Following the success of a world-first pilot program, Silverchain is scaling its Enhanced Management of home-Based Elders with Depression (EMBED) clinical trial to Western Australia and South Australia.
The EMBED model of care is the first of its kind, designed to improve the detection and treatment of depression among older Australians receiving aged care at home. The program was made possible through a $2 million grant from the Medical Research Future Fund and Silverchain Foundation, and is being delivered in collaboration with 15 leading clinical researchers from seven Australian universities, including Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology and Flinders University.
The 2024 pilot in Victoria delivered very promising results. EMBED was found to be highly feasible for home care, and clients experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of depression. Client satisfaction was exceptionally high, with 95 per cent rating the program as “good” or “excellent” and advocating for it to be expanded to reach more people in need.
Building on this success, a much larger clinical trial is now underway in WA and SA to recruit more than 400 aged care clients, to further assess the program’s long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Silverchain’s Director of Research Discovery and clinical psychologist, Adjunct Professor Tanya Davison, said the expansion marks an important step in reshaping mental health care for older Australians.
“Depression remains one of the most common – but poorly managed – health issues in older Australians,” Adj Prof Davison said.
“The overwhelmingly positive response from both clients and our care teams demonstrates the urgent need for mental health integration in aged care. EMBED is proving to be a scalable and feasible solution.”
The EMBED pilot also confirmed the effectiveness of delivering psychological support digitally, with participants accessing video consultations with mental health clinicians, therapeutic resources and interactive tools to support their mental health journey.
A recent Silverchain-led study, published in the Australian Journal on Ageing, found more than 60 per cent of older Australians receiving in home aged care experience symptoms of depression or anxiety.
This aligns with ABS data showing mental health issues increase significantly after age 80, with the highest prevalence among those in their 90s. Despite this, research on mental health in those receiving aged care at home remains limited in Australia.
“This model of care is a game-changer for older people’s health and wellbeing. By integrating mental health into home care, we’re addressing a critical gap in the system and ensuring older Australians can age well at home,” Adj Prof Davison said.
Older Australians receiving home aged care may be eligible to participate in the EMBED program through self-referral or referral from a Silverchain care worker.
To learn more about EMBED and how to get involved, visit our website or email the team at embed@silverchain.org.au.
