THE AGED Groups in Context Prevalence of the

THE AGED Groups in Context

Prevalence of the Aged Who are the aged? “The Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) refers to the aged as those individuals who are aged 65 years and over. ” However, there are many differing views out there: - The national senior Association refers to the aged as 50+ - The Council of the aging refers to the aged as 50+ - The Home and Community Care Program refers to the aged as 65+ and indigenous as 45+ - The NSW Government requires that a person be 60+

The ABS… Like most developed countries, Australia’s population is ageing as a result of sustained low fertility and increasing life expectancy. Between 1996 and 2016, the number of people aged 65 years and over in Australia increased from 12% to 15. 3%. In the 12 months to 30 th June 2016, the number of aged people aged 65+ increased by 116, 000 people, representing a 3. 3% increase. All states and territories experienced growth in 2016. The largest was the Northern Territory (6. 2%), the

Individual Diversity and the Aged What does Diversity Mean? Means understanding that each person is unique and recognising individual differences.

Individual Diversity and the Aged Come from all races, genders and educational and socio economic groups Are one of most diverse groups within the Australian Society Often only share one thing in common and that is age Can suffer from cultural and Linguistic difficulties Commonly suffer from illnesses and age related disabilities such as dementia Many are veterans and hero’s in their own right Have children, grand children and great grand children Are married, divorced or widowed

Individual Diversity and the Aged Can be able bodied, disabled, sick or frail Can be quite self sufficient or rely heavily on those around them Are a growing burden on government resources such as hospitals and aged care facilities Can be wealthy or socio economically disadvantaged Can own their own home or live in a nursing home

Terminology used to describe the Aged… Is closely linked with Characteristics and needs. The term “aged” is hard to define as it seen so differently by so many different people. The legal definition focuses on the age of retirement for both genders, which is 65. This has also moved across to a normal socially accepted definition. Terminology often focuses on the negative traits, which are often tainted by encounters and visual recollections:

Terminology used to describe the Aged… Old Weak Wrinkly Burden Frail Dependent Poor Don’t understand… Gossips Religious Smelly Traditional Whingers Lonely Knowledgeable Tired Gentle

What impact does this use of terminology have on aged people in Australia? Negative Positive Defines and shapes Can empower the attitudes of society Impersonal and stigmatising Normalises incapability takes away dignity Cliché aged Opens up more opportunity as they don’t sound as old Can hone in on tradition “tribal elders” Builds resilience and in turn – respect from society

Jacob Cramer

Discuss the impact of Jacob Cramer’s organisation on… Aged individuals: The Aged group as a whole: The community:

Issues of Concern – Satisfaction of needs for the aged Health – Tend to have health problems such as arthritis, vision and hearing difficulties, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and type 2 diabetes. Have high rates of hospital admissions As they lose their independence they rely heavily on their family and friends. This can cause them to feel a burden on society and promotes depression. Some aged are lonely and isolated Carers can feel stressed and needs may not be met.

Issues of Concern – Satisfaction of needs for the aged Residential Care Many residential facilities provide good levels of care, but recently reports have demonstrated some aged are subject to abuse and neglect in residential care Shortage of nurses in Australia which increases workload and stress. This limits attraction to community services jobs and affects people wanting to retain their job. Residential care has long waiting lists. This places great demand on home care services (which are already strained).

Issues of Concern – Satisfaction of needs for the aged Safety – Often don’t feel safe in own home Targets of theft, attacks, scams, elder abuse (financial, verbal, physical, psychological, sexual or social nature). The most common being financial and psychological. The most common abusers are adult children or teenagers Witnesses often don’t complain as there are no ramifications and as there is no legislation surrounding elder abuse.

Issues of Concern – Satisfaction of needs for the aged Bias – Biased against older workers – has led to fewer older people in the workforce. Against the law to discriminate based on age, but can be difficult to prove. Concern as not financially secure and cannot maintain quality of life Rental payments (if renting) usually consume the majority of their income. Many believe the age pension s insufficient for maintaining a reasonable standard of living.

Issues of Concern – Satisfaction of needs for the aged Driving Concern to the community that there are unsafe drivers on the road R & M have changed licensing laws for the aged. Some may lose licenses, which will decrease their access to resources and services and reduce their independence.

Strategy Impact Education on public transport Maintain the ability to move around without reliance on others. Can continue to access services and resources as they did previously. Independence is maintained and could improve social life as more active and may meet new people whilst travelling. Increases safety and reduces risk taking behaviour also. Save money on rego & petrol and travel will be reduced due to age Joining local social clubs/leisure teams (lawn bowls) Should give the individual something to do. Should create broader social networking. Increase fitness and strength to help better manage illness, ageing process and independent living requirements. Can increase sense of self and identity as they can relate to others of a similar age and share common interests. Educate about technology and the internet for shopping/ban king etc Will open up accessibility of services and more options for communication with family, friends and health professionals and services. Should enable peace of mind without having to leave the house. Ensures needs are met at a basic level and could free up more time to socialise in other ways rather than running errands.

Needs of the Aged NEEDS]= Adequate standard of living Health Education Employment Safety and Security Sense of Explanation. . . Majority live at home or with family. Minority live in aged care. Cost of housing will affect standard of living and housing aged can afford. Home care services offer independence. Assistance needed may include; shopping, transport, mowing, home maintenance, personal care etc. . Affordable and age appropriate. Home care services offer independence. Assistance needed may include; shopping, transport, mowing, home maintenance, personal care etc. Stimulates the mind body and soul, lifelong experience, adult education may include internet, pottery or language classes. Emphasis on courses designed with aged in mind. Source of identity status. Aged=retirement. More aged continue to work after reaching retirement age. Some retire and return to the workforce on part time and casual basis. Financial support… Mainly from government – aged pension, some aged are self funded in retirement meaning they don’t have a pension Very important, feel vulnerable. Issues related to physical environment eg: hand rails, non-slip surfaces, ramps and personal security Varies from person to person. If ageing is approached positively it will generally be a positive process and increase levels of self esteem. However, the change

Specific of Priority Needs What is a specific or priority need? “A need is considered a priority if the primary basis for an individual being able to satisfy other needs, or to achieve a basic sense of wellbeing. ”

What happens if needs NOT met? Need 1: Need 2:

My simple Invention – Kenneth Shinozuka

My simple Invention – Kenneth Shinozuka Identify the specific need this video addresses for the Aged Discuss how Kenneth justifies the need for this invention. Discuss some of the implications identified by Kenneth (for his grandfather) if this need was not met.

Services Available to the Aged

Services for the Aged

Access to Services C H E E T A H F L ounseling ealth Care mployment ducation ransport ccomodation/ ousing inancial Services eagal Aid

Services for the Aged Identify what area/s of need where addressed. Create a list of services available for the aged in the local area Outline at least 2 services in our community which are available for the aged group to meet their needs. Complete the table- Support Services

Factors Affecting Access to Resources It is important that the ages have access to both human and non-human resources in order to meet their needs (SHE SEA) and ensure their own wellbeing (SPEECS). The factors that affect access to resources for the aged include the following: - C A G E D L E S ulture ge ender ducation (level of) isability (type of) ocation mployment ocio economic status

Resources What is a resource? A resource may be human or non-human. Generally assist in the meeting of goals. Without resources the likelihood of achieving goals is severely restricted. For the aged, a variety of services and support structures are available. However, the rapidly growing aged population means there is pressure on some resources.

Time The aged tend to have a lot of “spare” time on their hands due to less or no work commitments. Time to complete everyday tasks is increased due to health and age-related issues (eg: limited mobility). Individuals and carers need time to be transported to services. Transporting an aged individual can be time consuming. Time off work for a child of an elderly individual can be difficult to manage and have accepted by employers. This can make access to specialist services hard.

Energy of an aged person can vary depending on age and disability. The aged suffer from limited mobility, illness and mental health issues and often lack the energy required to look after themselves This can affect the decision to remain involved in employment and/or enroll in educational courses/programs. The energy required to look after an aged person can also effect the wellbeing of their carers and immediate family causing ill being and needs not being met.

Money Aged individuals can require expensive equipment, medication and care. This often places great stress on the finances of aged individuals and their families. Allowances are provided for aged carers, however, it is generally not comparable to that of full-time employment. Many of the aged (currently) do not have super or savings to meet their needs. The government has initiatives to support the aged such as : - The Pension Bonus Scheme, which provides a lump sum incentive for older Australians to remain in the workforce and defer claiming Age Pension.

- The Work Bonus is an incentive for pensioners past age pension age to remain in the workforce by increasing the amount they can earn before their pension is reduced. - the Age Pension (for those 65+). To qualify they must first satisfy age and residence requirements. How much they can get depends on their income and assets and other circumstances. - For those that are legally blind, they may get an Age Pension Blind payment which has no income or assets test. - There are other payments and supplements available as well. For instance, the Pension Loans Scheme can help if their capital is tied up

The Pensioner Concession Card. This gives the aged access to Australian Government health concessions and helps with the cost of living by reducing the cost of certain goods and services.

Knowledge This can affect individuals at different levels depending on their age/disability. The aged often have more wisdom then knowledge. Although educated, their education is often outdated and this impacts on their ability to make sound judgments and choices and can effect their health and wellbeing. Illnesses such as Alzheimer's impact greatly on an aged individuals knowledge affecting their day to day living and increasing their reliance on carers or family.

The aged are often full of knowledge on our history. They struggle with change and this affects their mental health and can lead to depression. The advancement of technology over the past 20 years has greatly impacted the aged. They have difficulty in knowing how to use technologies such as the internet and computers and this can make them feel a burden on society and does not help their sense of identity. The difficulty in accessing technology may also make it difficult for aged people to find out about employment, health, financial and educational

Aspects of Services for the Aged Opening hours Confidentialit y + easily accessible through online/telephone or emergency rooms if required 24/7. - Due to lack of time, energy and money access can be limited (eg: takes more time to transport an aged individual). Lack of education may make online access more difficult for the aged to access services online. Aged individuals rely on carers/family to transport them and this can be restricted by opening hours and work commitments. + If staff provide care and respect for the aged indiv. ’s confidential information than the aged indiv. will have an increased sense of safety and security and feel a part of society thus increasing their sense of identity. - If an aged indiv does not feel safe and secure they may not share the required health information to gain the correct treatment. Or if carers or services do not provide confidentiality in patient care this will also negatively impact on the aged’s want to utilise services to meet their needs. Location + If services are located close together and/or if an aged indiv. moves to a retirement village or aged care they benefit from easier access to services like doctors, shops and banks and this also benefits their social wellbeing. If services are far away use of home care services can be beneficial. - If the aged indiv. Is located in a rural area then their access will be limited to services close to them or those found online (if they know how to access them). This can impact heavily on their quality of life and satisfaction of needs. Staffing + Educated staff can often provide advice and knowledge from experience in the field to meet aged individuals needs. Can often form relationships and enhance social wellbeing. - Staff can become tired and overwhelmed working with high needs aged invid’s impacting on their wellbeing and forcing them away from that line of work. Staff are not drawn to aged care due to demanding nature meaning often short staffed

Q. What strategies could be put in place to improve the aged’s access to resources? A. We could educate them on how to use and implement technology into their daily lives for communication, access and even banking needs. Implementation of the Aged care act to ensure equality, access and recognition within the community. Introduction of free or provision of more subsidised transport for the aged to enable reliable transport to and from facilities regularly accessed by the aged to maintain their needs especially health care services. This will help with factors of time, money and energy. All of these will enable the maintenance of wellbeing for the aged.

Choose 2 services for the Aged. Outline how available the services are within the community Service Name 1. Location Opening Hours Confidentialit y Staffing 2.

Creating Positive Social Environments – Issues of Concern for the Aged The aged are becoming a significant part of the Australian society as they increase in numbers and place greater demand on health services, financial assistance and depend on help from the wider community. When explaining and identifying issues of the concern for the elderly not all aged individuals need to be assessed but also those services within the community that

Issues of Concern for the Aged Some issues facing the aged within the Australian society have been identified below: Affordable housing Culturally appropriate Health services Appropriate and adequate services to minimise social isolation and lessen the impact of no family or support networks. Affordable service delivery Appropriate financial Transport Information delivery for older people with complex diagnosis A safe environment Support for carers Appropriate service

Government Policy and Legislation Effective policies inform and guide daily practise. Policies needs to be current, clearly written and accessible to all stakeholders. Policies ensure that carers, staff and the aged are informed about appropriate practices and that they understand why these are necessary. Well developed policies support carers, staff and the aged and help to ensure consistency in daily practices and decision

Government Policies and Regulation Centrelink – Aged Pension: This is a safety net for those who aren’t able to fully provide for themselves in retirement. It ensures that everybody has an adequate income when they retire. It is paid by Centrelink to people who qualify on age (65+) and residence criteria (must be an Australian resident). Centrelink works out how much aged pension is payable. This depends on your income and assets and other circumstances. Q. How does the aged pension allow the aged to plan for their retirement? A. This allows ageing Australians to feel secure and safe in their retirement. Caters for housing, food, communication, and travel. It is a reward for

Government Policies and Regulation Commonwealth senior health card: Australians aged 60 and over who are not working full time may obtain a seniors card. There is also a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) which gives older Australians access to concessions on prescription medicines and to the telephone allowance. Many self funded retirees will be eligible for the CSHC. Also war widows who do not hold a Pensioner Concession Card might also be eligible for a CSHC. The cards are issued free by each state and territory government and enable holders to get a wide range of discounts on public and commercial activities. Although seniors cards are issues by states/territories, businesses in one state will usually recognise cards from another and these businesses will have displayed a “seniors card welcome” sticker.

Government Policies and Regulation Pensioner concession card: The PCC enables pensioners to obtain concessions on prescription medicines and hearing services and, in conjunction with the Medicare card, basic hospital and medical treatment. You also get the telephone allowance plus concessions on state and local government charges and from some businesses.

Government Policies and Regulation Health Care Card: Low income earners may be eligible to get a Health Care Card to help with the cost of medicines and a limited number of concessions Q. How do the Concessions available to the aged allow them to plan for their retirement? A. Provides peace of mind at a stage when life can become expensive and hard. Cost of living, fresh food costs and availability of services can be expensive. However the biggest burden is generally health and medication costs. The provision of consessions provides some relief and also relieves the burden that could be placed on our hospital system.

Community that Support the Aged Organisation Meals on Wheels Convoy of Hope Vinnies Shuttle bus services My Aged Care Seniors Enquiry Line Meets need Y/N Why/Why not?

Meals on Wheels

Bunyip Mens Shed

Equity Issues for the Aged Define Equity: Equity issues are issues that cause inequality. They should be addressed to create a more equal - social environment for the aged community. Equity issues may relate to: The meeting of needs (SHE SEA) Access to services (SLEDAGE) Health Care Privacy and Confidentiality Freedom from discrimination

So what are some equity issues that the aged face in our society? The 2014 budget surrounding aged pension amount and GP co-payment means that some elderly people may feel they cannot afford to go see a doctor. Health -

What Management Strategies could be put in place to ensure that the aged don’t face these equity issues?

“Greens Caring for Older Australians” Critically analyse the Management strategies “the Green’s” propose to ensure that the aged don’t face equity issues?

Contributions the group makes within the community – Societal Attitudes People may feel that it is their responsibility to look after an aged relative and have feelings of guilt if they don’t. People may be forced to care for an elderly relative with whom they have never had a good relationship; this may lead to stress and possibly resentment. People don’t want to look after elderly relatives because of the inconvenience and

Some people may feel they are incapable of looking after an elderly relative. Families and relatives often feel frustration and resentment in caring for elderly relatives, particularly if they have an illness such as dementia. People are of the opinion that it is too hard to look after an older person as it impacts on their careers, friendships, social life and relationships with others and can often lead the carer to feel isolated

What has the group done to improve societies attitudes? • This group weren’t always ‘old’ and many held down jobs that contributed to the community. Many are now staying in or re-entering the workforce. This is a positive for society as it reduces pension payments and improves their social health and overall wellbeing. • Research completed by Volunteering Australia and the National Volunteering Strategy found that the aged were one of the most likely groups to volunteer and were the group to volunteer the most of the time. Often those who don’t need to work or cannot find suitable employment will volunteer their time. Positively benefiting all aspects of their wellbeing.

Impact on wellbeing of the aged & how would society suffer?

Advocacy Define Advocacy: Advocacy is speaking acting, writing with minimal conflict of interest on behalf of the aged, protecting and defend their welfare and justice by: being on their side and no-one else’s being primarily concerned with their fundamental needs remaining loyal and accountable to them in a way which is emphatic.

Advocacy and the aged: Advocacy services represent or act in the interests of older people to promote, protect or defend their welfare or rights. The role of advocacy is to help older people enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other members of society. An advocacy service can help you get what you want or what you are entitled to receive by: - helping older people to act for themselves - supporting families and carers to act on behalf of an older person

Community organisations that advocate for the Aged https: //www. adhc. nsw. gov. au/individuals/ageing_well/advocacy_services_for_older_people NSW Meals on Wheels Association NSW Home Maintenance and Modification State Council Community Transport Organisation NSW Council of Social Services Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association NSW Carers NSW

Raising awareness within the community Globally and nationally there are many bodies, volunteer groups and individuals who work to improve community awareness, provide education and promote the rights of the aged in our communities. They do this to: - Raise visibility and awareness of issues and injustices - Give the aged a voice - Bring legitimacy to fight for human rights - Build support from the general population

Educating the Community NSW has a great opportunity to realise the benefits of an ageing population and to harness the contribution of seniors in our communities. Equally important will be empowering people to plan ahead for the future they envisage in their later years. News columns in the local media and the promotion of activities and events for the aged, each assist to educate the community. Informal networks also play a major role in informing the local and wider community of events in which the aged are immersed. Local organisations who work with and provide services for the aged are also strong advocates of their clients and play a significant role in educating the community.

Rights of the Aged Equality Job availability/access Access to services (meals on According to related policies and regulations more specifically the antidiscrimination act, the aged are to be treated with the same rights, freedom and authority that any other Australian citizen encounters. wheels) Healthcare (affordable) Superannuation Discrimination due to heritage Financial support and assistance Right to transport Right to legal aid Optional right to living choice Freedom of speech Right to an affluent life Right to a safe/secure life and home Satisfaction of sexual needs Right to legal aid

A person’s rights should not be reduced once they move into care. The Aged-care Rights Services promotes the following rights and protects the legal rights of each aged person to ensure quality of life. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Questions The United Nations and Human Rights Declaration establish the aged human rights as… Which sub group of the aged is most at risk of violation and why? What % of the elderly are woman? Identify the rights from international treaties, declarations and commitments that relate to the aged in Australia. In 1989 the World Medical Association adopted a declaration. Name the declaration and provide insight to its purpose. Provide brief detail related to 3 rights of The Aged.