Older Victorians speak up
A groundbreaking report has identified that older people want more information about retirement living and aged care.
Older Victorians have trouble finding the information they need when moving into a retirement village or aged care, according to a groundbreaking report from the state’s Ministerial Advisory Council of Senior Victorians.
The Seniors Speak Up! Report was based on over 30 group consultations with over 1,400 senior Victorians between May and July this year.
The council also received over 270 written submissions from seniors and their representatives.
According to the report, the high amount of information available online is a hindrance to many older people who do not have access to the latest technology.
“The internet is good if you are able to use the technology,” one regional participant commented.
The report uncovered a strong demand for government information for seniors in the popular free media, such as local newspapers, radio and ethnic media.
More consistent than any other concern though were issues with mobility, transport and independence.
There was particular interest in more flexible medical transport for consumers with medical appointments.
Other key themes identified by the report include access to appropriate housing and wellbeing.
The report was welcomed by Aged and Community Care Victoria, which said it should serve as the catalyst for an aged care ‘road map’.
The group is calling for a $67 million ageing package in the state’s 2009 budget to address areas of critical need.
“We believe additional funding is required to plan for ageing inclusive communities, to encourage more people to take up a career in the sector, to refurbish and redevelop public sector residential care, to assist residential aged care facilities to become green and grey, and to strengthen small and isolated rural Victorian communities,” said ACCV CEO, Gerard Mansour.
