getting in early and helping to avoid exactly that."
With five simple questions, PAT helps monitor the users' physical resilience, and also hosts a suite of practical resources that covers everything from nutritional recipes through to important support services older Australians can adopt early on.
"We recommend that people complete the quick assessment every six months," Dr Joyce said.
"They seem like simple questions to answer, but collectively, they're proven to be strong early indicators for risk of serious health decline. Importantly, there are many steps that we can take to stay healthy and resilient whether we're 60 or going on 90."
Benetas chief executive Sandra Hills said health promotion and early intervention is exactly where aged care needs to be headed.
"The traditional aged care services from residential care, home care, clinical and allied health services, are all incredibly important, but if we're going to meet an ageing population, we really need to be at the forefront of early intervention.
"This is about ensuring that people and their families have the information they need well in advance of their health declining. Whether you're 65 and going for runs, or 75 and facing prescription changes, we need people to be monitoring their health, taking proactive steps and not wait until it's too late."
The $1.2 million government research grant was designed to inform new pre-emptive ways in Australia for older people to better maintain their physical resilience and curb the impact of frailty in the community.
To access the Benetas Positive Ageing Tool click HERE
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