Known euphemistically as ‘Nappy Valley’, due to its high proportion of young families, Happy Valley in South Australia is also very aware of the increasing needs of its older residents.
Recently a project officer was appointed to identify the needs of the senior population and the best means of providing appropriate services. Providing information on services to aged residents and their carers is a key element in this strategy.
While free information seminars were staged and promotion of issues affecting older people featured in Council’s regular newsletter, the production of an information booklet specifically for senior citizens has been the main focus of the campaign. It enables seniors to tap directly into the services available in the community.
The comprehensive Seniors Information Booklet not only provides information, it is used as a tool to develop further services. A Reference Group, appointed to assist in the production of the booklet, included senior citizens who not only participated in the initial stages but worked directly on the content, layout and structure of the booklet.
The result is a highly user friendly, bright and clear resource document. It conveys information on a wide range of activities from veterans clubs to shopping centres that home deliver. Issues of retirement lifestyles, personal safety and support for carers are all included in this very comprehensive publication. It also takes account of non English speakers and is designed to be easy to hold and store.
Importantly, it has identified gaps in service provision providing the basis for planning future services. The booklet was launched at a Civic Luncheon with over 80 representatives from Happy Valley’s senior population present.
For further information contact Peta Stump, Community Development Officer, telephone (08) 8374 6270.
