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Ageing is about Living:Strategic Directions to Facilitate the Health and Wellbeing of Older People in Greater Dandenong 2012-2015

Background Paper

TABLE OF CONTENTS1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................11.2 PREPARING THIS STRATEGY.........................................................................................................................11.3 RELATED DOCUMENTS...............................................................................................................................2

2 PLANNING FOR COMMUNITIES THAT ARE GROWING OLDER.................................................................3

2.1 CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG PLANNING FRAMEWORK.................................................................................32.2 CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG COMMUNITY WELLBEING PLAN........................................................................32.3 THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION “AGE-FRIENDLY” CITIES FRAMEWORK........................................................42.4 COMMONWEALTH AND STATE GOVERNMENT POLICY CONTEXT.........................................................................62.5 THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CONTEXT...............................................................................72.6 RE-DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE MUNICIPALITY................................................................................................8

3 UNDERSTANDING OLDER PEOPLE IN GREATER DANDENONG................................................................9

3.1 DEFINING “OLDER PEOPLE”........................................................................................................................93.2 SUMMARY OF DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE..........................................................................................................93.3 POPULATION AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS...............................................................................................113.4 ETHNICITY..............................................................................................................................................143.5 DISADVANTAGE.......................................................................................................................................153.6 DISABILITY.............................................................................................................................................173.7 HEALTH STATUS......................................................................................................................................183.8 AGED CARE BEDS.....................................................................................................................................233.9 HOUSEHOLD STRUCTURE..........................................................................................................................243.10 EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND RECREATION...............................................................................................243.11 HOUSING...............................................................................................................................................25

4 THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF AN AGEING POPULATION............................................................27

4.1 HEALTHIER, MORE ACTIVE AND MORE PRODUCTIVE........................................................................................274.2 BUILDING RESPECT..................................................................................................................................284.3 MAINTAINING INDEPENDENCE...................................................................................................................284.4 FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE IN RETIREMENT...................................................................................................294.5 OLDER PEOPLE AS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTORS TO PAID AND UNPAID WORK.......................................................294.6 PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL NETWORKS..........................................................................................................304.7 TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY.......................................................................................................................304.8 HOUSING..............................................................................................................................................314.9 KEY CHALLENGES FOR GREATER DANDENONG..............................................................................................31

5 THE ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO OLDER PEOPLE IN GREATER DANDENONG...............................32

5.1 SEEKING THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY, STAFF AND SERVICE PROVIDERS.......................................................325.2 OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY.....................................................................................................325.3 SUMMARY OF OUTCOMES........................................................................................................................325.4 PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS........................................................................................................................335.5 TRANSPORT - GETTING AROUND DANDENONG.............................................................................................245.6 OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS............................................................................................................265.7 HOUSING..............................................................................................................................................285.8 SOCIAL PARTICIPATION............................................................................................................................295.9 RESPECT AND SOCIAL INCLUSION...............................................................................................................31

6 ISSUES THAT SERVICE PROVIDERS AND STAFF PERCEIVE AS IMPORTANT.............................................33

6.1 OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................................336.2 HOUSING..............................................................................................................................................336.3 SOCIAL PARTICIPATION............................................................................................................................336.4 RESPECT AND SOCIAL INCLUSION................................................................................................................336.5 CIVIC PARTICIPATION AND EMPLOYMENT....................................................................................................34

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Ageing is About Living:Strategic Directions to Facilitate the Health and Wellbeing of Older People 2012-2015Draft 20th June 2012

6.6 TRANSPORT...........................................................................................................................................346.7 COMMUNITY AND HEALTH SERVICES..........................................................................................................346.8 OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS............................................................................................................356.9 COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION........................................................................................................35

7 COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN GREATER DANDENONG......................................36

7.1 SERVICES DELIVERED BY GREATER DANDENONG...........................................................................................367.2 REVIEW OF THE SERVICE MODEL...............................................................................................................377.3 AN INTEGRATED MODEL OF SERVICE..........................................................................................................387.4 COUNCIL’S ONGOING ROLE IN SERVICE PROVISION.......................................................................................39

8 REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................... 40

APPENDIX ONE: LIST OF PEOPLE CONSULTED...........................................................................................42

APPENDIX TWO: SURVEY FORM............................................................................................................ 43

APPENDIX THREE: COMMUNITY SURVEY COMMENTS.............................................................................45

APPENDIX FOUR: WHO AGE FRIENDLY CITIES RESPONSES – STAFF AND SERVICE PROVIDERS..................49

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1: AGE-FRIENDLY CITY TOPIC AREAS..................................................................................................................5TABLE 2: POPULATION AND PROJECTIONS 2011 TO 2031, CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG.............................................11TABLE 3: POPULATION AND PROJECTION 2011 TO 2031, BANGHOLME........................................................................12TABLE 4: POPULATION AND PROJECTIONS 2011 TO 2031, DANDENONG......................................................................12TABLE 5: POPULATION AND PROJECTIONS 2011 TO 2031, DANDENONG NORTH...........................................................12TABLE 6: POPULATION AND PROJECTIONS 2011 TO 2031, KEYSBOROUGH...................................................................13TABLE 7: POPULATION AND PROJECTIONS 2011 TO 2031, NOBLE PARK......................................................................13TABLE 8: POPULATION AND PROJECTIONS 2011 TO 2031, NOBLE PARK NORTH...........................................................13TABLE 9: POPULATION AND PROJECTIONS 2011 TO 2031, SPRINGVALE.......................................................................14TABLE 10: POPULATION AND PROJECTIONS 2011 TO 2031, SPRINGVALE SOUTH........................................................14TABLE 11: TOP 10 COUNTRIES OF BIRTH FOR CGD................................................................................................14TABLE 12: LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME BY PERSONS AGED 60+.............................................................................15TABLE 13: SEIFA INDEXES FOR THE MSD.............................................................................................................16TABLE 14: SEIFA INDEXES – CGD SMALL AREAS....................................................................................................17TABLE 15: CORE ACTIVITY NEED FOR ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING COMPARISON WITH MSD.................................................18TABLE 16: HEALTH CONDITIONS AND INDICATORS...................................................................................................21TABLE 17: CALCULATED ESTIMATES DEMENTIA RATES BY AGE GROUP FOR PEOPLE IN GREATER DANDENONG......................22TABLE 18: ESTIMATED PREVALENCE OF DEMENTIA IN GREATER DANDENONG 2011 TO 2026........................................23TABLE 19: AGED CARE DATA – BEDS, HACC AND PERSONS AGED 75+ YEARS LIVING ALONE..........................................23TABLE 20: NUMBER OF PERSONS BY RELATIONSHIP WITHIN HOUSEHOLDS (60+ YEARS).................................................24TABLE 21: LABOUR FORCE BY AGE IN CGD...........................................................................................................24TABLE 22: HOUSING TENURE BY PLACE OF BIRTH FOR PEOPLE AGED 65+ YEARS IN CGD..............................................25TABLE 23: RENTAL STRESS..................................................................................................................................26TABLE 24: GREATER DANDENONG SUBURB OF RESIDENCE (223 RESPONSES)...............................................................34TABLE 25: GENDER OF RESPONDENTS...................................................................................................................34TABLE 26: MOBILITY OF RESPONDENTS.................................................................................................................34TABLE 27: AGE OF RESPONDENTS........................................................................................................................24TABLE 28: GETTING AROUND GREATER DANDENONG (NUMBER OF RESPONSES IN BRACKETS FOLLOWING EACH QUESTION) -

NUMBER .......................................................................................................................................................25TABLE 29: GETTING AROUND GREATER DANDENONG (NUMBER OF RESPONSES IN BRACKETS FOLLOWING EACH QUESTION) -

PERCENTAGE...................................................................................................................................................25TABLE 30: OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS – NUMBER OF RESPONSES.....................................................................27TABLE 31: OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS - PERCENTAGE.....................................................................................27TABLE 32: HOUSING AVAILABILITY FOR OLDER PEOPLE (NUMBER OF RESPONSES IN BRACKETS FOLLOWING EACH QUESTION). .29

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Background Paper

TABLE 33: SOCIAL PARTICIPATION - KNOWLEDGE ABOUT ACTIVITIES IN THE COMMUNITY FOR OLDER PEOPLE (NUMBER OF RESPONSES IN BRACKETS FOLLOWING EACH QUESTION)...........................................................................................30

TABLE 34: RESPECT AND SOCIAL INCLUSION - HOW ARE OLDER PEOPLE VIEWED IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY? (NUMBER OF RESPONSES IN BRACKETS FOLLOWING EACH QUESTION) - NUMBERS..........................................................................31

TABLE 35: RESPECT AND SOCIAL INCLUSION - HOW ARE OLDER PEOPLE VIEWED IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY? (NUMBER OF RESPONSES IN BRACKETS FOLLOWING EACH QUESTION) - PERCENTAGES.....................................................................31

TABLE 36: SERVICE COMPONENTS PROVIDED THROUGH CGD COMMUNITY CARE MODEL...............................................36

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1: CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG PLANNING FRAMEWORK............................................................................3FIGURE 2: DETERMINANTS OF ACTIVE AGEING........................................................................................................5FIGURE 3: LIFE EXPECTANCY, FEMALES, CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG, 2004-2007..................................................19FIGURE 4: LIFE EXPECTANCY, MALES, CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG, 2004-2007.....................................................19FIGURE 5: LIFE EXPECTANCY AT 60 YEARS, VICTORIA, 2007.....................................................................................20FIGURE 6: LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH, VICTORIA, 2007..........................................................................................20FIGURE 7: ESTIMATED PREVALENCE OF DEMENTIA IN GREATER DANDENONG 2007 TO 2027........................................22FIGURE 8: GREATER DANDENONG SUBURB OF RESIDENCE (223 RESPONSES)...............................................................34FIGURE 9: AGE OF RESPONDENTS.......................................................................................................................24FIGURE 10: GETTING AROUND GREATER DANDENONG - PERCENTAGES........................................................................25FIGURE 11: OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS - PERCENTAGE....................................................................................28FIGURE 12: HOUSING SUFFICIENCY AND AFFORDABILITY - PERCENTAGES.......................................................................29FIGURE 13: SOCIAL PARTICIPATION - PERCENTAGES..................................................................................................30FIGURE 14: RESPECT AND SOCIAL INCLUSION - PERCENTAGES......................................................................................32

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Background Paper

1 OVERVIEW

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Consistent with Australia-wide and world-wide trends, the population in the City of Greater Dandenong is growing older. This presents a number of opportunities and challenges for planning and service delivery. Council is committed to supporting older residents to remain fit and active and to live independently in the community for as long as they are able to do so. At the same time, Council recognises that a number of people in the community require support and assistance to remain in their own homes and it is committed to ensuring that these residents receive high quality services to meet their needs.

The City of Greater Dandenong has developed this three year strategy to guide the development, management and future directions for an integrated, whole-of-council approach to supporting, promoting and encouraging the contribution of older people in the community. It is envisaged that this strategy will be a subset of the Community Wellbeing Plan, building on the overall planning and directions for enhancing the wellbeing of the broader community. The overarching goal is ensure that older people can remain living independently in the community for as long as possible, maintaining their links with their neighbourhoods and families, and having opportunities to use their skills and knowledge to benefit the community. The World Health Organisation (WHO) “Age Friendly Cities” framework provides guidance with this.

The strategy focuses on people who have retired from the workforce, taking account of the needs of active people as well as the more frail and vulnerable people in the community. This includes consideration of the needs of Indigenous people and people with chronic and complex health care needs, whose life expectancy is less than the general community. It also considers how Council can facilitate access for older people in the community to a range of activities, including existing clubs and community facilities.

A primary goal for the next three years is to develop a more collaborative approach to addressing the challenges of supporting older people to remain living in the community. All areas of Council work with older people and/or develop and maintain infrastructure that promotes the health and wellbeing of all people in the community, regardless of age. Consequently, the Plan promotes an integrated, whole-of-council approach to addressing the needs of older people.

1.2 PREPARING THIS STRATEGY

The strategy has been based on an analysis of relevant data and significant consultation with residents, Council staff and community service agencies that work with older people in Greater Dandenong. This includes: Analysis of socio-demographic data and information; Analysis of the key policy directions of the Commonwealth and State Governments in relation to

service delivery for older people; Consultation with managers and coordinators across all areas of Council; Consultation with key community service providers; and Consultation with over 200 residents through:

o Face-to-face interviews in shopping centres and the library;o Distribution of the survey instrument to a range of activity groups for older people; ando An online facility on the Council website.

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Ageing is about Living:Strategic Directions to Facilitate the Health and Wellbeing of Older People in Greater Dandenong 2012-2015Background Paper

The vision and key strategies have been developed through analysis of the information and discussion with Council staff.

Significant work has been undertaken to document the model of care that is in place in Greater Dandenong to deliver services for the more frail residents. This model is included in the strategy and supports the whole-of-community approach to supporting older people. The detailed review of the model can be read as a companion document to this strategy.

A list of people consulted in preparing this strategy is attached as Appendix One.

1.3 RELATED DOCUMENTS

Reflecting the importance of planning and development to all areas of Council, the majority of strategic directions for service areas across Council are of relevance to older people. The key strategies are linked to the Older Persons’ Action Plan. Documents of particular relevance include: Council Plan 2009-2012; City of Greater Dandenong Community Plan 2030; City of Dandenong Health and Wellbeing Plan 2010-2013; Environmental and Sustainability Strategy 2009; Economic Development Strategy and Policy; Marketing and Communications Strategy 2006; Multicultural Communications Strategy 2010; Library 2020 Strategy; Cultural Diversity Plan 2010-2015; and Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres Future Directions Plan 2010-2015.

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Background Paper

2 PLANNING FOR COMMUNITIES THAT ARE GROWING OLDER

This Plan has been developed with the planning framework of the City of Greater Dandenong and the broader policy environments of the Commonwealth and State Governments.

2.1 CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG PLANNING FRAMEWORK

This strategy has been developed in the context of the overall planning framework for the City of Greater Dandenong. The planning framework brings together the key strategies that guide Council actions and stakeholders. These key strategies are the: Community Vision, as outlined in the Community Plan; Community Wellbeing Plan, which focuses on improving overall wellbeing; and Municipal Strategic Statement, which focuses on quality and efficient practice across Council.

Figure 1: City of Greater Dandenong Planning Framework

2.2 CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG COMMUNITY WELLBEING PLAN

The priorities of the CGD Community Wellbeing Plan 2010-2013 are the key drivers for planning and developing communities that welcome and encourage the active involvement of older people in community life. The priorities of the Plan are:

1. Travel and Transport.2. Sustainable Communities.3. Education, Lifelong Learning and Participation.

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4. Safer Communities.5. Inclusion and Respect.6. Physical Activity, Leisure and Recreation.7. Environmental Sustainability for Healthy Lifestyles.

These priorities form the basis of the key directions of the strategy and are consistent with the determinants developed by World Health Organisation (WHO).

2.3 THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION “AGE-FRIENDLY” CITIES FRAMEWORK

WHO has developed an “age friendly” cities framework, as a guide for cities to maximise the opportunities for health, participation and security for older people. This framework provides a very useful way for considering broadly the range of factors that contribute to the development of an “age friendly” city. It is a tool for a city’s self-assessment and a map for charting progress. Based on the results of a global project, which consulted with older people in 33 cities across 22 countries, it is robust and reliable.

The concepts in this framework are useful for considering how CGD can plan for the future. However, this strategy does not aim to build an “age-friendly” city per se. Council is committed to collaborating with the community to build a city for all ages - a municipality that accommodates and respects all people, regardless of their life stage and capabilities.

In an age-friendly city, policies, services, settings and structures support and enable people to age actively by:Recognising the wide range of capacities and resources among older people;Anticipating and responding flexibly to ageing-related needs and preferences;Respecting their decisions and lifestyle choices;Protecting those who are the most vulnerable; andPromoting their inclusion in and contribution to all areas of community life. (WHO, 2008:5)

2.3.1 FACTORS WHICH IMPACT ON HEALTH AND WELLBEING

A number of factors (determinants) were identified as influencing how healthy and active people remain as they grow older. All of these factors, and the interactions between them, are important in how well people age and how cities can create environments that support this. These factors are: Economic determinants; Health and social services; Behavioural determinants; Social determinants; Physical environment; Behavioural determinants; and Personal determinants.

These determinants are overlaid by gender and culture and are shown at Figure 2.

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Active Ageing

Gender

Culture

Economic determinants Health and social services

Behavioural determinants

Personal determinantsPhysical environment

Social determinants


Background Paper

Figure 2: Determinants of Active Ageing

Source: Reproduced from WHO 2008:5

Eight features of cities reflect the determinants of active ageing and were used in discussions world-wide to develop the framework. These themes influence how people are able to live their lives. This framework is consistent with the priorities of the Community Wellbeing Plan (see Table 1). This illustrates that planning for improved access to services for older people is a whole-of-Council and community responsibility.

Table 1: Age-friendly city topic areas Theme Influences

Outdoor spaces and buildingsTransportationHousing

Personal mobilitySafety from injurySecurity from crimeHealth behaviourSocial participation

Respect and social inclusion Attitudes, behaviour and messages of other people and of the community, as a whole, towards older people

Social participation Engagement of older people in recreation, socialisation, and cultural, educational and spiritual activities

Civic participation and employment Opportunities for citizenship, unpaid work and paid work

Communication and informationCommunity support and health services

Social and health determinants

2.4 COMMONWEALTH AND STATE GOVERNMENT POLICY CONTEXT

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Both the Commonwealth and State Governments have responsibility for setting the policy directions for aged and disability services and funding a range of different program areas. These responsibilities have been subject to intense scrutiny over the past two years, with the discussions between the Commonwealth and states focussing on how the responsibilities for health and aged care services could be streamlined. Significantly: A new National Health Reform Agreement was signed on 2nd August 2011. Aged care, funding

and policy responsibility for Home and Community Care (HACC) services will continue to be delivered as a joint Commonwealth-State funded program in Victoria at this stage; and

The Productivity Commission completed a significant review into the delivery of community-based and aged residential care (Caring for Older Australians). The Commonwealth Government announced an aged care reform package in response to this review in April 2012, with changes due to be implemented in the 2014/15 financial year.

A number of significant changes in policy over the past ten years have resulted in improvements in the range and quality of services available for frail older people in the community. At the same time, a focus on promoting the benefits of an ageing community and supporting older people to remain active and healthy for as long as possible have been key drivers at both Commonwealth and State Government levels. Changes initiated by both levels of government have resulted in: Improving coordinated care across services: this includes between hospitals (acute care),

rehabilitation services (sub-acute services) and community-based services (those provided by Council and a range of other providers). In Victoria, the Primary Care Partnerships have been important in facilitating partnerships across the sector to support improved service coordination;

Streamlining referral and initial needs assessments across agencies to facilitate easier access to assessment for services: the development of the SCoTT by the Primary Care Partnerships has been a significant innovation;

A focus on “ageing in place”: this refers to supporting people to remain living independently for as long as possible, as well as developing supported accommodation and care, which is located close to where older people have lived for most of their lives, ensuring that they do not lose touch with their local communities if they are unable to remain living independently;

Increasing the range of services to meet the growing complexity of care needs , which is driven by the demand to remain living independently for as long as possible;

Increasing emphasis and program development to support older people to remain active, healthy and engaged in their local communities; and

Adopting a client-centred approach, where older people are encouraged to have control over decisions regarding their care and have an increased choice of services.

2.4.1 COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT REFORMS

The Commonwealth Government released its aged care reform package, Living Longer, Living Better, on 20th April 2012. The reforms, to be implemented over a ten-year period, commencing in 2012, include: Expanding home support services through more home care packages; Expanding dementia support services; Move to consumer-directed care; Capping of fees and introduction of income-tested fees for home care packages; Increased respite care and consolidation of respite programs; Establishment of regional carer networks; Increased residential care places, removing the distinction between high and low level care,

basing the services required on individuals’ needs, as well as changes in how people pay for these services;

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Background Paper

Improved access to data through an Aged Care Data Clearing House and more frequent ABS Surveys of Disability, Ageing and Carers; and

Establishment of an Aged Care Quality Agency which is separate from DoHA.

2.4.2 STATE GOVERNMENT CHANGES

The State Government developed an “Active Service Model” for HACC services in 2009-2010. This model is being introduced across the State over the next two years. The model is based on the growing body of evidence that suggests that being physically active, having a nutritious diet and remaining mentally and socially engaged with friends, family and the broader community can reduce the impact on individuals of conditions associated with ageing.1 The other major impetus for change is the increasing demand for services. CGD has been a pilot site for the implementation of this model.

2.5 THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CONTEXT

Both the Australian and Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissions have undertaken considerable investigation of how to protect and enhance the rights of older people. Actions include: The appointment of an Australian Age Discrimination Commissioner in response to growing

evidence of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age; Research into discrimination against older employees; and Development of strategies to ensure that the views of older people are heard in broader

consultations and their specific issues addressed.

The Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is currently preparing a discussion paper on the rights of older people. This has included feedback from older people and other interested stakeholders through discussion forums and surveys. The issues raised are consistent with those which have emerged through the consultation for this strategy (see Sections 6 and 7). These include: Social isolation and loneliness; Community attitudes to older people; Access to transport, affordable housing, information and services; Personal safety; Financial abuse; Employment; and The need to ensure that information on rights was widely available (Victorian Human Rights and

Equal Opportunity Commission, 2012).

1 Department of Human Services, 2008:4

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2.6 RE-DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE MUNICIPALITY

2.6.1 RE-DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRAL DANDENONG

Central Dandenong is currently undergoing significant redevelopment as part of an urban renewal program. The Victorian Government is investing $290M in the Revitalising Central Dandenong (RCD) initiative. This re-development seeks to attract more people, jobs and businesses to the city centre. To ensure that the re-development facilitates social cohesion and maximises community interaction, planning and development of the community infrastructure are currently being considered.

2.6.2 RE-DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE IN CENTRAL DANDENONG AND SPRINGVALE

Community facilities are essential to support older people to engage in activities that encourage and promote social interaction, thus reducing social isolation. Many of the community facilities owned by Council are ageing and offer limited flexibility and adaptability to suit differing needs in diverse communities. The demand for community meeting spaces, in particular, is growing, driven by population increases and the needs of newly established migrant and refugee communities, as well as the increase in active older people who are seeking to maintain their social connections and remain living independently in the community for as long as possible.

Council has recently approved a “Multipurpose Use of Community Facilities Policy”, which endorses the vision for integrated or co-located community facilities. To support the implementation of this policy, Council is currently looking at the existing community services and facilities within the Central Dandenong and Springvale localities. This project is examining the mix of services provided in the facilities, the buildings’ capacities and condition of the premises and a range of options to support the development of integrated community hubs.

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Background Paper

3 UNDERSTANDING OLDER PEOPLE IN GREATER DANDENONG

3.1 DEFINING “OLDER PEOPLE”

Defining “older people” poses dilemmas. Chronological age is becoming a less useful predictor of patterns of living, with older people being increasingly diverse in their characteristics (Taylor, 2003). This appears to be a reflection of the “baby boomer” generation not wanting to grow into older age. Concepts such as “60 is the new 50” and “70 is the new 60” are the context in which many individuals see themselves as they grow older. Many people aged 80+ years still did not regard themselves as “aged” or “old” because they are fit, active and engaged in the community.

The Commonwealth Statistician uses the following generational cohorts in relation to the older population: The ‘Oldest’ generation, born 1891-1926; The ‘lucky’ generation, born 1926-1946 (aged 66-86 years in 2012); and The ‘Baby Boomers’, born 1946-1966 (aged 46-66 years in 2012) (ABS, 2009).

However, not all older people are fit and active. We know, for example, that Indigenous Australians have a life expectancy that is estimated to be between 16 and 17 years lower than overall Australian population (AIHW, 2012). There are also increased health concerns. Many other residents also experience chronic illness which impacts on their quality of life and their capacity to be active members of the community. Many residents have also experienced trauma in their birth countries which impact significantly on their mobility and capacity to remain fit, healthy and independent as they grow older. Planning for the needs of the more vulnerable older people in the community is an integral part of this strategy.

This section provides a summary of the nature of the older population in CGD.

3.2 SUMMARY OF DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

This demographic profile of the City of Greater Dandenong (CGD) is largely based on the data from the 2006 ABS Census. These data are, therefore, coming to the end of their usefulness for planning purposes. However, although they are the best data available, it is strongly recommended that this exercise be repeated when the data from the upcoming 2011 ABS Census become available. All data have been provided by the City of Greater Dandenong, while the analysis has been done by the authors of this report.

3.2.1 POPULATION

The population of people aged more than 60 years in CGD is projected to increase steadily until 2026 after which there will be a decline. The increase will be around 3,652 or 13% of the 2011 population. For the period to 2016, the overall increase is projected to be 1,659 or 6.1%. Change will not be uniform across the municipality with largest increases in Dandenong (6.5%), Dandenong North (6.5%), Keysborough (8.3%), Noble Park North (7.6%) and Springvale South (8.2%).

3.2.2 DIVERSITY

CGD is a highly diverse community with, at the time of the 2006 Census, its residents having been born in different 112 countries. The proportion of CGD residents born in Australia (28.5%) was less than half that for Victoria (69.6%). The most common countries of birth, after Australia, were Italy (7.0%), England (5.6%), Viet Nam (4.8%), Greece (435%) and Sri Lanka (3.5%).

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Further, residents older than 60 years spoke 67 languages other than English at home. There were 10,262 people age 60 years or more who spoke a language other than English at home. Of these, just under half (49.4%) spoke English well or very well.

3.2.3 DISADVANTAGE

The City of Greater Dandenong was, at the time of the 2006 Census, ranked as the most disadvantaged municipality in the Melbourne Statistical District (MSD). The most disadvantaged small areas of the municipality were, in order, Dandenong South/Bangholme/Lyndhurst, Springvale Central, Springvale, Dandenong East and Dandenong West.

3.2.4 DISABILITY

In 2006, there were 6,954 residents of the municipality (6.0%) who had a disability, of whom 3,938 were aged 65 or more years. The meant that nearly a quarter (24.5%) of people aged 65 or more years lived with a disability. The projected increase in the number of people with a disability, between 2010 and 2020, is 514 or 8.9%. Further: A total of 6,959 CGD residents required core activity assistance. Of these, 3,945 (or 56.7%) were

ages 65 years or more; The proportions of CGD residents in the older age groups – 65-74 years, 75-84 years and older

than 85 years – were larger than those in the MSD. In most instances they appeared to be significantly larger; and

The proportions in the age groups immediately below the 65-74 years age group for CGD were also similarly higher than those for the MSD, implying than this could be an ongoing issue to be addressed.

3.2.5 HEALTH STATUS

The 2008 Victorian Population Health Survey indicated that CGD residents: Were more likely to self-report poor health, with males having the highest proportion in the

state; Were more likely to experience higher levels of psychological distress than people in Victoria as

a whole, but were less likely to seek help for the condition; Were more likely to have blood pressure and diabetes tests in the past two years, but were less

likely to have had a pap smear in that period; Were less likely to exhibit sun protective behaviour; and Were more likely to experience poor nutritional outcomes in that they were more likely to:

o Have no serves of vegetables per day;o Have no serves of fruit per day;o Find some foods too expensive; ando Be unable to always get culturally appropriate food.

3.2.6 DEMENTIA

The incidence of dementia increased steadily with age. Projections indicate that the actual numbers of people living with will increase between 2001 and 2026.

3.2.7 AGED CARE BEDS

The City of Greater Dandenong had: The third highest (out of eleven municipalities in the Southern Metropolitan Region) number of

high care beds in relation to its eligible population. However, the number is much less than that for Casey and Bayside;

The seventh highest (out of eleven municipalities in the region) number of low care beds in relation to its eligible population;

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Background Paper

The fourth lowest (out of eleven municipalities in the region) number of HACC clients per 1,000 of target population; and

The third lowest percentage of persons aged 75+ years living alone.

3.2.8 RELATIONSHIPS IN HOUSEHOLDS

The household structure for persons over the age of 60 years:

Was overwhelmingly that of a husband and wife in a registered marriage (57.34%); Had over a quarter lone person (28.36%); and Had a diversity of household types constituting the remaining 14%.

3.2.9 HOUSING

Housing data relating to CGD residents, aged 65 or more years, from the 2006 Census indicated that:

64.5% fully owned their homes; 9.6% were purchasing their homes; and 14.3% were renting.

Rental stress is experienced when 30% or more of household income is spent on rent. For CGD renting households:

22% of renting households, or 6.5% of all households, experienced rental stress; 34% of lone person households experienced rental stress; and 16% of two parent families and 11% of couples without children experienced rental stress.

3.3 POPULATION AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS

Tables 2 to 10 show the populations and projections for the City of Greater Dandenong and its constituent small areas in five-year periods from 2011 to 2031. The data are for people aged 60 or more years at the time of the 2006 Census.

For CGD as a whole, there is an anticipated projected increase of 1,659 people (6.1%) over the age of 60 years between 2011 and 2016. The largest increase in actual numbers is projected to be in the 65 to 69 years age group (676). The next largest increase is expected in the 85+ year age group. The total, projected increases in the years to 2021, 2026 and 2031 are far more modest at 3.5%, 3.2% and 2.3% respectively.

Table 2: Population and Projections 2011 to 2031, City of Greater DandenongAge 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

60-64 7,105 7,280 7,369 7,459 7,549

65-69 5,679 6,012 6,157 6,250 6,335

70-74 4,653 5,003 5,213 5,339 5,433

75-79 4,014 4,240 4,479 4,652 4,774

80-84 2,872 2,996 3,153 3,304 3,421

85+ 2,879 3,331 3,615 3,850 4,049

The numbers of people aged 60+ years in the Bangholme small area were, and were projected to be, quite small at fewer than 500. The numbers were also expected to decrease steadily over the period.

Table 3: Population and Projection 2011 to 2031, BangholmeAge 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

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60-64 60 40 31 28 29

65-69 79 60 45 35 31

70-74 94 80 65 50 40

75-79 98 96 87 73 58

80-84 68 80 81 73 60

85+ 53 88 113 124 118

The number of people, aged 60+ years in the Dandenong small area, is projected to increase by 6.5% in the five years to 2016, with increases of the order of 5% over the periods to 2031. The largest group, as would be expected, is the youngest, i.e. the 60 to 64 years grouping. There is also a slight projected decrease in the 75 to 84 year groupings. The actual numbers in this small area are large.

Table 4: Population and Projections 2011 to 2031, DandenongAge 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

60-64 1,059 1,229 1,343 1,417 1,458

65-69 849 951 1,051 1,135 1,193

70-74 758 782 842 917 982

75-79 728 700 714 762 821

80-84 581 533 516 531 567

85+ 643 672 656 648 664

The number of people, aged 60+ years in the Dandenong North small area, is projected to increase by 6.5% in the five years to 2016, followed by much smaller increases in the following periods. The largest numbers are in the 60 to 64 year and 65 to 65 year groups. The actual numbers in this small area are large.

Table 5: Population and Projections 2011 to 2031, Dandenong NorthAge 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

60-64 1,332 1,292 1,227 1,180 1,168

65-69 1,037 1,094 1,076 1,038 1,010

70-74 824 902 935 926 902

75-79 673 744 804 829 825

80-84 455 505 557 593 606

85+ 438 529 607 674 721

The number of people, aged 60+ years in the Keysborough small area, is projected to have the largest increases in terms of both numbers and proportion. In the five years to 2016, the target population is expected by 699 or 8.3%. It is important to note that the projected increases remain significant up to 2031. The actual numbers in this small area are relatively large.

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Background Paper

Table 6: Population and Projections 2011 to 2031, KeysboroughAge 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

60-64 1,119 1,234 1,315 1,366 1,387

65-69 830 965 1,047 1,105 1,145

70-74 587 753 841 901 952

75-79 435 561 669 742 800

80-84 282 360 434 497 548

85+ 276 354 434 513 589

The number of people, aged 60+ years in the Noble Park small area, is projected to increase modestly (2.9%) in the five years to 2016. The proportional increases in the periods to 2031 are projected to be 1.6%, 1.2% and 1.1 % respectively. The actual numbers in this small area are large.

Table 7: Population and Projections 2011 to 2031, Noble ParkAge 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

60-64 1,476 1,447 1,433 1,444 1,467

65-69 1,213 1,236 1,229 1,226 1,236

70-74 1,014 1,057 1,072 1,071 1,073

75-79 883 918 947 960 963

80-84 640 656 680 697 704

85+ 669 751 802 839 863

The number of people, aged 60+ years in the Noble Park North small area, is projected to increase by 7.6%, or 127, in the five years to 2016. The increases in the following periods are not projected to be significant and the actual numbers are small.

Table 8: Population and Projections 2011 to 2031, Noble Park NorthAge 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

60-64 488 455 424 408 405

65-69 395 398 380 361 351

70-74 302 334 338 328 316

75-79 227 269 294 299 293

80-84 140 174 201 215 217

85+ 110 159 203 238 259

The Springvale small area is projected to have small but steady increases in its population, aged 60 or more years, up until 2031. The actual numbers in this small area are relatively large.

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Table 9: Population and Projections 2011 to 2031, SpringvaleAge 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

60-64 931 970 997 1,017 1,034

65-69 781 806 832 853 869

70-74 712 700 714 731 746

75-79 705 655 642 648 660

80-84 533 505 482 476 479

85+ 523 601 613 606 602

The Springvale South small area is projected to have an 8.2% increase in its population of people aged more than 60 years in the period to 2016. However, the actual numbers in this small area are relatively small.

Table 10: Population and Projections 2011 to 2031, Springvale SouthAge 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

60-64 645 628 616 611 612

65-69 505 526 524 520 518

70-74 377 427 446 450 450

75-79 281 336 374 393 400

80-84 184 217 251 275 287

85+ 177 216 258 298 328

3.4 ETHNICITY

3.4.1 PLACE OF BIRTH

At the 2006 ABS Census, the number of countries of birth reported was an astonishing 112. Table 11 shows the number and proportion of the top 10 countries of birth of people older than 60 years. Australia has by far the largest numbers and proportions (28.5%) but the proportion is far lower than that for the general community in the Melbourne Statistical Division (64.2%). These figures need to be treated with some caution, as they do not include the latest waves of migration.

Table 11: Top 10 Countries of Birth for CGDCountry of Birth Number % % Victoria

Australia 6,658 28.5 69.6

Italy 1,642 7.0 1.7

England 1,303 5.6 3.3

Viet Nam 1,131 4.8 1.2

Greece 1,044 4.5 1.1

Sri Lanka 816 3.5 0.6

China 649 2.8 1.2

India 608 2.6 1.1

Mauritius 509 2.2 0.2

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Background Paper

Cambodia 468 2.0 0.2

3.4.2 LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME

At the time of the 2006 ABS Census, people older than 60 years in the City of Greater Dandenong spoke a total of 67 languages, other than English, at home. The ten most frequently spoken languages are shown in Table 12.

Table 12: Languages spoken at Home by persons aged 60+Language Number

Italian 1698

Greek 1159

French 432

German 313

Dutch 218

Spanish 401

Polish 341

Hungarian 305

Maltese 183

Croatian 309

3.4.3 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

At the time of the 2006 ABS Census, there were 10,262 people age 60 years or more who spoke a language other than English at home. Of these, just under half (49.4%) spoke English well or very well. As would be expected, those who spoke English well or very well were part of well established communities who migrated some time ago. Conversely, it appears that the more recent the wave of migration, the more likely a person aged 60 years or more would not be proficient in English.

3.5 DISADVANTAGE

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has developed the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (SEIFA) to enable comparison between areas across a range of variables. The SEIFA Index is derived from attributes such as low income, low educational attainment, high unemployment, jobs in relatively unskilled occupations and variables that reflect disadvantage rather than measure specific aspects of disadvantage (e.g. Indigenous and Separated/Divorced).

High scores on the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage occur when the area has few families of low income and few people with little training and in unskilled occupations. Low scores on the index occur when the area has many low-income families and people with little training and in unskilled occupations. It is important to understand that a high score here reflects lack of disadvantage rather than high advantage, a subtly different concept (ID consulting, 2009).

To maintain consistency with the other indexes, the higher an area’s index value for the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage, the less disadvantaged that area is compared with other areas. For example, an area that has a Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage Index value of 1200 is less disadvantaged than an area with an index value of 900." (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006, Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas) The City of Greater Dandenong was ranked the most

15


disadvantaged municipality in the Melbourne Statistical Division on the SEIFA Index, 2006. Table 13 shows the 32 metropolitan municipalities and their SEIFA Index.

Table 13: SEIFA Indexes for the MSDLGAs in MSD ranked in order of disadvantage

SEIFA Index LGAs in MSD ranked in order of disadvantage

SEIFA Index

Greater Dandenong (C) 893.9 Cardinia (S) 1027.2

Brimbank (C) 930.5 Kingston (C) 1030.4

Maribyrnong (C) 948.5 Yarra Ranges (S) 1038.8

Hume (C) 965.2 Maroondah (C) 1045.9

Darebin (C) 971.6 Banyule (C) 1047.4

Whittlesea (C) 978.4 Melbourne (C) 1049.2

Moreland (C) 987.1 Knox (C) 1049.6

Frankston (C) 996.5 Monash (C) 1052.9

Hobsons Bay (C) 997.8 Whitehorse (C) 1055.2

Melton (S) 1009.8 Port Phillip (C) 1064.6

Casey (C) 1012.3 Glen Eira 1071.2

Moonee Valley (C) 1015.6 Manningham (C) 1081.3

Yarra (C) 1019.5 Stonnington (C) 1087.7

Wyndham (C) 1021.8 Bayside (C) 1095.8

Mornington Peninsula (S)

1026.2 Nillumbik (S) 1104.4

Cardinia (S) 1027.2 Boroondara (C) 1104.5

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2006

3.5.1 SMALL AREAS

Table 14 shows the index of disadvantage for the small areas of the municipality, ranked from most to least disadvantaged, at the time of the 2006 ABS Census. Dandenong South, Bangholme and Lyndhurst were the most disadvantaged, followed by Springvale Central. The only small area to have recorded an index of over 1,000 was Dandenong North-East, and this was only marginally greater. Only seven of the 20 small areas recorded an index greater than that of the municipality as a whole.

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Background Paper

Table 14: SEIFA Indexes – CGD small areasSEIFA index of disadvantage CGD small areas 2006 SEIFA index of disadvantage

Dandenong South - Bangholme - Lyndhurst 797.3

Springvale - Central 815.4

Springvale 849.7

Dandenong - East 851.8

Dandenong - West 856.7

Springvale - North 867.6

Noble Park - Central 871.2

Springvale South 874.2

Noble Park - South 880.3

Dandenong District 886.2

Noble Park - Yarraman 892.2

Noble Park - Harrisfield 892.8

Noble Park 893.1

CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG 893.9

Dandenong North - West 914.2

Keysborough - North 934.4

Noble Park North 940.0

Keysborough 951.0

South East Metropolitan region 973.6

Keysborough - South 993.4

Dandenong North - East 1006.1

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2006.

3.6 DISABILITY

3.6.1 NUMBERS AND RATES

In 2006, there were 6,954 residents of the municipality (6.0%) who had a disability, of whom 3,938 were aged 65 or more years. The meant that nearly a quarter (24.5%) of people aged 65 or more years lived with a disability.

The projected increase in the number of people with a disability, between 2010 and 2020, is 514 or 8.9%.

3.6.2 CORE ACTIVITY NEED FOR ASSISTANCE

Tables 15 shows the core activity need for assistance by age group at the time of the 2006 ABS Census, with a comparison of the CGD and MSD rates. The key features were: A total of 6,959 CGD residents required core activity assistance. Of these, 3,945 (or 56.7%) were

aged 65 years or more;

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The proportions of CGD residents in the older age groups – 65-74 years, 75-84 years and older than 85 years – were larger than those in the MSD. In most instances they appeared to be significantly larger;

The proportions in the age groups immediately below the 65-74 years age group for CGD were also similarly higher than those for the MSD, implying than this could be an ongoing issue to be addressed.

Table 15: Core activity need for assistance, including comparison with MSDAg Need assistance Do not need

assistanceNot stated Total % Need

Assistance

CGD MSD

0-4 57 6,736 1,031 7,824 0.8 0.9

5-14 271 14,345 1,353 15,969 1.9 2.0

15-19 114 7,678 545 8,337 1.5 104

20-24 102 8,680 676 9,458 1.2 1.1

25-34 270 16,602 1,335 18,207 1.6 1.2

35-44 452 15,776 1,249 17,477 2.8 1.7

45-54 788 15,065 1,066 16,919 5.0 2.7

55-64 960 12,161 850 13,971 7.3 5.0

Sub-total

3,014 97,043 8,105 108,162

65-74 1,095 7,438 590 9,123 12.8 9.2

75-84 1,788 4,029 524 6,341 30.7 23.5

85+ 1,062 677 156 1,895 61.1 53.5

Total 6,959 109,187 9,375 125,521 6.0 4.3

3.7 HEALTH STATUS

3.7.1 LIFE EXPECTANCY

Consistent with Australian and worldwide trends, male life expectancy in Greater Dandenong is less than for females. From 2004- 2007, female life expectancy increased by 0.6 years compared to Victoria where it increased by 0.1 years and the Southern Metropolitan Region, where it increased by 0.3 years over this time span.

For males, life expectancy in Dandenong rose by 1.1 years from 2004 to 2007. This compares to a rise of 0.9 years in the Southern Metropolitan Region and a rise of 0.9 years across Victoria.

Life expectancy for females in Greater Dandenong in 2007 was 83.9 years and for males, 78.8 years. This compares to 84.4 years across Victoria for females and 80.3 years for males.

These data are shown at Figures 3 and 4.

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Background Paper

Figure 3: Life expectancy, Females, City of Greater Dandenong, 2004-2007

2004

2005

2006

2007

82.6 82.8 83.0 83.2 83.4 83.6 83.8 84.0 84.2 84.4 84.6

Life Expectancy Females

Source: Victorian Department of Health

Figure 4: Life expectancy, Males, City of Greater Dandenong, 2004-2007

2004

2005

2006

2007

76.0 77.0 78.0 79.0 80.0 81.0 82.0

Life Expectancy Males


Life expectancy is influenced by socio-economic factors, including income, education, advantage and disadvantage. Figure 5 shows life expectancy at birth and at sixty years using the Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRESED) for Victoria for 2007. These data show that there is a significant gap in life expectancy between the most disadvantaged and the least disadvantaged across Victoria. The figures show data for at age 60 years and at birth.

The data indicate that the gap is estimated to be far greater at birth, with a gap of 3.4 years for males and 2.0 years for females. By age 60 years, the most disadvantaged males are expected to live for 2.1 years less than their least disadvantaged counterparts; for females, the difference is 1.5 years. These data are shown at Figures 5 and 6.

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Figure 5: Life expectancy at 60 years, Victoria, 2007

Most disadvantaged Quintile 2 Quintile 3 Quintile 4 Least disadvantaged0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

Life Expectancy at 60 years

Year

s


Figure 6: Life expectancy at birth, Victoria, 2007

Most disadvantaged Quintile 2 Quintile 3 Quintile 4 Least disadvantaged74.0

76.0

78.0

80.0

82.0

84.0

86.0

88.0

Life Expectancy at Birth

Axis Title


3.7.2 CONDITIONS AND INDICATORS

Table 16 is a summary of the 2008 Victorian Population Health Survey. Although the accuracy of the estimates is relatively low, the data can be considered indicative and useful for planning purposes. The data are presented in groupings, the key features of which are: Health Conditions:

o CGD residents had higher proportions of self-reported poor health than those in Victoria as a whole, with the level for males being the highest in the state;

o CGD residents were not dissimilar to the rest of the state in all other conditions, except for osteoarthritis, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and obesity, where the proportions were somewhat higher;

Mental Health:o Although CGD residents had higher levels of psychological distress than their counterparts in

Victoria as a whole, a smaller proportion sought help for the conditions; Health Checks, in the last two years:

o CGD residents had similar health check rates as Victoria as a whole for blood pressure, bowel cancer and mammograms (females 50-69 years);

o CGD residents had lower health check rates to Victoria as a whole for Pap smears;

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Background Paper

o CGD residents had higher health check rates to Victoria as a whole for cholesterol and diabetes;

Behaviour and Health Risk – when compared with Victoria as a whole, CGD residents tended to:o Be more likely to engage in risky drinking;o Be smokers;o Lead a sedentary or less active lifestyle; ando Be less likely to wear sunscreen or a hat or generally exhibit sun protective behaviour;

Nutrition – CGD residents, when compared with Victoria as a whole, tended to:o Be less likely to eat vegetables each day;o Be less likely to eat fruit each day;o More likely to find some foods too expensive; ando Less likely to find culturally appropriate food at all times.

Table 16: Health Conditions and IndicatorsCONDITION / INDICATOR CGD % VIC %

HEALTH CONDITIONSMales with Fair or Poor Self-reported Health 32.2 19.2Females with Fair or Poor Self-reported Health 22.3 17.5Persons with Heart Disease 6.5 6.7Persons with Osteoporosis 7.8 7.0Persons with Osteoarthritis 12.9 13.7Obese 17.4 16.1Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 6.6 4.8Current Asthma 10.5 10.7MENTAL HEALTHHigh levels of psychological distress 15.5 11.4Sought help for mental health issues in past 12 months 7.0 11.4

HEALTH CHECKSBlood pressure check in last two years 76.7 79.5Cholesterol test in last two years 63.2 56.5Diabetes test in last two years 58.8 52.2Bowel cancer test in last two years 28.2 29.4Pap smear in last two years 58.7 71.1

Mammogram in last two years (females 50-69 years) 72.7 75.9BEHAVIOUR AND HEALTH RISK

Persons who Drink Alcohol at Short-term Risk Levels, at Least Weekly 7.2 10.2Persons who are Current Smokers 22.9 19.1

Persons whose Level of Physical Activity is Sedentary 7.5 5.3Sun protective behaviour 45.0 52.6NUTRITIONPersons who have no serves of vegetables per day 12.4 5.8Persons who have no serves of fruit per day 15.8 10.2Some foods are too expensive 36.4 28.3

Can’t always get culturally appropriate food 13.4 6.8

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3.7.3 DEMENTIA: INCIDENCE AND PROJECTIONS

Table 17 shows the incidence of dementia in five-year age groups for residents over 60 years. There is a steady increase in the proportion of persons living with dementia as they age, up to over one quarter of those aged 85 or more years.

Table 17: Calculated estimates dementia rates by age group for people in Greater DandenongAge Dementia rates*

60-64 0.7

65-69 1.4

70-74 3.2

75-79 5.6

80-84 11.6

85+ 25.25

Figure 7 and Table 18 show the projected prevalence of dementia, by year, to 2027. The projections show that the actual numbers of people living with dementia will increase steadily, with an increase of almost 20% between 2011 and 2016. The proportion of the population living with dementia will also increase after falling over the next decade or so. This latter projection is despite the total increase in the population aged 65 or more years.

Figure 7: Estimated prevalence of dementia in Greater Dandenong 2007 to 2027

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.8

Persons with dementiaPer cent pop

No. % pop.

Source: City of Greater Dandenong

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Background Paper

Table 18: Estimated prevalence of dementia in Greater Dandenong 2011 to 2026Age 2011 2016 2021 2026

60-64 53 59 63 66

65-69 92 105 114 120

70-74 180 209 232 250

75-79 239 280 316 348

80-84 363 423 486 545

85+ 936 1,157 1,372 1,590

Total 1,863 2,233 2,583 2,918

Source: City of Greater Dandenong

3.8 AGED CARE BEDS

Table 19 compares the municipalities of the Southern Metropolitan Region with respect to aged care data. It shows that the City of Greater Dandenong has: The third highest (out of the eleven municipalities) number of high care beds in relation to its

eligible population. However, the number is much less than that for Casey and Bayside; The seventh highest (out of the eleven municipalities) number of low care beds in relation to its

eligible population; The fourth lowest (out of the eleven municipalities) number of HACC clients per 1,000 of target

population; and The third lowest percentage of persons aged 75+ years living alone.

Table 19: Aged Care Data – Beds, HACC and Persons aged 75+ years living aloneAged care high-care beds/1,000

eligible population, 2010

Aged care low-care beds/1,000 eligible population, 2010

HACC clients aged 70+ per 1,000 target population,

2009/10

Percentage of persons aged 75+ living alone, 2006

Bayside 58.9 56.9 388.6 3.6

Cardinia 41.5 42.6 275.3 1.3

Casey 63.1 45.6 302 0.9

Frankston 43.9 49.3 339 2

Glen Eira 42.1 36.8 391.4 3.5

Greater Dandenong 47.2 45 307.7 1.9

Kingston 39.5 48.1 334.1 2.8

Monash 26.5 48.6 276 2.1

Mornington Peninsula 35.9 41.3 341.5 3.1

Port Phillip 25 58.5 361.4 2.3

Stonnington 46.1 32.6 321.8 2.9

Source: Department of Health and Ageing

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3.9 HOUSEHOLD STRUCTURE

3.9.1 RELATIONSHIPS IN HOUSEHOLDS

Table 20 shows the relationship types in households of people aged 60+ years. Over half (55.27%) were married couples, while just over a quarter (25.61%) were lone persons. The next highest proportion (7.46%) was other related individuals.

Table 20: Number of persons by relationship within households (60+ years)Greater Dandenong Metro Melbourne

Number Per cent Number Per cent

Husband/wife in a registered marriage 8,453 55.27 331,262 57.34

Partner in de facto marriage 141 0.92 6,450 1.12

Lone parent 1,030 6.74 28,149 4.87

Non-dependent child 19 0.12 828 0.14

Other related individual 1,141 7.46 24,970 4.32

Unrelated individual 67 0.44 1,221 0.21

Group household member 277 1.81 9,024 1.56

Lone person 3,917 25.61 163,836 28.36

Visitor (from within Australia) 248 1.62 11,970 2.07

Total 15,293 100.00 577,710 100.00

3.10 EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND RECREATION

3.10.1 LABOUR FORCE

Table 21 shows the labour force data for persons 60 years and over in the City of Greater Dandenong at the time of the 2006 ABS Census. When compared with metropolitan Melbourne, CGD had a higher rate of persons in all age groups employed full-time, but a lower rate employed part-time. This meant that, overall, CGD had a lower proportion employed in each of the age groups.

Table 21: Labour Force by age in CGDEmployed % FT %PT Unemployed UE rate LF Not in

Labour Force

Labour Force part

rate

% Employed

60-64 years

2187 69.1 30.9 156 6.7 2343 3433 40.6 37.9

65-69 years

572 53.2 46.8 12 2.1 584 3843 13.2 12.9

70-74 years

148 38.2 61.8 11 6.9 159 3615 4.2 3.9

75+ years

112 51.2 48.8 14 11.1 126 6912 1.8 1.6

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Background Paper

3.11 HOUSING

3.11.1 TENURE

Table 22 shows the housing tenure by place of birth for people aged 65 or more years at the time of the 2006 ABS Census. For this group, the clear majority either own or are buying their homes. The proportions are slightly, but not significantly, lower for metropolitan Melbourne.

Table 22: Housing Tenure by Place of Birth for People Aged 65+ Years in CGDCountry of

BirthFully

ownedBeing

purchased

Being purchased under

rent/buy scheme

Rented Being occupied rent-free

Other (incl. life tenure

scheme)

Not stated

Total

Australia 3314 228 9 426 15 112 205 4309

Afghanistan 0 0 0 23 0 0 3 26

Bosnia 49 43 0 76 3 0 7 178

Cambodia 108 113 3 56 0 3 4 287

China 190 118 4 168 13 3 22 518

Croatia 186 22 3 28 3 0 21 263

Greece 524 51 3 51 8 3 29 669

India 235 58 0 100 11 0 19 423

Italy 1167 27 0 9 4 6 77 1290

Macedonia 103 23 0 6 0 4 3 139

Mauritius 222 21 3 77 4 0 19 346

Philippines 22 24 0 29 0 0 0 75

Poland 201 12 0 50 0 0 15 278

Sri Lanka 218 79 3 195 3 12 19 529

Sudan 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 8

Turkey 36 18 3 18 0 0 0 75

Viet Nam 268 290 5 161 24 14 39 801

South Eastern Europe

180 12 0 46 0 0 22 260

Montenegro 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Serbia 75 9 3 15 0 0 11 113

Born elsewhere over seas

2625 249 6 604 23 72 221 3800

Not stated 474 79 3 105 11 4 734 1410

Total 10197 1476 48 2251 122 233 1470 15797

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3.11.2 MORTGAGE STRESS

A family or household is considered to be experiencing mortgage stress when 35% of more of their income is spent on servicing a mortgage or mortgages. The data for CGD are currently unavailable.

3.11.3 RENTAL STRESS

A family or household is considered to be experiencing rental stress when 30% or more of their income is spent on rent. Table 23 shows the breakdown of households in CGD experiencing rental stress at the time of the 2006 ABS Census. The data show that: There were 2,777 households experiencing rental stress. This represented 22% of renting

households, or 6.5% of all households, in the municipality; Lone person households were the next most numerous experiencing rental stress – 34% or

1,304; A quarter of one-parent families (652) experienced rental stress; and The proportion of two parent families experiencing rental stress was 16% (525), while 11% of

couples without children experienced were adversely affected.

Table 23: Rental StressHousehold or family type Number of

householdsNumber of

renting households

Renting households in financial

stress[per cent &

number]

Per cent of all

households in financial

stress

All Two-parent Families 15,325 3,456 16% [525] 3.4

Couple families with children <15 9,562 2,834 17% [465] 4.9

Couple families without children <15 5,763 622 10% [61] 1.1

All One-parent Families 6,347 2,685 25% [652] 10.3

One parent families without children <15 3,232 981 13% [124] 3.8

One parent families with children <15 3,115 1,704 32% [529] 17.0

Couple families without children 8,911 1,964 11% [202] 2.3

Other families 748 313 10% [31] 4.1

All Lone Person Households 10,225 3,933 34% [1304] 12.7

Lone person households with reference person <25

370 217 32% [69] 18.4

Lone person households with reference person 25 - 64

5,942 2,773 29% [792] 13.3

Lone person households with reference person 65+

3,913 944 48% [445] 11.3

Group households 1,167 703 10% [65] 5.5

All Households 42,723 13,006 22% [2777] 6.5

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Background Paper

4 THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF AN AGEING POPULATION

4.1 HEALTHIER, MORE ACTIVE AND MORE PRODUCTIVE

The ageing of the population is a consequence of an overall healthier population. People are living healthier, longer lives. According to the UN Population Division, during the next 40 years, the number of people in the world aged 60 years or older is expected to almost triple, increasing from 672 million people in 2005 to nearly 1.9 billion by 2050. One person in ten is 60 years or older, but by 2050, the rate will be one person in five (United Nations Population Fund, 2010).

This poses challenges in creating communities where the contribution of older people is seen as being more than just their capacity to contribute financially to the economy. The majority of analyses focus on this as a “problem”, highlighting the challenges for the economy in a community where the proportion of people who have retired from the workforce is higher than those who remain working. But, there is also clear evidence that older people want to, and can, continue to contribute the community well beyond their retirement from the formal workforce.

“… older people increasingly want to remain economically active and make a contribution to development. Societies need to recognise the strengths of older persons and empower them. Human rights, sustainable human development and poverty eradication programmes must be developed, designed and monitored at all levels with older people playing an active role. The forces of progress that have brought about longer life spans and smaller, healthier families must now be marshalled to foster a sense of community, solidarity and care towards the elderly.”(UN Population Division)

4.1.1 AGEING ELDERLY

It is important to recognise that age does not define individuals’ capabilities. Planning for a community that is able to meet the needs of all its residents needs to take account of the wide range of interests, capacities, potential and vulnerabilities of individuals. This means developing policies and strategies which support older people as they journey through their life stages post-retirement, incorporating preventive, proactive and remedial actions in responses to the wide range of needs (Kimberley and Simons, 2009). This includes strategies that support remaining physically and mentally active, engaged in the community and the ability to access services and activities to prevent and reduce social isolation. For example, An ageing population does not have to mean a sicker population. On average, over one-quarter

of all health care costs over a lifetime are attributable to the last year of life but the cost of this last year does not rise with age – if anything, it falls when compared to younger people, as older people are treated less extensively (Healy, 2004). At the same time, a population that is living longer, together with advances in health care, is resulting in increases in chronic disease. Support to assist older people as they become less mobile is required;

The research indicates that physical activity, including weight training, can help maintain fitness, flexibility and mobility for older people and reverse symptoms. The “Living Longer, Living Stronger” program, targeted at decreasing falls of older people through strength training, is now ten years old and growing, due to data which demonstrate its effectiveness;

The Seattle Longitudinal Study, which has researched the ageing process with thousands of Americans since 1956, has found that while there are changes in some mental activity in some people, this is not widespread and noticeable changes often do not occur until people are in their mid-70s.

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4.1.2 LIFE EXPECTANCY

Life expectancy is increasing for both males and females, but increasing more rapidly for men, as a consequence of improved access to health care, improved technologies in health, better nutrition, improved safety in the workplace and more people participating in physical activity (AIHW, 2010, Gibson, 2010, Healy, 2004). The current trends indicate that by 2026, at least 43% of 80 year olds will be males compared with 37% in 2006 and 32% in 1986. This means that there will be more intact marriages and less social isolation, with the corresponding social benefits (Gibson, 2010). Australian males born today can expect to live to 79.4 years and females to 84.4 years. In Greater Dandenong, the life expectancy of males is 78.8 years and for females, 83.9 years. This compares with 80.3 years for males across Victoria and 84.4 years for males.

However, the life expectancy of the more disadvantaged is less than that for the least disadvantaged people. In Victoria, more disadvantaged people are expected to live for between 1.5 and 3 years less than the least disadvantaged (Department of Health, 2008, based on 2007 figures). For Indigenous people, the situation is worse. Indigenous people are expected to live for between 16 and 17 years fewer years than the overall Australian population (AIHW, 2010).

4.2 BUILDING RESPECT

When thinking about attitudes to ageing in the community, there is a tendency to dwell on the negatives (The Australian Human Rights Commission, 2010). Being and looking young is highly valued. This is reflected in the multi-million dollar cosmetic industry, with its myriad of anti-ageing potions and the images of older people in the media. There is an under-representation of older presenters and actors, particularly women, on television and in movies. The wisdom and knowledge, which is accumulated with age, is not highly valued or respected. Older people are frequently depicted as “dotty” or incapable of understanding broader issues or making decisions for themselves. A key challenge is to create a community where older people are highly valued and included in all aspects of community life.

4.3 MAINTAINING INDEPENDENCE

Increasingly, people are demanding to remain independent for as long as possible, with social policy supporting the concept of “ageing in place” and services being available to support people to remain active for as long as possible. The proportion of people living in aged care facilities has dropped significantly over the past 20 years. On Census night 1986, 20% of people aged 80 or more years lived in nursing homes, hospitals or other institutional care, while 41% of people aged 90 or more years lived in institutional care. By 2006, these proportions had dropped to 12.4% and 28%. The recently announced Commonwealth policy directions reflect this change and the desire of older people to remain living in the community.

Research indicates that older people from non-English speaking backgrounds choose to live at home longer than the Australian-born population. At the same time, they tend to access aged care services only when they reach a point of crisis, when other options within family and community have been exhausted (eccv, 2011). This is a particular challenge for Greater Dandenong – respecting the wishes of older people to remain at home, while ensuring their safety and maximising the opportunities to ensure their wellbeing.

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Background Paper

4.4 FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE IN RETIREMENT

There are conflicting positions on the capacity of older people to maintain financial independence: The first is that people who are due to retire over the next ten years will have sufficient

superannuation to support them. The capacity to achieve this is possible through the increase in the average wealth of Australians, which has almost doubled between 1986 and 1997. This has been due to the high rate of home ownership among the “baby boomer generation”, with house prices increasing substantially over the past ten years, the strong growth in share prices and increased superannuation contributions as a result of the introduction of the Superannuation Guarantee Charge in 1992. (Healy, 2004, quoting a NATSEM study);

The contrary view is that a high proportion of older people will be unable to fund their own retirement and will be dependent on the pension to live, with this extending into the 2020s and 2030s. Recent data indicate that, since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), the retirement incomes of many Australian have been severely reduced. With anticipated higher life expectancy, it is likely that many people will be unable to support themselves financially through superannuation and will thus be dependent on the pension.

For people, who have had low incomes for most of their lives, and for women in particular, the possibility of living in poverty after retirement is far higher. Women’s capacity to accumulate retirement income through superannuation is reduced through interruption in employment, a result of caring responsibilities, for both children and for parents, as they grow older. In 2008, superannuation balances and payouts for women were approximately half of those of men (Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, 2009, Clare, 2008). Projections indicated that this would continue to be a problem for coming generations (Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, 2009, Cassells et al, 2009, Kimberley and Simons, 2009).

Instead of accumulating wealth through the retirement income system as intended, due to experiences of inequality over the lifecycle, women are more likely to be accumulating poverty. (Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissions, 2009: 5)

Other people on low incomes, including refugees and immigrants with poor English-language skills, face similar difficulties. An accumulation of factors – lack of access to education, periods of unemployment, instability in employment, poor health, insecure housing – can all contribute to and compound poverty in older age. The challenge is to create environments that support and encourage older people to remain active for as long as possible and design communities that enable older people to access the services that they require.

4.5 OLDER PEOPLE AS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTORS TO PAID AND UNPAID WORK

Older people currently reaching retirement age do not see retirement in the way that previous generations did. The trends and indications are that: While a number of older people want to retire early (before 65 years) there are also large

numbers of older people who wish to remain stay in the workforce, not only because of financial imperatives, but simply because they wish to continue to keep working (Hamilton, 2006);

Older people are high contributors to unpaid work – either as volunteers in the community or caring for older or disabled relatives. At the time of the 2006 Census, approximately a quarter of 60 to 70 year olds were involved in volunteer work (23%), one in every ten people (11%) aged 80 years and over were still engaged in volunteer work and one in every twenty people over 90 years was engaged in volunteer work across Australia (Gibson, 2010). In fact, people aged 65 years and over contributed 22% of all volunteer work undertaken in Australia (Gibson, 2010);

Older people also provide a significant amount of care and assistance to people with a disability, a long-term illness or problems related to older age. It is estimated that nearly 454,000 people

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aged 65 years and over provide assistance to a person with a disability or long-term illness (ABS 2007).

At the same time, older people experience discrimination in the workforce (The Australian Human Rights Commission, 2010, Bowman and Kimberley, 2011). Difficulties experienced by older workers included: If long-term stable employment was disrupted, as a result of economic downturn or time out of

the workforce engaged in child rearing or other caring roles, particularly for women, older workers often could only obtain part-time, casual or contract employment;

Accumulated skills and knowledge were often under-valued when workers did not have formal qualifications; and

Employers were often reluctant to employ older workers, fearing that they would become ill and thus pose a liability for the business.

For Greater Dandenong, a key challenge is to promote older workers as valuable employees. Further, the contribution of older people through the volunteer program has been a strong component of service delivery.

4.6 PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL NETWORKS

Older people’s participation in social networks is a significant component of wellbeing. The consequences of social isolation can also be profound. The evidence shows that social isolation is associated with depression, other mental illnesses and decreased capacity to manage one’s own health (VicHealth, 2008).

The majority of older Australians are actively involved with the people around them. In 2006, 96% of people aged 65 years and over had some form of contact at least once per week with family and friends outside their household. But social contact declines with age, with people aged 85 years and over having significantly fewer social contacts than people aged 65to 74 years (Benevolent Society, 2009). Maintaining social contact is critical to maintaining health and wellbeing. It can help maintain a sense of self-worth, even in the face of serious illness or disability and can contribute to motivating physical activity. Engagement in social activities is associated with optimal cognitive, physical and emotional functioning (Benevolent Society, 2009).

4.7 TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY

To participate in social networks, older people need to be mobile and have easy access to services and activities. Older people are high users of public transport, particularly as they become frailer and/or lack the confidence to drive themselves. While parts of the municipality are well serviced by public transport, getting to public transport can be difficult. For many older people, accessing public transport becomes difficult due to mobility issues. As they become frailer, older people are increasingly dependent on family members and, where available, volunteers and, community transport to enable them to access services.

Innovative approaches are required to support older people to remain mobile and engaged in the community. A review of approaches in Europe, United States and Canada by the Department of Transport highlighted the following best practice models: Urban planning that considered greater investment in mixed-use or 'complete' communities as a

way to deal with declining mobility of the elderly. This is similar to Victoria's local activity centre planning, bringing retail, educational, recreational, cultural and medical services close to residential areas so that they can be reached on foot or by public transport;

30


Background Paper

Developing tailored, specialised transport services for older people: examples included local shuttles, volunteer driver programs, taxi vouchers and hospital transportation services and free travel to provide older people with the opportunity to attend cultural events and activities;

Alternative transportation options, such as door-to-door travel, often operating in response to demand rather than timetabled services; and

Street signs that are easily read and crosswalks that can be safely traversed by those who walk more slowly, use wheelchairs, or are visually impaired (Department of Transport, 2011).

4.8 HOUSING

Housing has been identified as a significant factor impacting on older people’s capacity to remain fit and healthy for as long as possible. This is influenced by the lack of public housing, the cost of maintaining one’s own home, particularly on decreasing incomes, and private rental. The research indicates that, excluding the Indigenous population, one of the most disadvantaged demographic profiles for a person is to be old, single, poor, female and in private rental accommodation (Kimberley and Simon, 2009:47).

The impost of private rental on retirement income is the key contributor to social exclusion and a life lived in poverty (Kimberley and Simon, 2009).

Various models of flexible housing and approaches to supporting older people to remain living in the community for as long as possible are available. However, people on low incomes, including those who have been dependent on social security payments for significant periods throughout their lives, are particularly vulnerable.

4.9 KEY CHALLENGES FOR GREATER DANDENONG

1. Develop a culture of respect for older people – “ageing is about living”: There is a need to “re-frame” our perceptions of ageing to accept that ageing is normal, and

to understand and appreciate the benefits and opportunities that exist with having an older population – ageing is a time of transition, not crisis (The Australia Institute);

Older people need to be viewed as contributors to society, not as burdens – there is much to learn from the attitudes and cultural approaches of CALD and Indigenous communities;

There is a need to acknowledge and promote the benefits of an ageing community, e.g. estimates of crime and related costs indicate an expected 16% decrease in homicide rates between 2004 and 2050 as a result of ageing population (Australian Institute of Criminology).

2. Promoting healthy and productive ageing: A key challenge is to expand on our perceptions of using the knowledge and skills of older

people – this includes notions of volunteering, e.g. research indicates that the “young old” caring for the “old old” report high levels of satisfaction with their volunteer work (Cummins et al);

Creating ongoing opportunities for lifelong learning; Using the resources across agencies and the community to support healthy ageing.

3. Developing integrated, “whole of Council” approaches to building a community where older people can get around easily and access the services and social networks that they require;

4. Continuing to provide quality services to the more frail residents: The “Active Service Model” promotes independence and use of services at times of crisis; The ageing population and high levels of disadvantage will mean on-going demand for

community care services.

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5 THE ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO OLDER PEOPLE IN GREATER DANDENONG

5.1 SEEKING THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY, STAFF AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

The WHO Age Friendly Cities Checklist was used as a guide to ascertain the views of Greater Dandenong Council staff, service providers and older residents about liveability of the city for its older residents. Council staff and service providers completed an extended questionnaire at a series of workshops, while community members were surveyed using a far shorter instrument that focused on those issues that were considered to be of most relevance to them.

5.2 OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY

Community opinion was sought through using a community survey. The survey instrument was structured in line with the WHO Age Friendly Cities Checklist and the key strategic directions of CGD’s Health and Wellbeing Plan. The survey was administered to older people in the community: Through personal interview by Council Officers at public libraries; By distributing the survey instrument to existing groups and communities; As part of a “vox populi” conducted by Council Officers – approaching people in the street and

asking them to complete the survey; and Online, on Council’s website.

A total of 233 surveys were returned. In many instances, respondents did not, or were unable to, answer all questions. This had a bearing on the manner in which proportions were calculated but not on their overall usefulness for planning purposes. A copy of the survey form is attached at Appendix 2.

5.3 SUMMARY OF OUTCOMES

5.3.1 MOBILITY, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND DANDENONG

While 13.0% of respondents said that they used a motor scooter or frame, only 3.6% said they had difficulty in getting around. With respect to public transport, respondents were more likely to believe that public transport was frequent, reliable and affordable; that there are enough bus stops and train stations; and that they are easy to get to. However, with respect to people with mobility difficulties, almost as many believed that public transport was accessible as who did not think so.

5.3.2 OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS

Most of the respondents indicated that they believed that street lighting was good, the streets were clean and pleasant, that it was safe to walk in parks during the day and that outdoor seating is safe and well maintained, although there was a clear view that there was not enough outdoor seating.

A clear majority believed that there were insufficient public toilets and those that existed, were unclean, inaccessible and poorly maintained. It must be noted that feedback to Council staff indicates a reluctance on the part of many older people to use the self-cleaning toilets.

A significant proportion of people surveyed also indicated that the streets and footpaths were not well maintained (46.4%).

5.3.3 HOUSING

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Background Paper

In most instances, respondents did not have a view on housing, with the majority of responses being “don’t know”. Where an opinion was provided, it tended to be negative with regard to the sufficiency and affordability of both private and public rental housing.

5.3.4 SOCIAL PARTICIPATION

Respondents tended to be clear about how and where to access information about community activities/events and volunteering, and believed that there was a wide range of activities for older people. There was also a view that there were opportunities for isolated people to participate, although this was not as clear-cut as for the former issues. However, twice as many respondents believed that there weren’t opportunities for older people to continue to be employed in paid work as those who believed the opportunities were there. It must be noted that the majority of respondents (44.5%) did not know or did not express aview.

5.3.5 RESPECT AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

More respondents (36.4%) agreed that there were positive messages about older people in the community than disagreed (21.2%). However, the highest proportion of respondents did not know or did not have a view (37.8%). Nearly half the respondents (49.8%) did not believe that young people were respectful of older people in the community.

5.3.6 THEMES FROM COMMENTS

Respondents were given the opportunity to comment on any subject that they wished. There were 96 comments in total, most of which could be loosely placed into the following categories: Premises for U3A (31 comments): there was a clear and unambiguous theme that U3A needed

premises of their own; Buses, other transport and parking (28 comments): there were a number of themes, with the

main ones being parking, or the lack of it, and accessibility to public transport, including location, its usability by older people and frequency;

Footpaths and nature strips (11 comments): the clear themes were the state of disrepair of footpaths and the need for Council to enforce some sort of control on the manner in which nature strips were maintained, or otherwise; and

Cleanliness and environment (11 comments): this related to the lack of cleanliness in parts of the municipality and an implication that Council needed to take action in relation to this.

There were 15 other comments that ranged over a variety of subjects, but had no particular theme. A detailed list of comments is contained in Appendix 3.

5.4 PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS

5.4.1 SUBURB OF RESIDENCE

There were 223 responses to the survey that indicated the suburb of residence of the respondent.

Table 24 shows the number and proportion of respondents from each suburb, while Figure 8 shows the numbers only. Almost one quarter of respondents (24.2%) indicated that they lived in Noble Park. Dandenong, Dandenong North, Keysborough and Springvale each had between about 14% and 18% of respondents, while Bangholme, Dandenong South and Lyndhurst each had around one percent or less. This distribution is indicative to the population distribution across the municipality.

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Table 24: Greater Dandenong suburb of residence (223 responses)

Suburb Number %

Bangholme 3 1.3

Dandenong 41 18.4

Dandenong North 32 14.3

Dandenong South 2 0.9

Keysborough 36 16.1

Lyndhurst 1 0.4

Noble Park 54 24.2

Noble Park North 9 4.0

Springvale 31 13.9

Springvale South 14 6.3

Lyndhurst 1 0.4

Figure 8: Greater Dandenong suburb of residence (223 responses)

Bangholme

Dandenong

Dandenong North

Dandenong South

Keysborough

Lyndhurst

Noble Park

Noble Park North

Springvale

Springvale South

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

5.4.2 GENDER, MOBILITY AND AGE OF RESPONDENTS

Table 25 shows that just over one third of respondents (34.2%) were male (222 responses).

Table 26 indicates the mobility of respondents. While 3.6% of respondents said that they had difficulty in getting around, 13.0% indicated that they used a motorised scooter or walking frame to do so. This would imply that the use of the scooter or frame meant that these respondents did not consider it difficult to get around.

Table 25: Gender of respondentsNo. %

Male 76 34.2Female 146 65.8

Table 26: Mobility of respondentsYes No

No. % No. %

Difficulty in Getting Around (192 responses)

7 3.6 185 96.4

Use Motorised Scooter of Frame (215 responses)

28 13 187 87

Table 27 shows the number of respondents and the proportion in each age group. Figure 9 shows the numbers in each age group. Most respondents were in the 70-74 year age group (28.9%) followed by those younger than 60 years of age and those more than 80 years old. This latter figure may have been because the respondents were carers or had expressed an interest in contributing to the process of planning for older people in the municipality.

34


Background Paper

35


Table 27: Age of respondentsNo. %

Less than 60 years 40 17.5%

60-64 years 24 10.5%65-69 years 45 19.7%70-74 years 66 28.9%75-79 years 15 6.6%More than 80 years 38 16.7%

Figure 9: Age of Respondents

Less than 60 years

60-64 years

65-69 years

70-74 years

75-79 years

More than 80 years

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

5.5 TRANSPORT - GETTING AROUND DANDENONG

The transport issues focussed on access to public transport in the municipality. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement, or disagreement, with a series of statements relating to getting around Greater Dandenong. Tables 28 and 29, and Figure 10 show the numbers and percentages of responses to each of the questions. The categories have been combined for “Agree”, “Disagree” and “Neutral” in the graphs.

Just over 40% of respondents said that they thought that public transport was frequent and reliable, while 20% did not think that was the case. Just fewer than 40% were neutral or did not have a view either way.

More than half the respondents (56%) said that they thought public transport was affordable, while only 13.3% did not think so. Nearly a third of respondents was neutral or did not have a view either way.

When it came to the accessibility of public transport for people with mobility difficulties, the responses were more even, with just over 40% saying that it was accessible and just under 35% saying it was not. Over one fifth of respondents (22.8%) was neutral or did not have a view either way.

Just over half the respondents (50.5%) said that there were enough bus stops and train stations while fewer than a quarter said that there were not enough. Just over one quarter of respondents (26.4%) were neutral or did not have a view either way. The responses were almost the same with regard to the accessibility of bus stops and train stations.

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Background Paper

Table 28: Getting around Greater Dandenong (number of responses in brackets following each question) - number

Strongly Agree

Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

Public transport is frequent and reliable (211)

43 46 79 29 14

Public transport is affordable (218) 69 53 67 20 9

Public transport is accessible for those with mobility difficulties (219)

32 58 50 38 41

There are enough bus stops and train stations (212)

58 49 56 25 24

The bus stops and train stations are easy to get to (207)

54 52 53 24 24

Table 29: Getting around Greater Dandenong (number of responses in brackets following each question) -percentage

Strongly Agree


Public transport is frequent and reliable (211)

20.4 21.8 37.4 13.7 6.6

Public transport is affordable (218) 31.7 24.3 30.7 9.2 4.1

Public transport is accessible for those with mobility difficulties (219)

14.6 26.5 22.8 17.4 17.7

There are enough bus stops and train stations (212)

27.4 23.1 26.4 11.8 11.3

The bus stops and train stations are easy to get to (207)

26.1 25.1 25.6 11.6 11.6

Figure 10: Getting around Greater Dandenong - percentages

Public transport is frequent and reliable

Public transport is affordable

Public trans is accessible for those with mobility difficulties

There are enough bus stops and train stations

The bus stops and train stations are easy to get to

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Disagree Neutral Agree

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5.6 OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS

Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement, or disagreement, with a series of statements relating to outdoor spaces and buildings in Greater Dandenong. Tables 30 and 931 and Figure 11, show the numbers and percentages of responses to each of the questions.

5.6.1 STREETS AND ROADS

More than half the respondents (53.6%) agreed, or strongly agreed that streets were kept clean and pleasant while just under a quarter (23.5%) either disagreed or strongly disagreed. Just over one in five (22.5%) were neutral or did not have a view either way.

Opinion on the issue of roads and footpaths being well maintained was more evenly divided with 37.7% saying that they believed they were and 34.2% saying they were not. Again, just over one in five (22.5%) were neutral or did not have a view either way.

5.6.2 OUTDOOR SEATING

A greater proportion of respondents (40.7%) said that there was insufficient outdoor seating while 27.7% said that there was sufficient outdoor seating. Just under one third of respondents (31.7%) was neutral or did not have a view either way. However, just fewer than half of the respondents (47.3%) said that the outdoor seating was safe and well maintained while less than one quarter disagreed. Under a third (29.1%) was neutral or did not have a view either way.

5.6.3 SAFETY ISSUES

Nearly twice as many respondents (47.3%) said it was safe to walk in parks during the day than those who said it was unsafe (27.7%). One quarter (25.0%) were neutral or did not have a view either way. Opinion was more pronounced with regard to street lighting with 56.0% saying it was good and only 21.6% saying it was not. This was about the same number, who were neutral or did not have a view either way.

5.6.4 CYCLE PATHS

There was a greater proportion of respondents (37.4%) who said that there were sufficient cycle paths across the municipality than those who did not think so (24.7%).

5.6.5 PUBLIC TOILETS

There were very strong and clear views expressed about public toilets. Only 17.4% of respondents said that there were sufficient while three times as many (55.0%) said that there were insufficient. Over a quarter of respondents (27.5%) was neutral or did not have a view either way. Just over a quarter of respondents (25.7%) agreed, or strongly agreed, that public toilets were clean, well maintained and accessible while 40.4% either disagreed or strongly disagreed. One-third (33.5%) were neutral or did not have a view either way.

N.B. - Council officers indicated that they had received significant amounts of feedback from older clients relating to the self-cleaning toilets, viz they did not like them and were apprehensive about using them. There was an expressed fear that they would be locked inside them. An education program for older residents with respect to these toilets, and their usage, seems indicated.

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Background Paper

Table 30: Outdoor spaces and buildings – number of responsesStrongly

AgreeAgree Neutral Disagree Strongly

Disagree

Streets are kept clean and pleasant (222) 50 69 50 31 21

Roads and footpaths are well maintained (225)

35 61 52 47 30

There is sufficient outdoor seating (224) 27 35 71 55 36

Outdoor seating is safe and well maintained (220)

51 53 64 37 15

It is safe to walk in the parks during the day (220)

58 46 55 37 24

There are sufficient cycle paths across the municipality (211)

29 50 80 28 24

There is good street lighting (223) 67 58 50 28 20

There are sufficient public toilets (218) 11 27 60 62 58

Public toilets are clean, well maintained and accessible (217)

20 36 73 44 44

Table 31: Outdoor spaces and buildings - percentageStrongly

AgreeAgree Neutral Disagree Strongly

Disagree

Streets are kept clean and pleasant (222) 22.5 31.1% 22.5 14 9.5

Roads and footpaths are well maintained (225)

15.6 27.1% 23.1 20.9 13.3

There is sufficient outdoor seating (224) 12.1 15.6% 31.7 24.6 16.1

Outdoor seating is safe and well maintained (220)

23.2 24.1% 29.1 16.8 6.8

It is safe to walk in the parks during the day (220)

26.4 20.9% 25 16.8 10.9

There are sufficient cycle paths across the municipality (211)

13.7 23.7% 37.9 13.3 11.4

There is good street lighting (223) 30 26.0% 22.4 12.6 9

There are sufficient public toilets (218) 5 12.4% 27.5 28.4 26.6

Public toilets are clean, well maintained and accessible (217)

9.2 16.5% 33.5 20.2 20.2

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Figure 11: Outdoor spaces and buildings - percentage

Streets are kept clean and pleasant

Roads and footpaths are well maintained

There is sufficient outdoor seating

Outdoor seating is safe and well maintained

It is safe to walk in the parks during the day

There are sufficient cycle paths across the municipality

There is good street lighting

There are sufficient public toilets

Public toilets are clean, well maintained and accessible

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

53.6

42.7

27.7

47.3

47.3

37.4

56

17.4

25.7

22.5

23.1

31.7

29.1

25

37.9

22.4

27.5

33.5

23.5

34.2

40.7

23.6

27.7

24.7

21.6

55

40.4


5.7 HOUSING

Respondents were asked their opinions about whether they believed the different categories of housing were affordable and whether there was sufficient housing of each type. The categories included private and public housing rental stock and residential aged care. A significant proportion of respondents indicated that they did not know about affordability and availability of housing and thus, there is a high proportion in the “Don’t Know” category. The exception to this was in relation to residential aged care for frail and older people. Table 32 and Figure 12 show the relevant data.

5.7.1 HOUSING SUPPLY

A clear majority of respondents believed that there was insufficient private rental housing (27.1% to 11.9%) and that, what there was, was not affordable (39.5% to 7.6 %.). The situation was similar with regard to public rental housing with the clear majority believing there was insufficient (36.3% to 4.4%) and what there was, was not affordable (26.9% to 10.1%).

The largest proportion of respondents said that there was insufficient residential care for frail and older disabled people (40.7%), while 23.0% said that there was a sufficient supply and 36.4% were neutral or did not have a view either way.

5.7.2 HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Affordability was also an issue with 37.0% saying that it was not affordable compared with 14.2% who said that it was affordable. However, nearly half of the respondents (48.8%) were neutral or did not have a view either way.

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Background Paper

Table 32: Housing availability for older people (number of responses in brackets following each question)

Yes No Don’t Know

Number

% Number % Number

%

Sufficient private rental housing (210)

25 11.9 57 27.1 128 61.0

Affordable private rental housing (210)

16 7.6 83 39.5 111 52.9

Sufficient public rental housing (204)

9 4.4 74 36.3 121 59.3

Affordable public rental housing (208)

21 10.1 56 26.9 131 63.0

Sufficient residential care for frail and older disabled older people (209)

48 23.0 85 40.7 76 36.4

Affordable residential care for frail and older disabled older people (211)

30 14.2 78 37.0 103 48.8

Figure 12: Housing sufficiency and affordability - percentages

Sufficient private rental housing

Affordable private rental housing

Sufficient public rental housing

Affordable public rental housing

Sufficient residential care for frail and older disabled older people

Affordable residential care for frail and older disabled older people

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Don’t Know No Yes

5.8 SOCIAL PARTICIPATION

The survey explored people’s understanding and knowledge opportunities for participation in their communities. It examined information, community activities, volunteering opportunities and potential for paid employment. Table 33 and Figure 13 show that: More than three quarters of respondents said that they knew where to get information about

community activities, while two thirds of respondents said that they knew how to get information about becoming involved in volunteer activities;

Slightly fewer than 40% of respondents believed that there were opportunities for isolated people to participate in community events. Slightly more than a quarter (26.4%) of respondents

29


said that these opportunities did not exist, while 35.4% were neutral or did not have a view either way.

While 58.2% of respondents said that there was a wide range of activities for older people, only 18.0% said that there were opportunities for older people to continue in paid work, if they so wanted.

Table 33: Social Participation - knowledge about activities in the community for older people (number of responses in brackets following each question)

Yes No Don’t Know

Number % Number % Number %

I know where to get information about community activities and events (217)

169 77.9 29 13.4 19 8.8

I know how to get information about getting involved in being a volunteer (213)

143 67.1 46 21.6 24 11.3

There are opportunities for people who are isolated or unable to get out to participate in community activities and events (212)

81 38.2 56 26.4 75 35.4

There is a wide range of activities for older people to get involved with (213)

124 58.2 36 16.9 53 24.9

There are opportunities for older people to continue to be employed in paid work if they want to (211)

38 18.0 79 37.4 94 44.5

Figure 13: Social Participation - percentages

I know where to get information about community activities and events

I know how to get information about getting involved in being a volunteer

There are opportunities for people who are isolated or unable to get out to participate in community activities and events

There is a wide range of activities for older people to get involved with

There are opportunities for older people to continue to be employed in paid work if they want to

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Don’t Know No Yes

30


Background Paper

5.9 RESPECT AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

Respondents were asked to give their views on the image and perceptions of older people in the community, whether young people respected them and whether older people were encouraged to use their skills through volunteering. Tables 34 and 35, and Figure 14 show the results in both numerical and percentage terms. The responses show that: A greater proportion (36.4%) agreed, or strongly agreed, that there were positive messages

about older people in the community than disagreed, or strongly disagreed, (26.38%) with the proposition. The largest proportion (37.8%) were neutral or did not have a view either way;

Nearly half (49.8%) did not agree that young people were respectful to older people compared with 21.2% who said that they were. The proportion, that was neutral or did not have a view either way, was 29.0%; and

Twice as many (49.1%) agreed that older people were encouraged to use there skills in volunteering in the community than those that did not (21.0%). The proportion, that was neutral or did not have a view either way, was 29.9%.

Table 34: Respect and social inclusion - how are older people viewed in the wider community? (Number of responses in brackets following each question) - Numbers

Strongly Agree


There are positive messages about older people in the community (217)

31 48 82 34 22

Young people are respectful of older people in the community (221)

14 33 64 49 61

Older people are encouraged to use their skills in volunteering in the community (214)

58 47 64 26 19

Table 35: Respect and social inclusion - how are older people viewed in the wider community? (Number of responses in brackets following each question) - Percentages

Strongly Agree


There are positive messages about older people in the community (217)

14.3 22.1 37.8 15.7 10.1

Young people are respectful of older people in the community (221)

6.3 14.9 29 22.2 27.6

Older people are encouraged to use their skills in volunteering in the community (214)

27.1 22 29.9 12.1 8.9

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Figure 14: Respect and social inclusion - percentages

There are positive messages about older people in the community

Young people are respectful of older people in the community

Older people are encouraged to use their skills in volunteering in the community

0 10 20 30 40 50 60


32


Background Paper

6 ISSUES THAT SERVICE PROVIDERS AND STAFF PERCEIVE AS IMPORTANT

6.1 OVERVIEW

This Section primarily compares the responses of Council staff and service providers. It also includes the community responses, where they are available. It must be noted that the issues in the community survey were not put in precisely the same manner as they were for Council staff and service providers. There was, therefore, an element of interpretation in determining the meaning of those responses.

There were 84 issues, in eight categories, canvassed. There was complete agreement between Council staff and service providers on 32 issues and disagreement on 13. A comprehensive list is at Appendix 4. Each category has been examined separately.

6.2 HOUSING

There were seven issues in this section, with agreement on four and disagreement on only one. There was agreement about: The sufficiency and affordability of housing both in general and for frail and disabled older

people (there wasn’t enough). The community view was similar to that expressed by Council staff and service providers, but not put quite as strongly;

Home modification options (there weren’t enough); and Concern about the cleanliness, maintenance and safety of rental housing.

The one area of disagreement related to the sufficiency and affordability of home maintenance and support. Service providers indicated strongly that there was not enough while Council staff believed that there was. The community view was similar to that of the service providers but not put quite as strongly.

6.3 SOCIAL PARTICIPATION

There were eight issues in this category, with agreement on one and disagreement on four. This was the category in which the views of Council staff and service providers diverged most. There was strong agreement that activities and events could be attended alone or with a companion. There was disagreement about: The location, accessibility and lighting of venues, where Council staff believed that they were

well located etc and service providers said that they weren’t; Council staff believed that there was consistent outreach to include people at risk of social

isolation while service providers strongly disagreed; Service providers strongly disagreed that there was good information about activities and events

while Council staff believed that there was. The community agreed with Council staff and were stronger in putting their case; and

Service providers, and the community, did not believe that there was a wide variety of activities offered, while Council staff believed that there was.

6.4 RESPECT AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

There were nine issues in this category with agreement in three and disagreement in two. There was consensus that staff were helpful and courteous; that the past contributions of older people were not recognised; that less well off older people did not have good access to services (the community was split on this issue).

33


The areas of disagreement were: Council staff believed that there were services and products to suit varying needs and

preferences while service providers believed that there were not; and Council staff believed that community wide activities and events attracted all generations by

accommodating age specific events while service providers strongly believed the opposite.

6.5 CIVIC PARTICIPATION AND EMPLOYMENT

There eight issues in this category with complete agreement in six. The areas of consensus were: That there was a range of options available for older volunteers. The community agreed

strongly; That there was not a range of flexible and appropriately paid employment opportunities for

older people; That age discrimination, with respect to employment, was forbidden; Self-employment options for older people were not promoted or supported; Training in post-retirement options for older workers was not provided; and Decision-making bodies in all sectors did not encourage or facilitate the membership of older

people.

6.6 TRANSPORT

There were 17 issues in this category, on which there was agreement on six and disagreement on two. The areas of consensus were: That not all city areas and services were accessible by public transport, nor were there good

connections or well-marked routes. However, the community disagreed with both and said that there were accessibility, connections and well marked routes;

That complete and accessible information about transport routes was not provided; That there was not a voluntary transport service available where public transport was too

limited; That taxis were not accessible or affordable, nor were taxi drivers courteous and helpful; Traffic flow was not well regulated; and Priority parking and drop-off spots for people with special needs were neither available nor

respected.

The areas where there was no consensus were: Council staff believed that roads were well maintained, with covered drains and good lighting,

while service providers did not; and Council staff believed that parking and drop-off areas were safe, sufficient in number and

conveniently located, while service providers strongly disagreed.

6.7 COMMUNITY AND HEALTH SERVICES

There were twelve issues in this category. There was consensus on four and disagreement on one. The areas of consensus were: That home care services include health, personal care and housekeeping; That all staff were respectful, helpful and trained to serve older people; That there was support and encouragement for voluntary services for people of all ages; and There were sufficient and accessible burial sites.

The area of disagreement was that Council staff believed that the delivery of services was coordinated and administratively simple, while service providers believed that they were neither.

34


Background Paper

6.8 OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS

There were twelve issues in this category, with consensus in four and disagreement in one. The areas of consensus were: That public areas were clean and pleasant. The community agreed; That green spaces and outdoor seating were sufficient in number, were well maintained and

were safe. The community agreed that they were well maintained and safe but did not believe that they were sufficient in number;

That cycle paths were not separate from pavements and other pedestrian walkways. The community was split on the issue; and

Buildings were not well signed inside and out, there were insufficient toilets and seating and accessibility was not good. The community shared these views, but more strongly.

The disagreement related to drivers giving way to pedestrians at intersections and pedestrian crossings. Service providers believed that they did, while Council officers believed that they did not.

6.9 COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION

There were eleven issues in this category, with consensus on three and disagreement on two. The areas of consensus were: That there was no promotion of accessible oral communication to older people; Print and spoken communication did not use simple, familiar words in short straightforward

sentences; and Electronic equipment did not have large numbers and lettering.

The areas of disagreement were: Council staff, and the community, strongly believed that basic, effective communication systems

reached residents of all ages. Service providers strongly disagreed; and Council staff believed that there was regular, widespread distribution of information and that

there was coordinated and centralised access. Service providers did not believe that this was the situation.

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7 COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN GREATER DANDENONG

7.1 SERVICES DELIVERED BY GREATER DANDENONG

Council provides a range of community care services for frail and vulnerable older people. “Community Care” refers to:

The provision of care and support for people who want to stay independent and living at home for as long as possible. This includes Home and Community Care (HACC) services, Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs), Extended Aged Care at Home packages (EACH), Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia packages (EACH-D), Veterans’ Home Care (VHC), Community Nursing and respite services.2

Table 36 provides an overview of the service components provided by CGD Community Care Model.

Table 36: Service components provided through CGD Community Care ModelService Description

Home Care Home Care services aim to maintain a safe, secure, healthy home environment. While cleaning tasks form an essential part of home care, it is more than a cleaning service. It is focused on enhancing client’s independence by providing a level of housekeeping, help with personal administration (such as shopping and bill paying), monitoring and escorting.

Personal Care Personal care involves assistance with activities that people would normally do themselves but are unable to perform without assistance because of illness, disability or frailty. Examples of personal care are bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and assistance with getting in and out of bed, and assistance with mobility and eating.

Respite Care Respite Care supports the carers by providing a break from their caring responsibilities. Respite also provides an opportunity for the person being cared for to have a break, or an outing without their usual carer.

Home Maintenance Home Maintenance provides assistance with maintenance and repair of the home to maintain it in a safe and habitable condition. Examples of the work undertaken are minor repairs to a house, changing light bulbs where a ladder is required, unblocking drains, gutter repair and cleaning, and other minor household repairs that do not require the skills of a qualified tradesperson. A significant component of the work involves the installation of grab rails and shower rails. This service is funded through HACC.

Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs)

A CACP is an individual package of care services for people assessed as requiring out-of-home care. These services are to assist frail clients with complex care needs to stay living at home. They are funded by the Australian Government.

Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH)

Individually planned and coordinated packages of care, tailored to help frail older Australians with high levels of care needs to remain at home. They are funded by the Australian Government.

Food Services CGD is a shareholder with 19 other councils in Community Chef. Located in Altona, this new, innovative and environmentally friendly kitchen provides

2 Productivity Commission, 2011a

36


Background Paper

Service Description

cost effective, high quality, culturally appropriate meals, that meet the individual nutritional and dietary requirements of clients receiving support through community care programs.

Community Transport

Community transport seeks to provide direct transport or support for people, who are transport disadvantaged, to access other services or transport forms that suit their needs. Community transport is affordable, flexible, accessible and adaptable to individuals’ needs.

Planned Activity Groups

These activities are directed at enhancing the skills required for daily living and providing physical, intellectual, emotional and social stimulation.

Activity staff, under the direction of a Diversional Therapist, provide activities at two sites in Springvale.

Home and Community Care (HACC)

A program, which provides a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated range of basic maintenance and support services, to help people maintain their independence at home and in the community. HACC is a joint Australian, state and territory government initiative. The services funded through this program include Home Care, Personal Care, Respite Care, Home Maintenance, Community Transport, Planned Activity Groups and Support for Senior Citizens’ groups and clubs.

Community care The provision of care and support for people who want to stay independent and living at home for as long as possible. This includes Home and Community Care (HACC) services, Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs), Extended Aged Care at Home packages (EACH), Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia packages (EACH-D), Veterans’ Home Care (VHC), Community Nursing and respite services.

Veterans’ Home Care (VHC)

This service provides low-level home care services to eligible veterans and war widows and widowers.

7.2 REVIEW OF THE SERVICE MODEL

In 2011, CGD conducted a review of its direct care services. This review provided: An analysis of the context for understanding the delivery of community care services into the

future – the population characteristics that influence demand, the policy context and the changing funding environment;

A detailed description of the service model developed by CGD; An overview of the clients and staff involved in community care; and An analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of the model.

The recommendations of the review focussed on supporting continued effective financial management of the services into the future, in the context of an ageing population. This review can be seen as a companion document to this strategy.

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7.3 AN INTEGRATED MODEL OF SERVICE

The City of Greater Dandenong (CGD) has developed an integrated service model for delivering community care services to older people and people with a disability, who live in the municipality. This model, called Community Care, brings together the traditional home care, personal care and other support services, that are funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments and Council, to assist people to remain living independently in the community. The 2011-12 budget for the services was $12,586,289, with Council contributing $3,056,685 (24% of the total budget). As at 5 th

September 2011, there were 4,461 clients, from 105 different countries of birth, receiving services.

An integrated service model was developed in 2004 when Council resumed direct management of community care, following five years of the contracting of some of the services to private and not-for-profit service providers. The current model has evolved over the past seven years, incorporating more services as new service types have been funded by governments.

Over this period, CGD has seen an increase of more than 200% in the number of residents using the services. At the same time, it has also received growth funding of over $400,000 per year over the past four years.

7.3.1 THE APPROACH

The approach taken by Council has been recognised Australia-wide as best practice in the delivery of community care services. The model is also consistent with the model to be implemented by the Commonwealth Government, outlined in Section 2.4 of this report. The model is based on the premise that service users have the right and the responsibility, to choose the services that will best meet their needs. The key elements, which drive the CGD model, are: Goal-directed, person-centred care; Strengths-based, holistic assessment; Interventions that focus on the person’s functional and social goals; Flexible and timely responses tailored to individuals’ needs; Time-limited interventions; A planned review process; Staff who are skilled to work with clients in a capacity-building manner; and Staff who are trained and skilled in working across a range of services.

Specifically, the model has improved: The connections between assessment and service delivery, resulting in a more responsive and

client-focussed service; Capacity to meet service targets through more robust budget monitoring; Continuity of care through integrating service delivery and reducing the fragmentation of

services; and Capacity to engage with the diverse community.

7.3.2 KEY FEATURES OF THE SERVICE MODEL

The key features of the model are: Single point of entry to Council’s services; Assessment is a continual process, which commences at referral; Service delivery is integrated, although clients may choose to use, or only require, a single

service; Short term case management provides support for clients to assist them to remain living in the

community at a time of crisis; and

38


Background Paper

Staff are multi-skilled and can provide a range of services, from basic and restorative to complex care.

CGD has developed its services to meet the needs of the diverse community. A high proportion of direct care staff speaks more than one language. CGD also employs an interpreter who works primarily with Aged and Disability services.

7.4 COUNCIL’S ONGOING ROLE IN SERVICE PROVISION

The 2011 review and the consultation for this strategy supported Council continuing to provide services to the most frail residents. The consultation identified a number of areas where Council could make improvements to service delivery and/or could explore issues further. These relate to areas where Council staff believed that services were operating well but that view was not shared by service providers and/or the community. Particular areas include: Community transport: there are different approaches to accessing transport across the

municipality. Given that access to transport and its important role in supporting older people to maintain their independence, a key objective for CGD is that all older people have equal access to affordable and flexible transport;

Access to social support groups and facilities: there are variations in the approach to fees and charges for community facilities for clubs and activities for older people across the municipality. This has resulted from historical arrangements and the emergence of different groups over time. Consultation with staff also indicated that the role and function of senior citizen’s centres have changed significantly. The role in providing and arranging independent activities now tends to be a function of U3A and other culturally-specific groups, while the senior citizen’s groups appear to provide activities for more frail older people. There is a need to examine this in more detail, to provide directions for the future;

Regional Food Distribution Centre: this centre has been designed to provide food distribution across and wide area and has considerable capacity to do so. There is a need to examine how this can be achieved; and

Efficient and effective service delivery: the 2011 review and this consultation highlighted the need for CGD to continue to examine the efficiency of its service delivery, particularly in the context of significant changes pending in Commonwealth funding and the anticipated expansion in community-based services.

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8 REFERENCES

Ahmed Obaid, T. and Malloch-Brown, M., 2002, Second World Assembly on Ageing, Joint Statement United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Madrid, 8-12 April, www.unfpa.org

Arashima, Z., 2011, Money matters in times of change: financial vulnerability through the life course, Brotherhood of St Lawrence, www.bsl.org.au

Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006, Census of Population and Housing, Census 2006, www.abs.gov.au

Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007, Voluntary Work ,Australia, Cat. No. 4441.0, Canberra, ABS

Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009, A picture of the nation: the statistician’s report on the 2006 Census, Cat. no.2070.0

Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010, Australia to 2050: future challenges, the 2010 intergenerational report Commonwealth of Australia, Attorney-General’s Department, www.ag.gov.au/cca

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2010, The Health of Australians, www.aihw.gov.au Business Work and Centre for Research, (2009), Redesigning Work for an Ageing Society, a research project in collaboration with RACV, Qantas, Australian Catholic university and Laminex, www.swinburne.edu.au/business/business-work-ageing/documents

City of Greater Dandenong, 2010, Achieving Greater Dandenong’s Potential: a local economic and employment strategy for our city, www.cgd.vic.gov.au

City of Greater Dandenong, 2011, Disability Action Plan, www.cgd.vic.gov.au

City of Greater Dandenong, 2009, Council Plan,2009-2012, www.cgd.vic.gov.au

City of Greater Dandenong, 2010, Health and Wellbeing Strategy, 2010-2013, www.cgd.vic.gov.au

Commonwealth of Australia, 2012, Living Longer Living Better – Aged Care Reform package, www.health.gov.au

Department for Communities and Local Government, 2008. Delivering Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society, www.communities.gov.uk

Department for Communities and Local Government, Department of Health, Department for Work and Pensions, 2008, Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society, www.communities.gov.uk

Department of Infrastructure (2007), Maintaining Mobility: the transition from driver to non-driver: policy framework report, November, www.infrastructure.vic.gov.au

Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, (2004), Better Work and Family Balance – a joint project of Industrial Relations Victoria and the Council on the Ageing, www.cotavic.org.au

Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (eccv), 2011, Policy Proposal for and Ageing and Cultural Diversity Strategy, www.eccv.org.au

Gibson, D. (2010), Beyond Life Expectancy, Occasional Paper 4/2010, Census Series #5, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, Canberra

Hamilton, M. and Hamilton, C. (2006), Baby Boomers and Retirement: dreams, fears and anxieties, The Australia Institute, www.tai.org.au

40

http://www.tai.org.au/

http://www.eccv.org.au/

http://www.cotavic.org.au/

http://www.infrastructure.vic.gov.au/

http://www.communities.gov.uk/

http://www.communities.gov.uk/

http://www.health.gov.au/

http://www.cgd.vic.gov.au/




http://www.swinburne.edu.au/business/business-work-ageing/documents

http://www.aihw.gov.au/

http://www.ag.gov.au/cca

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Hamilton, M. and Hamilton, C. (2006), Rich Boomer, Poor Boomer: retirement prospects for the not-so-lucky generation, The Australia Institute, www.tai.org.au

Healy, J. (2004), The benefits of an ageing population, The Australia Institute, Discussion Paper No. 63, www.tai.org.au

Hutchinson, T., Morrison, P. and Mikhailovich, K. , 2006. A review of the literature on active ageing – prepared for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing for the Healthpact Research Centre for Health Promotion and Wellbeing., www.health.gov.au

Jones, A, Howe, A., Tilse, C., Bartlett, H. And Stimson, B. (2010) Service integrated housing for Australians in later life. AHURI Final Report No. 141. Melbourne: Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, Queensland Research Centre

Kimberley, H. and Simons, B. (2009), The Brotherhood’s Social Barometer: living the second fifty years, Brotherhood of St Lawrence, www.bsl.org.au

McCabe, M., Mellor, D., McNamara, J. And Hill, B. (2010), Respect in an Ageing Society, prepared for benetas by Deakin University, www.benetas.com.au

Municipal Association of Victoria, 2011, submission to the Inquiry into Opportunities for Participation of Victorian Seniors, August, www.mav.asn.au

NSW Business Chamber, (2009), The benefits of an ageing workforce, www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au

O’Connell, K, Rosenman, E. and SaratChandran, P. (2009), Accumulating poverty? Women’s experience of inequality over the lifecycle, Australian Human Rights Commission, www.humanrights.gov.au

Posthuma, R. A. & Campion, M. A (2009). Age Stereotypes in the Workplace: Common Stereotypes, Moderators, and Future Research Directions. Journal of Management, vol. 35 (1), 158-188

Salt, B. and Mikkelsen, S. (2009), Monash Baby Boomer Study, produced for th4e City of Monash, KPMG, www.monash.vic.gov.au

Taylor, P. (2003), Global ageing – meeting the business challenges, prepared for the symposium: “An Ageless Workforce – Opportunities for Business”, Sydney, Australia, 27 August

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http://www.health.gov.au/




APPENDIX ONE: LIST OF PEOPLE CONSULTED

Name Company

Susie Matthews Centrelink – Department of Human Services

Catherine Healion South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre

Sylvia Wan South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre

Kerrie Cuningham South East Palliative Care Ltd

Paul Ryan RDNS

Mark O’Callaghan WAYSS Ltd

Tbc Vision Australia

Kellie Williams Options Victoria

Mary Rydberg City of Greater Dandenong

Lucille Flanagan City of Greater Dandenong

Jayne Kierce City of Greater Dandenong

Anthony Camillo City of Greater Dandenong

Martin Fidler City of Greater Dandenong

Lee Robson City of Greater Dandenong

Michelle Hansen City of Greater Dandenong

Kylie Sprague City of Greater Dandenong

42


Background Paper

APPENDIX TWO: SURVEY FORM

Growing Older in Greater Dandenong Strategy COMMUNITY SURVEYCouncil is currently looking at how it can improve services and amenity across the municipality for older people. To help it with this, Council wants to talk to as many older people as possible, to make sure that what it does over the next few years takes account of the things that concern people the most. Do you have about five to ten minutes to complete a short survey?

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUTo help us with the results of this survey, can you tell us a little about yourself?

1. First of all, I just need to make sure that you live in Greater Dandenong. In which suburb do you live?

Bangholme Lyndhurst

Dandenong Noble Park

Dandong North Noble Park North

Dandenong South Springvale

Keysborough Springvale South

Information not given

PLEASE NOTE, IF THE RESPONDENT DOES NOT LIVE IN A SUBURB IN GREATER DANDENONG, PLEASE DO NOT

INTERVIEW THEM. Say “thankyou” and move on.

2. Female □ Male □

3. Do you have difficulty getting around?

□ YES □ NO

4. Do you need a motorised scooter or walking frame to get around?

□ YES □ NO

5. Could you please give us an idea of your age?

□ Less than 60 years □ 60-64

□ 65-69 □ 70-74 □ 75-79

□ 80+

IF THE RESPONDENT HAS ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, PLEASE WRITE THEM HERE.

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________

I’m interested in how easy it is for older people to get around Greater Dandenong. I’m going to make a few statements. On a scale of 1 – 5, can you please tell me if agree or disagree. One means you strongly agree, five means you strongly disagree.

AGREEDISAGREE

1 2 3 4 5

Public transport is reliable and frequent.

Public transport is affordable.

Public transport is accessible for someone who has difficulties getting around.

There are enough bus stops and train stations.

The bus stops and train stations are easy to get to.

THANKYOU FOR THAT INFORMATION. I NOW HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS FOR YOU.

43


6. I’m interested in what you think about the streets, parks and public facilities. Please tell if you agree or disagree on the same scale 1-5.

AGREEDISAGREE

1 2 3 4 5

Streets are kept clean and pleasant.

Roads and footpaths are well-maintained.

There is sufficient outdoor seating.

Outdoor seating is well-maintained and safe.

It is safe to walk in the parks during the day.

There are sufficient cycle paths across the municipality.

There is good street lighting.

There are sufficient public toilets.

Public toilets are clean, well-maintained and accessible.

7. Thinking about the different types of housing that older people need, do you think there is

YES NO DON’T KNOW

Sufficient private rental housing.

Affordable private rental housing.

Sufficient public rental housing.

Affordable public rental housing.

Sufficient residential care for frail and disabled older people.

Affordable residential care for frail and disabled older people.

8. I’m interested in whether you know about activities in the community for older people.

YES NO

DON’T KNOW

I know where to get information about community activities and events.

I know how to get information about getting involved in being a volunteer.

There are opportunities for people who are isolated or unable to get out are to participate in community activities and events.

There is a wide variety of activities available for older people to get involved with.

There are opportunities for older people to continue to be employed in paid work if they want to.

PLEASE NOTE, IF THE RESPONDENT INDICATED THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO ACCESS INFORMATION AND

THEY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT, TELL THEM THAT THEY CAN GET THE INFORMATION FROM COUNCIL OFFICES,

LIBRARIES, COMMUNITY CENTRES, THE COUNCIL WEBSITE AND THE LOCAL PAPER.

9. I’m interested in what you think about how older people are viewed by the wider community.

AGREEDISAGREE

1 2 3 4 5

There are positive messages about older people in the media.

Young people are respectful of older people in the community.

Older people are encouraged to use their skills in volunteering in the community.

Please note, if the respondent has additional comments, write them on PAGE ONE.

Thank you very much for your time.

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APPENDIX THREE: COMMUNITY SURVEY COMMENTS

BUSES, OTHER TRANSPORT AND PARKINGPublic Transport

No buses to get to Sandown station Better bus service on Sunday Buses are not very frequent. I don’t need them now, but for the future Please put back Bus 811 to Brighton and Dandenong Low floor on bus is easier, if not it can be difficult with an SPS Hourly bus service is not enough on Jacksons Rd I am a great user of public transport, but recently, during my monthly bus trips from Stud Rd to

Carrum Downs, was unlucky to get a timetable. Phoning for one to my postal address was unlucky. It’s a bit of a nuisance

Need low buses all the time. Hard to access transport with trolleys Bus drivers need to be more sympathetic to older people using public transport and not drive off

until they are seated Better public transport – better targeted council transport – more police presence in shopping

and local areas

ACCESSIBILITY Public transport is good only if you can get to it For taxis – community pick-up – meal deliveries – ambulances: STREET NUMBERS NEED TO BE

CLEARLY MARKED ON PAVEMENTS/FENCES Need more disabled parking for access to public transport, especially trains But try parking at the station after 7.30 a.m. Better control of seniors’ parking in the plaza More disabled parking and policed more often The access to Sandown station is very steep and hard to climb Need more disabled parking for access to public transport, especially trains More parking needed at Dandenong Centrelink Both train and bus service are about a kilometre from home – depend on car Better control of seniors’ parking in the plaza What a shame they didn’t ask about easy parking for those who still drive but can’t walk far I can still drive but I know I will have difficulty getting to AQA Movers and my senior clubs when I

can no longer drive. I would not use public transport at night A lot depends on which area you are in and how able you are to get around

GENERAL Daughter or village bus transports client I think there should be motorised scooter lanes in high foot traffic areas on footpaths Conditions of the roads in some areas is poor Parking meters should be taken out and free parking to encourage people to shop in the main

street Noble Park needs traffic wardens to penalize cyclists who ride on the footpath in shopping

centres and able persons who park in disabled spaces Isolation and lack of transport (when one comes to the age when one cannot drive or when

one’s eyes fail one) which in turn keeps one even more isolated – are issues that should be looked at and long term solutions in regard to programs that the aged can be involved in that keep them feeling young, upbeat and motivated. I can say, at 60, inside I do not feel old at all, and do not enjoy “old peoples’ programs.” We all like to feel young, so something that stimulates the mind and keeps one feeling young and upbeat to keep the spirits up and

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depression at bay. Safety is a big issue when one can’t run fast or is not strong enough to turn and fight. As I age, I find so many daily objects so user unfriendly for the old, especially so many bottle caps and stuff

CLEANLINESS AND ENVIRONMENT I don’t like shopping in Noble Park, it is so dirty one can hardly see in the window let alone walk

on a clean floor More bins available – dangerous at night – more toilets to be available – more police presence There is plenty of rubbish on the streets of Noble Park – they are unpleasant – do something Rubbish round rental flats near market, King St and Stud Rd is atrocious. It’s not council’s fault –

people throw disgusting rubbish everywhere, surely something can be done Every time I walk in Springvale, I am horrified by the mess Street drain vents need cleaning to allow water to drain off Efforts to stop graffiti – lights at basketball stadium cause confusion to motorists – more

disabled parking More sitting in the streets Not enjoying/liking multi-story developments in Noble Park The Erickson gardens carpark is a great mess and hazard Toilets in Douglas St., Noble Park, seem to be well maintained, but one toilet is insufficient

FOOTPATHS AND NATURE STRIPS Footpaths not level due to trees on nature strips – needs maintenance – more public toilets In some areas footpaths are in disrepair and dangerous for the elderly and infirm Need more money spent on footpaths and roads to keep Dandenong tidy Private lawn contractors are making a mess by blowing garden clippings onto the road. Should

collect and take to the tip Nature strip trees are damaging the footpaths Private nature strips in some streets are a disgrace – people should be made to display house

numbers I believe Council should have more control and make people mow their nature strips Footpaths and roads are in need of repair To get a good idea of the state of the footpaths, take a motorised scooter ride. The result will tell

on your rear end Footpaths need maintenance due to tree roots lifting the concrete Traders should be banned from displaying goods on the footpaths as this causes congestion

U3A It would be beneficial for U3A to have its own dedicated building to avoid extensive travel to

classes and to enable members to attend more of the classes available I think that Council should provide a building for the U3A because it provides such a good service

for people like me I suggest that we have a permanent residence for the U3A as at this stage we are scattered all

over the suburbs U3A requires their own permanent building please U3A requires there own building Happily doing activities with U3A but see very little in activities being advertised except for a

small article in the local paper of about 6 lines, and these are the same each time – boring! U3A lack permanent accommodation for its activities – muchly needed

A permanent home for U3A A dedicated building for U3A A home of our own for U3A

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There are no dedicated premises or building for U3A which I attend at three separate locations weekly – U3A needs its own dedicated building

A single, permanent home for U3A would be lovely U3A Dandenong would like premises of their own U3A is a wonderful institution for retirees and other elderly people, offering many different

social and academic activities, including exercise classes to maintain fitness U3A is wonderful U3A has limited facilities for all the activities. Some councils have their own U3A building – at

present we have to go to many different locations The U3A program is a very important part of our lives and we need to have a building and

sufficient accommodation to run our classes Would like a few more computer program courses, e.g. PowerPoint and MovieMaker, at U3A.

More accommodation for U3A It’s time that U3A got a permanent space for its use As an active member of U3A it would be most satisfactory of permanent premises were

allocated to U3A We have 500 U3A members in Dandenong. It would be great if we could have our own building As an active member of U3A, I feel that this organisation should have its own secure premises,

free from interference It would be an advantage if U3A had a permanent meeting facility It would be nice to have our own headquarters U3A Dandenong is a valuable organisation of great benefit to seniors, its own dedicated prem

ises would be of great benefit U3A would like a building so that all classes can be kept together U3A Dandenong would benefit from a purpose built building of its own. At the moment, we are

so scattered that communication is really difficult U3A needs a dedicated building for activities U3A Dandenong with 450+ members need own premises As a member of U3A, could there be made available a single venue instead of the current

arrangement where activities are in many areas In an area as large as Greater Dandenong there need to be more permanent U3A centres More meeting areas for U3A or its own centre

OTHER Wanting to get around more or having more outing groups where I would get looked after Would like to see more house numbers clearly not unit numbers I could not work so I need more money More home checks for elderly to ensure they ate safe and OK I run a karaoke session at Paddy O’Donohue Centre for retiree – very popular Please do not move our library Nursing homes of various cultures, not just Australian/English Clearer access to basic information, i.e. not computer based Dandenong has a more multicultural than aged care attitude No Aboriginal flags, no racism It is hard to get into aged care (too complicated) for council position I have lived in the area for only 6 months and I think it’s a good place to live I would love to see smaller trolleys in supermarkets just for the elderly, as in not so big and

bulky, light and easy to move, but still a good height and solid enough to help them move along, not as wide. I think this would benefit them in mobility and reduce aggression from younger folk who may tend to get upset when they take up the walkways and just need more time to move around or get hit by them and abused. Also, educate them that just because they live on a street does not mean they own the whole tar-sealed road. My home town has a network of

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elderly people 70+ who all work together, are respectful of others, help others and who the younger folk help out as well. It’s a real sense of community and admittedly in took time to build. However, the problems there have to do with the younger folk, here in this area, I have no problem with the younger folk, the person who walks up the middle of the road singing nonsense songs who really needs psychiatric help, I can even handle the drug addicts – for me this is saying something as they are abusive, loud, inconsiderate and self-focussed – but the elderly here are the worst bunch I have ever come across and are really the worst of the worst. OK, vent is now over. I really appreciate the opportunity to express

Old people need specialist care from volunteers More positive impressions of the frail and older people are required. More care for them in

their own homes and a reduction in the isolation of many hundreds, if not thousands, of frail and older individuals in our community

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APPENDIX FOUR: WHO AGE FRIENDLY CITIES RESPONSES – STAFF AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

STAFF WORKSHOP 28 March 2012Consideration of the components of the WHO Age Friendly Cities Guide

Outdoor spaces and buildings Yes Part No

Public areas are clean and pleasant. 7 1

Green spaces and outdoor seating are sufficient in number, well-maintained and safe.

4 1 1

Pavements are well-maintained, free of obstructions and reserved for pedestrians.

3 1 3

Pavements are non-slip, are wide enough for wheelchairs and have dropped curbs to road level.

2 5

Pedestrian crossings are sufficient in number and safe for people with different levels and types of disability, with non-slip markings, visual and audio cues and adequate crossing times.

2 2 2

Drivers give way to pedestrians at intersections and pedestrian crossings. 1 1 3

Cycle paths are separate from pavements and other pedestrian walkways. 2 6

Outdoor safety is promoted by good street lighting, police patrols and community education.

2 1 4

Services are situated together and are accessible. 1 1 4

Special customer service arrangements are provided, such as separate queues or service counters for older people.

3 2

Buildings are well-signed outside and inside, with sufficient seating and toilets, accessible elevators, ramps, railings and stairs, and non-slip floors.

4 3

Public toilets outdoors and indoors are sufficient in number, clean, well-maintained and accessible.

1 3 4

Transportation Yes Part No

Public transportation costs are consistent, clearly displayed and affordable. 2 1 5

Public transportation is reliable and frequent, including at night and on weekends and holidays.

1 1 6

All city areas and services are accessible by public transport, with good connections and well-marked routes and vehicles.

7

Vehicles are clean, well-maintained, accessible, not overcrowded and have priority seating that is respected.

6

Specialised transportation is available for disabled people. 5 1

Drivers stop at designated stops and beside the curb to facilitate boarding and wait for passengers to be seated before driving off.

2 3

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Transport stops and stations are conveniently located, accessible, safe, clean, well lit and well-marked, with adequate seating and shelter.

2 2

Complete and accessible information is provided to users about routes, schedules and special needs facilities.

1 4

A voluntary transport service is available where public transportation is too limited.

1 3 4

Taxis are accessible and affordable, and drivers are courteous and helpful. 11

Roads are well-maintained, with covered drains and good lighting. 4 5 1

Traffic flow is well-regulated. 1 3 4

Roadways are free of obstructions that block drivers’ vision. 3 1 4

Traffic signs and intersections are visible and well-placed. 8 2

Driver education and refresher courses are promoted for all drivers. 3 3 2

Parking and drop-off areas are safe, sufficient in number and conveniently located.

5 2 2

Priority parking and drop-off spots for people with special needs are available and respected.

3 7

Housing Yes Part No

Sufficient, affordable housing is available in areas that are safe and close to services and the rest of the community.

1 11

Sufficient and affordable home maintenance and support services are available.

6 1 2

Housing is well-constructed and provides safe and comfortable shelter from the weather.

3 2 4

Interior spaces and level surfaces allow freedom of movement in all rooms and passageways.

2 5

Home modification options and supplies are available and affordable, and providers understand the needs of older people.

7

Public and commercial rental housing is clean, well-maintained and safe. 10

Sufficient and affordable housing for frail and disabled older people, with appropriate services, is provided locally.

9

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Social participation Yes Part No

Venues for events and activities are conveniently located, accessible, well-lit and easily reached by public transport.

5 3 2

Events are held at times convenient for older people. 7 2

Activities and events can be attended alone or with a companion. 10

Activities and attractions are affordable, with no hidden or additional participation costs.

7 1

Good information about activities and events is provided, including details about accessibility of facilities and transportation options for older people.

8

A wide variety of activities is offered to appeal to a diverse population of older people.

6 2 1

Gatherings including older people are held in various local community spots, such as recreation centres, schools, libraries, community centres and parks.

8

There is consistent outreach to include people at risk of social isolation. 3 4

Respect and social inclusion Yes Part No

Older people are regularly consulted by public, voluntary and commercial services on how to serve them better.

3 2 3

Services and products to suit varying needs and preferences are provided by public and commercial services.

1 1 3

Service staff are courteous and helpful. 7 3 1

Older people are visible in the media, and are depicted positively and without stereotyping.

4 6

Community-wide settings, activities and events attract all generations by accommodating age-specific needs and preferences.

5 2 1

Older people are specifically included in community activities for “families”. 3 4

Schools provide opportunities to learn about ageing and older people, and involve older people in school activities.

1 1 5

Older people are recognised by the community for their past as well as their present contributions.

2 4 4

Older people who are less well-off have good access to public, voluntary and private services.

2 2 6

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Civic participation and employment Yes Part No

A range of flexible options for older volunteers is available, with training, recognition, guidance and compensation for personal costs.

5 4

The qualities of older employees are well promoted. 1 2 7

A range of flexible and appropriately paid opportunities for older people to work is promoted.

7

Discrimination on the basis of age alone is forbidden in the hiring, retention, promotion and training of employees.

8 1 1

Workplaces are adapted to meet the needs of disabled people. 5 2 3

Self-employment options for older people are promoted and supported. 9

Training in post-retirement options is provided for older workers. 1 7

Decision-making bodies in public, private and voluntary sectors encourage and facilitate membership of older people.

1 4 5

Communication and information Yes Part No

A basic, effective communication system reaches community residents of all ages.

7 2

Regular and widespread distribution of information is assured and a coordinated, centralised access is provided.

4

Regular information and broadcasts of interest to older people are offered. 4 4

Oral communication accessible to older people is promoted. 2 4

People at risk of social isolation get one-to-one information from trusted individuals.

1 6 1

Public and commercial services provide friendly, person-to-person service on request.

6

Printed information – including official forms, television captions and text on visual displays – has large lettering and the main ideas are shown by clear headings and bold-face type.

1 1 6

Print and spoken communication uses simple, familiar words in short, straightforward sentences.

1 2 4

Telephone answering services give instructions slowly and clearly and tell callers how to repeat the message at any time.

2 4 3

Electronic equipment, such as mobile telephones, radios, televisions, and bank and ticket machines, has large buttons and big lettering.

1 8

There is wide public access to computers and the Internet, at no or minimal charge, in public places such as government offices, community centres and libraries.

6 3 1

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Community and health services Yes Part No

An adequate range of health and community support services is offered for promoting, maintaining and restoring health.

1 1 1

Home care services include health and personal care and housekeeping. 7

Health and social services are conveniently located and accessible by all means of transport.

2 4

Residential care facilities and designated older people’s housing are located close to services and the rest of the community.

1 3

Health and community service facilities are safely constructed and fully accessible.

1 3 1

Clear and accessible information is provided about health and social services for older people.

1 4 1

Delivery of services is coordinated and administratively simple. 4 1

All staff are respectful, helpful and trained to serve older people. 5 2

Economic barriers impeding access to health and community support services are minimised

1 1 1

Voluntary services by people of all ages are encouraged and supported. 8

There are sufficient and accessible burial sites. 4 2 2

Community emergency planning takes into account the vulnerabilities and capacities of older people.

8

SERVICE PROVIDER FORUM 18 APRIL 2012

Housing Yes Sometimes No

Sufficient, affordable housing is available in areas that are safe and close to services and the rest of the community.

8

Sufficient and affordable home maintenance and support services are available.

1 1 6

Housing is well-constructed and provides safe and comfortable shelter from the weather.

1 2 4

Interior spaces and level surfaces allow freedom of movement in all rooms and passageways.

8

Home modification options and supplies are available and affordable, and providers understand the needs of older people.

1 7

Public and commercial rental housing is clean, well-maintained and safe.

8

Sufficient and affordable housing for frail and disabled older people, with appropriate services, is provided locally.

8

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Social Participation Yes Sometimes No

Venues for events and activities are conveniently located, accessible, well-lit and easily reached by public transport.

5 1

Events are held at times convenient for older people. 3 3

Activities and events can be attended alone or with a companion.

6 1

Activities and attractions are affordable, with no hidden or additional participation costs.

2 5

Gatherings including older people are held in various local community spots, such as recreation centres, schools, libraries, community centres and parks.

3 3 1

There is consistent outreach to include people at risk of social isolation

1 6

Good information about activities and events is provided, including details about accessibility of facilities and transportation options for older people.

1 5

A wide variety of activities is offered to appeal to a diverse population of older people.

4 3

Respect & Social Inclusion Yes Sometimes No

Older people are regularly consulted by public, voluntary and commercial services on how to serve them better.

1 2 4

Services and products to suit varying needs and preferences are provided by public and commercial services.

2 5

Service staff are courteous and helpful. 4 2 1

Older people are visible in the media, and are depicted positively and without stereotyping.

7

Community-wide settings, activities and events attract all generations by accommodating age-specific needs and preferences.

3 4

Older people are recognised by the community for their past as well as their present contributions.

4 3

Older people who are less well-off have good access to public, voluntary and private services.

1 6

Older people are specifically included in community activities for “families”.

1 6

Schools provide opportunities to learn about ageing and older people, and involve older people in school activities.

7

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Civic Participation & Employment Yes Sometime No

A range of flexible options for older volunteers is available, with training, recognition, guidance and compensation for personal costs.

3 4 1

The qualities of older employees are well promoted. 4 4

A range of flexible and appropriately paid opportunities for older people to work is promoted.

1 1 6

Discrimination on the basis of age alone is forbidden in the hiring, retention, promotion and training of employees.

8

Workplaces are adapted to meet the needs of disabled people.

2 3 3

Self-employment options for older people are promoted and supported.

1 7

Training in post-retirement options is provided for older workers.

1 1 6

Decision-making bodies in public, private and voluntary sectors encourage and facilitate membership of older people.

1 2 5

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Transport Yes Sometimes No

Public transportation costs are consistent, clearly displayed and affordable.

1 7

Public transportation is reliable and frequent, including at night and on weekends and holidays.

1 5 3

All city areas and services are accessible by public transport, with good connections and well-marked routes and vehicles.

1 7

Vehicles are clean, well-maintained, accessible, not overcrowded and have priority seating that is respected.

3 1 1

Specialized transportation is available for disabled people. 1 2 6

Drivers stop at designated stops and beside the curb to facilitate boarding and wait for passengers to be seated before driving off.

3 2 2

Transport stops and stations are conveniently located, accessible, safe, clean, well lit and well-marked, with adequate seating and shelter.

8

Complete and accessible information is provided to users about routes, schedules and special needs facilities.

8

A voluntary transport service is available where public transportation is too limited.

3 5

Taxis are accessible and affordable, and drivers are courteous and helpful.

8

Roads are well-maintained, with covered drains and good lighting.

5 3

Traffic flow is well-regulated. 5 3

Roadways are free of obstructions that block drivers’ vision. 4 2 2

Traffic signs and intersections are visible and well-placed. 3 3 1

Driver education and refresher courses are promoted for all drivers.

1 7

Parking and drop-off areas are safe, sufficient in number and conveniently located.

1 7

Priority parking and drop-off spots for people with special needs are available and respected.

8

56

Community & Health Services Yes Sometimes No

An adequate range of health and community support services is offered for promoting, maintaining and restoring health.

2 6

Home care services include health and personal care and housekeeping.

8

Health and social services are conveniently located and accessible by all means of transport.

3 1 4

Residential care facilities and designated older people’s housing are located close to services and the rest of the community.

3 5

Health and community service facilities are safely constructed and fully accessible.

2 4 2

Clear and accessible information is provided about health and social services for older people.

4 4

Delivery of services is coordinated and administratively simple. 3 5

All staff are respectful, helpful and trained to serve older people. 7 1

Economic barriers impeding access to health and community support services are minimized.

2 6

Voluntary services by people of all ages are encouraged and supported.

5 3

There are sufficient and accessible burial sites. 4 3

Community emergency planning takes into account the vulnerabilities and capacities of older people.

2 6

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Open Spaces Yes Sometimes No

Public areas are clean and pleasant. 6 1 1

Green spaces and outdoor seating are sufficient in number, well-maintained and safe.

3 5

Pavements are well-maintained, free of obstructions and reserved for pedestrians.

1 1 6

Pavements are non-slip, are wide enough for wheelchairs and have dropped curbs to road level.

2 6

Pedestrian crossings are sufficient in number and safe for people with different levels and types of disability, with non-slip markings, visual and audio cues and adequate crossing times.

2 6

Drivers give way to pedestrians at intersections and pedestrian crossings.

4 3 1

Cycle paths are separate from pavements and other pedestrian walkways.

3 5

Outdoor safety is promoted by good street lighting, police patrols and community education.

3 2 3

Services are situated together and are accessible. 1 1 6

Special customer service arrangements are provided, such as separate queues or service counters for older people.

8

Buildings are well-signed outside and inside, with sufficient seating and toilets, accessible elevators, ramps, railings and stairs, and non-slip floors.

3 5

Public toilets outdoors and indoors are sufficient in number, clean, well-maintained and accessible.

8

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Communication & Information Yes Sometimes No

A basic, effective communication system reaches community residents of all ages.

2 6

Regular and widespread distribution of information is assured and a coordinated, centralised access is provided.

5 3

Regular information and broadcasts of interest to older people are offered.

4 4

Oral communication accessible to older people is promoted. 3 5

People at risk of social isolation get one-to-one information from trusted individuals.

1 7

Public and commercial services provide friendly, person-to-person service on request.

1 2 5

Printed information – including official forms, television captions and text on visual displays – has large lettering and the main ideas are shown by clear headings and bold-face type.

1 4 3

Print and spoken communication uses simple, familiar words in short, straightforward sentences.

1 3 4

Telephone answering services give instructions slowly and clearly and tell callers how to repeat the message at any time.

2 6

Electronic equipment, such as mobile telephones, radios, televisions, and bank and ticket machines, has large buttons and big lettering.

2 6

There is wide public access to computers and the Internet, at no or minimal charge, in public places such as government offices, community centres and libraries.

3 1 4

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