The social inclusion of older people is a growing concern for policy makers and service providers alike. An ageing population means there’s a greater need for government and statutory authorities to work with older people in planning future service needs.
Government and social policy on ageing is already placing a welcome emphasis on the issue of ‘active ageing’‚ social inclusion and consumer participation and removing barriers to further contribution. Consumer participation in program and service design is par for course if we are to deliver responsive services to our ageing population. This is particularly important as a more vocal and self directed baby boomer generation approaches ageing.
COTA NSW is often approached by a range of stakeholders to provide some guidelines or protocols around consulting with older people.
1. How do older people want to be consulted?
2. What is their preferred method of communication?
3. What are the barriers to communication for older people?
We have seen in recent years, a tendency of service providers to produce less written material and move more towards electronic and web based products. This is a result of cost cutting measures and the greater degree of flexibility provided by electronic products (that is they can be updated more regularly at little to no cost).
COTA NSW represents the needs of older people in a number of forums where service providers want to inform consumers of services via text messages or through web based information.
Resources
Printed material is costly and often not very well distributed, yet it is an important method of reaching older people. However the font size, paper type and colour contrast are all important factors when designing paper products for older people.
While web based resources are important, they are essentially an intermediary tool and should be used as a subsidiary or support to printed materials.
Consultation
While we understand the time consuming nature and added cost in holding face to face meetings and consultations, we believe it is necessary for the current generation of older people who have not been as readily exposed or inclined towards technology based or online communication. It is necessary to hold face to face meetings, focus groups, workshops and the like to engage older people.
We also believe that a peer model works best – that older people feel more comfortable being consulted by their peers, especially on sensitive topics.
Location and premises need to be accessible and close to public transport and/or parking facilities. The time meetings are held is also important, as are rest breaks and provision of refreshments.
Your thoughts?
What other important points could we include in a protocol that facilitates the inclusion of older people? What barriers do older people face in accessing information?
Please contact the Policy Team to tell us your thoughts on 02 9286 3860 or 1800 449 102 or email us policy@cotansw.com.au.