FINAL Positive Ageing Strategy - Mitchell Shire Council · Changes we may face are many and varied and can ... affected by the change, and will feel the impact of our ageing communities

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Positive Ageing Strategy

2009 - 2012

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Table of Contents Positive Ageing Strategy Guiding Principles 3 Section 1 Investing in Positive Ageing 1.1 Introduction 4

1.2 The role of Mitchell Shire Council in responding to an

ageing population 5

1.3 How has the Mitchell Shire Positive Ageing Strategy

been developed? 6

1.4 How will Mitchell Shire Council report on the actions of

the Positive Ageing Strategy? 7

Section 2 Why does the Mitchell Shire need a Positive

Ageing Strategy 2.1 The age profile for the Mitchell Shire 8

2.2 How older people are involved in their communities 9

2.3 Number of older people living independently without

significant support 10

2.4 What do older people in the community say 11

Section 3 Positive Ageing Current and Future Direction 3.1 Current service provision in Mitchell for the Aged

population 14

3.2 Positive Ageing Plan Strategic directions 19

Mitchell Shire Council Positive Ageing Strategy Action Plan 20

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Positive Ageing Strategy Guiding Principles

The principles which underpin this Positive Ageing Strategy include: Access and Participation – ensuring older people are able to participate fully in all aspects of community life Consultation – providing older people with opportunities to communicate their opinions and to influence decisions being made which affect them and their community Respect – Recognising the absolute dignity of every older person and treating them accordingly Responsiveness – being sensitive to the needs of older people and providing appropriate and timely responses to these needs Inclusiveness – Ensuring that all older people have equal opportunity to be involved and participate Building on diversity – identifying the qualities of diverse older people to add to the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of the community Communication – ensuring that older people know the services that are available and know their rights and responsibilities – and that older people have an opportunity to shape their community and the services they can access within the community Effectiveness – focusing on meeting needs in a results-oriented manner Efficiency – optimising the use of resources to meet the needs of older people Building community capacity – increasing the capacity of individuals and organisations to respond to the current and future needs of their own community Confidentiality – ensuring that all people are in control of any information which is disclosed about them to any other person. Accountability – being open to scrutiny and being able to explain and justify all actions undertaken

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Section 1: Investing in Positive Ageing 1.1 Introduction. Victorians these days are living longer, healthier lives than previous generations. As a significant proportion of people move into the 55+ age group, we are now looking at the likely impacts of this change, which includes:

- increased demands on health services - decline, rather than growth in the size of the workforce - demand for different types of community infrastructure or

services, such as transport and accessible community facilities.

Older age is a time of change which offers opportunity as well as challenges. Changes we may face are many and varied and can include our change of work role and status, body image, living arrangements, social networks, bereavements through the death of a spouse or partner, and changes to physical health and abilities. The impact of the change will depend on people's attitudes about the change, coping skills and support they have and the environment in which the change takes place. Change is not necessarily a negative time, and can be a time of challenge and growth. This Strategy has been developed to put the Mitchell Shire Council at the forefront to manage this community change and to allow Mitchell Shire to plan and prepare for its future. Virtually all aspects of Council, local business, other government, and community will be affected by the change, and will feel the impact of our ageing communities for years to come. The Positive Ageing Strategy applies to people over the age of 55, who live, work and visit the Mitchell Shire, and aims to provide opportunities for growth and development for all older people.

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1.2 The role of Mitchell Shire Council in responding to an ageing population

Mitchell Shire Council is in a unique position to inform the local community, service providers and groups, through gathering information about community needs and gaps in service delivery and to facilitate community planning. Not all of the actions outlined in the Positive Ageing Strategy Action plan can be completed by Council alone. Many will require the support, guidance, assistance and resources of community groups, community services, the business community, individuals and the other levels of government. Mitchell Shire Council has a key role in facilitating action to respond to our changing age profile. Council can:

• Leading the way in promoting practices that are inclusive of all members of our community, including the ageing community

• Provide information to its residents about services, facilities or other forms of support available

• Upgrade its existing infrastructure and ensure all newly constructed infrastructure is built to meet the needs of older citizens

• Support community groups working to provide services, programs or facilities to meet the needs to older residents

• Advocate for increased levels of service provision and bring community needs to the attention of other levels of government

• Bring key groups together to plan a response to the ageing population and associated issues

• Seek funding to attract the required services and facilities to the community

• Support, or offer community events or activities which address the needs of older people

1.3 How has the Mitchell Shire Positive Ageing Strategy

been developed? The Mitchell Shire Positive Ageing Strategy has been developed with a consultative approach, which has included as much of the community as possible. This was achieved through a three-pronged community consultation approach to ensure that most of the community had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the plan.

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The methods used to ensure the Mitchell Shire Positive Ageing Strategy provided opportunities for feedback from a wide range of contributors are as follows: Community survey. The initial planning stages of the Mitchell Shire Positive Ageing Strategy consisted of the development and distribution of a Community Survey which was aimed at people over the age of 55, who reside in the Mitchell Shire. The survey was distributed to local service groups, church groups, lifelong education services, HACC service recipients and the general public, through advertising in the local media. The community survey focused on determining what people over 55, and residing in the Mitchell Shire viewed as being important to them in positive ageing within our community. Questions asked in the Mitchell Shire Positive Ageing Strategy Community survey included:

• What people liked about living in the Mitchell Shire • Any problems encountered whilst living in the Mitchell Shire • Identification of what people considered issues for people

aged 55 years and over living in our community • Resident’s living arrangements and housing plans for the next

5 years The main aim of the Mitchell Positive Ageing Strategy Community Surveys was gather information on our local community and to identify the priorities of the Positive Ageing Strategy, which were then used at the community workshops to identify strategies and actions that Mitchell Shire Council considered when writing the Action Plan. A collation of information gathered from the surveys can be found in Section 2.4 of this document. Advisory Group The Mitchell Shire Positive Ageing Strategy was developed in conjunction with the Access & Inclusion Committee, who acted as an Advisory Group to the Strategy.

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The Advisory group for the Mitchell Shire Positive Ageing Strategy included the following contributors:

• Di Vidal • Marilyn Moore • Margot Green • Mr Rob McVernon – Mitchell Shire Council • Councillor Sue Marstaeller • Gerard Feain – Mitchell Shire Council • Lisa Pearson – Mental Illness Fellowship • Elly Fisher – Goulburn Options • Jennifer Johnston – The Centre • Laura Colliver – Lower Hume Rural Access • Angelique Mott – Mitchell Community Health Services

The role of the advisory group in the process was to oversee the development of the Positive Ageing Strategy and assist with guiding the strategic development and layout of the Strategy. Community Workshops Community Workshops were held in the Southern and Northern ends of the Shire. The purpose of the workshops was to allow community members and organisations the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions on the results of the surveys, and to provide further information as to which actions council could consider in addressing the priorities previously identified. The workshops were open to the whole community, and invitations were also sent to the same services which received the initial surveys. Further details on the information gathered and shared at the Community workshops is located in section 2.4 of this document. 1.4 How will the Mitchell Shire Council report on the actions

of the Positive Ageing Strategy? There will be periodic reporting to Mitchell Shire Council on actions from the Positive Ageing Plan through Mitchell Shire Council’s regular reporting mechanisms. There will be annual reporting to the community on the progress of the Positive Ageing Plan through the Mitchell Shire Council’s Annual Report.

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Section 2. Why does the Mitchell Shire need a Positive Ageing Strategy? 2.1 The age profile for the Mitchell Shire In 2006, just over one fifth of the Mitchell Shire population was aged 55 years or older – 6732 people or 21.3 % of the population. However, with the ageing of the “baby boomers”, we are expecting a steady increase in the aged community numbers over the coming years. Mitchell Shire Council has identified the following data projections for this age group over the coming years, which can be found in the graph below1.

Mitchell Shire population growth (over 55's)

0200040006000

8000100001200014000

2006 2011 2021

Year

Tota

l ove

r 55

popu

latio

n

Currently, the largest concentration of older people in the Mitchell Shire is in the Northern end of the Mitchell Shire (Seymour and Broadford), which can be attributed to the location of health infrastructure within the Shire. It is projected that this pattern will continue2. The Mitchell Shire is expecting exponential population growth in the South end of the Shire (Wallan and surrounds) over the coming years. Projected population growth in this area is approximately 2.7% per annum, which makes Mitchell Shire the fastest growing LGA (Local Government Area) in Victoria.

1 Mitchell Shire Council Website – ID Data Projections 2 Mitchell Shire Council Website – ID Data Projections

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This will mean a vast increase in the population of these areas, which has implications for how services can be delivered and the demand for different types of facilities and services. Another key aspect to the growth in Mitchell South is the expected migration from bordering metropolitan LGA’s. It is expected that 782 people aged over 55 will migrate into the Mitchell Shire between 2007 – 20113, which also leads to a strain on existing service provision systems. 2.2 How older people are involved in their communities. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 Census figures indicate that older people are actively involved in volunteering in Mitchell Shire, with 21% of people aged 55 and over indicating that they are involved in volunteer work for an organisation or group4 . The most active volunteers from the over 55 years age groups are in the age group of 55-64 years, with 764 people, or 23.5% indicating that they are active volunteers within their community. Within over 55 age groups, the percentage of males and females who volunteer are equitable, with 20.6% of males, and 21.6% actively volunteering within the community.5 This can be related to the high number of members within Mitchell’s local service groups, with 4 very active Lions Clubs, 2 U3A clubs, 2 Country Women’s Association Clubs, 2 Apex clubs, operating within the Shire. Responses from the Positive Ageing Strategy Survey confirmed that a high percentage6 of people over the age of 55, residing in the Mitchell Shire are involved in some form of community group, volunteering or social group within the Shire. A positive realisation from the surveys collected was that 80% of respondents indicated they know how to access the information they would need to become more involved in their community. Through the surveys and the community consultations, the community identified the need for better communication between groups and the suggestion was raised to have this done in a more formal process, such as through the development of a newsletter or newspaper column, which has been further explored through the Positive Ageing Action Plan. 3 Mitchell Shire Council Website – ID Data Projections 4 ABS Census Data (2006) 5 ABS Census Data (2006) 6 Obtained from Mitchell Shire Council Positive Ageing Strategy Community Survey – average 65%

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2.3 Number of older people living independently without

significant support. The ABS Census asks a question based around if you have “required support or assistance with self care, mobility or basic household tasks for 6 months or longer”7. Though this is not a completely accurate determinant of people in communities who are aged and living independently without requiring significant support, it gives us an approximate figure to work with. Something to note is that the Census question does not stipulate if the assistance required by individuals was provided through the service system or via friends and family, or whether the need for assistance is due to age, disability or other areas of need. One thing is certain, that as the population ages, the requirements for in-home assistance will increase, which will lead to a greater need for Aged and Disability Services within the Mitchell Shire. In the 2006 Census, 11468 people across the Mitchell Shire identified that they needed assistance with “core activities” for a minimum of 6 months. Of the people who identified that they needed assistance, 706 people, or 62% were aged 55 years or over. Of the whole 55+ aged population (6403 people), this means that only 11% of the total age group required assistance with core activities and therefore, approximately 80+% of people aged 55 years and over, residing within the Mitchell Shire are currently living independently within the community and didn’t require support and assistance with core activities on an ongoing basis. Planning at a local government level needs to take into account the fact that though the need for assistance with core activities is relatively low for older residents, some thought still needs to be put into how to best provide these services, how to ensure that residents are aware of what services are available and how to access them and that appropriate social activities are inclusive of this group of people. These planning issues were also made prevalent through the surveys and community consultations, through which community members indicated that 84% of the over 55 population are aware of the Health and Community Services available in the Mitchell Shire. 71% of the population agreed that there is a sufficient range of Health and Community Services available in the Mitchell Shire.

7 ABS Census Data (2006) 8 ABS Census Data (2006)

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In addition to this, the community identified the need to have information on Health and Community Services and information on other services, groups and activities specific to the over 55 age group outlined in a publication such as an over 55’s guide. These suggestions have been expressed through the objectives and actions in the Action Plan at the end of this document. 2.4 What do older people in the Mitchell Shire have to say? The information contained in this section of the Positive Ageing Strategy has been interpreted from a collaboration of information gathered from the Community Surveys and Community Consultation Sessions. What did the community identify as the most positive things about living in the Mitchell Shire. The community indicated that they appreciate, and contribute to a high level of social inclusion and community participation. The survey results identified that the median number of years that people have lived in the area is 25, which complements the identification that and average of 81% of people over the age of 55 who responded to the survey regularly interact with their neighbours, younger generations, families and friends. The average years of residing in the area was significantly lower in the Kilmore area, which can be attributed to the number of respondents from the Retirement Village in Kilmore, many of which relocated to the Mitchell Shire to reside at the facility. Although the levels of participation in community activities, groups and services are high within the 55+ age group across the shire, only 30% of people who responded to the survey agreed they have adequate opportunities to work either part time or full time, or participate in any work related training. Further investigation through the community consultations also identified that people over the age of 55 find it hard to locate information as to what qualifications are now required for specific roles, which were not required in the past, such as the Working With Children Checks. In response to this, Mitchell Shire Council have committed to leading the way in promoting employment of older persons in the workplace, including reviewing current employment practices to ensure they are inclusive of all members of the community, and through investigating and promoting flexible working arrangements for people nearing retirement age. These suggestions have been expressed through the Positive Ageing Action Plan.

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The community also identified that they have a wide range of opportunities to participate in arts, sports, cultural activities and social activities. This can also be linked to the average years of living in the area, as much of the over 55’s community has maintained relationships in the area over most of their lifetime, which feeds into the high participation levels in these areas and volunteering within the community. Results from the Community Surveys indicated that the majority of people over the age of 55, who responded to the survey are happy with the Community Services available in the area and are aware of where to go to get information to remain in their own homes, which is also expressed by the fact that over the next 5 years, only 13% of respondents plan on downsizing their homes or moving to a retirement village or aged care facility. Further investigation into this, through the community consultations identified that community members were unaware of facilities and services available when they do decide to move out of their homes and the suggestion was made to further promote these services within our community to this age group. This suggestion has been incorporated into the Positive Ageing Action Plan, to ensure the promotion of a positive attitude towards alternate housing arrangements. What did the community identify as needing improvement? The community identified that transport is an important issue, which is a common issue within most rural communities. The community identified that footpaths, public seating, public toilets and pedestrian crossings are issues in all towns across the Mitchell Shire. This has been addressed as a key item in the Action Plan, suggesting reviews of such be carried out over the life of the Mitchell Shire Positive Ageing Strategy. The community also identified that although public transport has been increased and become more accessible within our communities, it is still not meeting the needs of many of our older residents, Mitchell Shire Council have also incorporated an advocacy component for the transport providers in the Positive Ageing Action Plan to accommodate these concerns. The community consultations identified that although there is a high level of participation in community groups, social groups and lifelong learning groups, there is little communication between the groups, which limits cross-pollination of skills and members within the groups.

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Discussions within the Community Consultation sessions identified many possible solutions to these issues, most supported of these being the appointment of one single point of contact for groups and individuals within the Mitchell Shire, organisation of forums/expo’s to showcase different services and activities available within the Shire, the development of a Service Guide for people aged over 55 within the Mitchell Shire, the incorporation of this guide into new residents packs to assist people new to the area to determine what is available and the implementation of a newsletter or newspaper column to communicate activities and achievements of groups and individuals within the Shire to others who are currently missing out on this information exchange. These suggestions have been incorporated into the Action Plan at the end of the Mitchell Shire Positive Ageing Strategy.

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Section 3. Positive Ageing Current and Future Direction 3.1 Current Service Provision in Mitchell for the Aged Population A key component of the Positive Ageing Strategy survey was an information gathering exercise in which respondents advised of services, activities, groups and organisations which they currently participate in. A comprehensive list collating the information can be found below; keeping in mind this is not a comprehensive list of what is available, but a list of what activities are being carried out by people who responded to the surveys. Issue Service Agency /

Group Service Area

Allied Health Diabetes Educator

MCHS Mitchell Shire

Allied Health Podiatrist

MCHS

Mitchell Shire

Allied Health Podiatry Seymour Hospital

Seymour Hospital

Allied Health Physiotherapy Seymour Hospital

Seymour Hospital

Education U3A

U3A Kilmore / Seymour

Education Library Mitchell Shire Council

Seymour Library

Education Computer Course

Broadford Community Centre

Broadford

General interest Craft Group

Wandong Hall

Wandong Hall

General interest Pretty Sally Garden Club

Pretty Sally Garden Club

Wallan

General interest Book Club CAE Kilmore – Private Homes

General interest Embroidery Club

CAE Kilmore – Private Homes

General interest Riding Club Wandong Wandong General interest PDNC Mens

Shed

PDNC

PDNC

General interest Golf Kilmore Golf Club

Kilmore

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Issue Service Agency / Group

Service Area

General interest Ten Pin Bowling

Keon Park Bowling Centre

Keon Park

General interest Kilmore Historical Society

Kilmore Historical Society

Kilmore

General interest Bridge Club Kilmore Community Centre

Kilmore Community Centre

General interest Circle of Friendship

Anglican Church Wallan

Wallan

General interest Probus Seymour Probus

Salvation Army Hall

General interest Music Caladenia Nursing Home

Kilmore

General interest Art Broadford Snr Citizens

Broadford

General interest Town Planning issues Group

Kilmore Integrity Kept Inc.

Kilmore

General interest Meeting & Speaker

Kilmore Historical Society

Kilmore

General interest Meeting Wandong / Heathcote Junction Community Group

Wandong

General interest Meeting Mitchell Shire Council

Broadford

General interest Meeting Kilmore Chamber of Commerce

Kilmore

General interest Meeting Kilmore Mechanics Institute

Kilmore

General interest RSL Seymour RSL

Seymour Club

General interest Member

Cemetery Trust

Broadford

In home support Home Care Mitchell Community Health Services

Mitchell shire

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Service Area

In home support

Home Maintenance

Mitchell Community Health Services

In home

In home support Personal Care Mitchell Community Health Services

In home

In home support District Nursing

Mitchell Community Health Services Kilmore Hospital

In home In home

In home support Assisted Shopping


In home

In home support Visiting Nurse Seymour Hospital

In home

In home support Meals on Wheels recipient


In home

In home support In home respite


In home

In home support Housebound book delivery

Seymour library

In home

Physical activity Fit 4 life Kilmore Leisure Centre

Kilmore

Physical activity SWIMMING

Mitchell Shire Council

Seymour Indoor Pool Kilmore Leisure Centre

Physical activity Strong for life


Kilmore Leisure Centre

Physical Activity Contours Contours Wallan Physical Activity Walking

Group Mitchell Community Health Services

Community Centre

Physical activity

Aqua Aerobics



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Service Area

Physical activity Tai Chi Salvation Army

Salvation Army Hall

Physical activity Living Longer Living Stronger

COTA Kilmore Physio Centre

Physical activity Yoga Mitchell Shire Council


Physical Activity Gym Curves Mitchell Shire Council

Curves Seymour Kilmore Leisure Centre

Physical activity Sporting Activities

The Elms Retirement Village

Kilmore

Physical activity Walking group Mitchell Shire Council


Physical activity COTA Programs

MCHS Broadford

Physical activity Various Activities

Seymour Hospital

Seymour

Physical Activity Fitness Seymour Youth & Fitness Centre

Seymour

Physical activity Bowling Bowling Club

Wallan

Physical activity Bowls Seymour Bowls

Seymour

Physical activity Bowls Kilmore Bowling Club

Kilmore

Socialisation / Wellbeing

Planned Activity Groups

MCHS / Seymour District Hospital

Mitchell Shire

Socialisation/Wellbeing member Seymour Lions Club

Seymour

Socialisation - wellbeing

Social groups, Macedonian Social Group

Epping Epping

Volunteering

Walking School Bus

Uniting Church

Uniting Church

Volunteering Church Roster Church

St Mary’s Seymour

Volunteering Steering Committee

Rail Trail Tallarook/Seymour

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Service Area

Volunteering Meals on Wheels – Volunteer


In home

Volunteering Xmas Party

Combined Churches

Berry St

Volunteering opportunities

Local and Tourist Information

Seymour Visitors Information Centre

Old Court House

Volunteering Information and Support

The Seymour We Want

Seymour TAFE

Volunteering Kilmore Hospital Auxiliary

Kilmore Hospital

Kilmore

Volunteering Transport Lower Hume Community Transport

Seymour – Melbourne

Volunteering St Vincent De Paul – Volunteer

St Vincent De Paul

Home Visits

Volunteering Drama Dream Theatre

Seymour

Volunteering Charitas Group

Anglican Church

Kilmore

Volunteering Church Services

Anglican Church

Kilmore

Volunteering Volunteering Kilmore Hospital & Caladenia Nursing Home

Kilmore

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3.2 Positive Ageing Plan Strategic Directions The Mitchell Shire Council Positive Ageing strategy has developed to identify and address the needs of older people in our community and to equip us with the knowledge to further develop and plan for the ageing population change in our community. The input gained through consultations undertaken as part of this plan has been a fundamental component of planning and preparing for the future of the Aged community within the Mitchell Shire, and has led to the identification of key issues from which strategic directions have been formulated. These strategic directions are outlined below: 1. Community Attitudes 2. Participating in your community 3. Living in your community 4. Independence & Good Health 5. Education & Information

Mitchell Shire Council Positive Ageing Strategy Action Plan 2009-2012 1. Community Attitudes. Objective: To develop a more positive attitude to older people and ageing within the Mitchell Shire.

Goal Action Responsibility Timeline To increase awareness of issues for older citizens in the Mitchell Shire

To support Positive Ageing Forums across the Mitchell Shire which promote services, products and issues specific to ageing

Mitchell Shire Council (MSC)– Community & Recreation

2009 - 2012

To promote a positive attitude towards ageing within the Mitchell Shire

To promote positive terminology which reflects ageing within our community

Whole of MSC - lead by Community & Recreation

2009 - 2012

To promote a positive attitude towards ageing within the Mitchell Shire

To promote positive images of older people in Council’s publications and media

Whole of MSC - lead by Executive Services

2009 - 2012

Increase community awareness of achievements of older residents in the community

Highlight and acknowledge achievements of older persons in the arts, education, physical activity, community activities and creativity.

Whole of MSC - lead by Community & Recreation

2009 - 2012

Mitchell Shire Council Positive Ageing Strategy Action Plan 2009-2012 2. Participating in your community Objective: To increase participation of older people in all aspects of community, including work, volunteering and recreational activities

Goal Action Responsibility Timeline Employment of older persons in the workplace

Mitchell Shire Council to review current Employment Practices to ensure they are inclusive of all members of our community

Mitchell Shire Council (MSC)- Executive services

June 2010

Flexible employment conditions

To investigate the introduction of flexibility into Mitchell Shire Council’s staffing policy to enable older workers to continue employment

MSC – Executive Services

June 2010

Flexible employment conditions

To encourage local businesses to adopt flexible staffing options, including part time work, phased-in retirement, job sharing and mentoring

MSC – Corporate Services

June 2010

Information to support access to services

To investigate the publication of a practical, accessible directory detailing services and resources in the Mitchell Shire for people aged 55 and over in both hard copy and on-line

MSC – Community & Recreation

June 2010

Information for new residents

Mitchell Shire Council to review current new residents welcome pack, and promote inclusion of positive ageing information, including the directory, when developed


2009-2012

Development of new programs for older persons

To investigate the opportunity to diversify the Council Grants Scheme to encourage proposals from over 50’s, which meet the objectives of the Positive Ageing Strategy


December 2010

Mitchell Shire Council Positive Ageing Strategy Action Plan 2009-2012 3. Living in your community Objective: To maximise local planning, design and access to transport and infrastructure opportunities to better meet the needs of older people

Goal Action Responsibility Timeline To maximise opportunities for older people to be involved in Council Planning

To promote the Access & Inclusion Committee and encourage participation from the older residents in Mitchell Shire

MSC – Community & Recreation, Access & Inclusion Committee

December 2009

To promote an inclusive, effective public transport system for older residents

To advocate with local transport providers to ensure the public transport system is meeting the needs of local residents


2009 – 2012

To maximise opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices, including walking

To investigate a review of footpaths within the Mitchell Shire, to promote healthy lifestyle options

MSC – Engineering & Infrastructure

2009 - 2012

To increase access to public facilities

To investigate a review of public toilets, to ensure they are accessible and well placed


2009 - 2012

To increase access to public buildings

To investigate a review of public buildings, to promote accessibility and determine if they are meeting the needs of the communities in which they are placed


2009 - 2012

Mitchell Shire Council Positive Ageing Strategy Action Plan 2009-2012 4. Independence & Good Health Objective: To support and promote older person’s independence within the community & maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

Goal Action Responsibility Timeline To promote the future development of services which assist older persons to remain in their homes

To support Mitchell Community Health Services – Home Care department to best meet the needs of the community


2009 - 2012

To promote services which are targeted towards meeting the needs of our ageing community

To investigate the possibility of identifying current service gaps within the ageing community, and work with other organisations and services to advocate for services identified


2009 - 2012

To promote information which increases access to services

To support Positive Ageing Forums/Expos which are being planned within the community, with a focus on health lifestyle and positive ageing


2009 – 2012

Maintenance of a Healthy lifestyle of older persons

To continue to develop, support and promote older persons activity groups such as Fit for Life


2009 – 2012

To promote Healthy Ageing within our community

To continue to support community groups and agencies to provide fitness sessions and programs which target the over 55 population


2009 - 2012

To promote housing options for people aged over 55

To work with Nursing Homes, Retirement Villages and other accommodation providers to promote a positive attitude towards alternate housing arrangements


2009 -2012

Mitchell Shire Council Positive Ageing Strategy Action Plan 2009-2012 5. Education & Information Objective: To promote an increase in information exchange and educational opportunities for older people in the Mitchell Shire

Goal Action Responsibility Timeline To promote a key point of contact for older persons in relation to information specific to their needs

Mitchell Shire Council continue to provide a Community Directory through its website to act as a single point of contact for groups, organisations and services


2009 - 2012

To promote information exchange between services, activities and groups specific to older persons

To investigate opportunities to further develop the “Connecting Communities” column in local newspapers to promote information exchange for groups and individuals

MSC – Executive Services

2009 - 2012

To promote educational opportunities for people over 55.

To work in partnership with services, organisations, community groups and TAFE’s to promote lifelong learning opportunities


2009 - 2012

Documents

FINAL Positive Ageing Strategy - Mitchell Shire Council · Changes we may face are many and varied and can ... affected by the change, and will feel the impact of our ageing communities