Older adults’ need survey calls for pool
A survey of Southern Tararua older adults has been conducted by Pahiatua Community Services Trust with a wish for a heated swimming pool standing out.
Of 80 participants, mainly women, aged 65 plus with the largest proportion in the 70-79 age ranges, ethnicity was: 86 per cent identified as NZ European, two respondents identified as Ma¯ ori, six described themselves either as Kiwi, New Zealander, or Pa¯ keha¯ Ma¯ ori.
“Our community in the Southern Tararua is a good place to live with a supportive community,” said Di Eagle, chairwoman of Pahiatua Community Services Trust.
“We need to consider those who did not contribute responses in this needs assessment. An underlying message was that there were other people worse off who need support and loneliness is an issue.
“There are challenges for health and social services and Tararua District Council to consider how our older people can be better supported in the Southern Tararua to address health care, home help, transport and connection to community.
“There are opportunities for community groups to explore in more depth support specifically for this age group including companionship and the recurring theme of a heated pool.
“Under the housing and transport category, extended hours for the community car and inclusion of out of town destinations was noted. A fix-it service to do small odd jobs was thought necessary and cheaper prices for home maintenance and gardening services. A community car was thought necessary in Woodville. A pedestrian crossing at the south end of Pahiatua would provide safe access for Waireka Rest Home,” she said.
Some of the observations:
■ Gold Card is not well advertised as to where it can be used.
■ Health or being too busy or no time were the main barriers to volunteering or further community involvement.
■ Need to be involved with other people for companionship and reluctance of older people asking for help.
■ Drop-in centre needed for seniors (perhaps at the info centre).
■ Community groups that provided support included Cancer Society, Women’s Institute, golf clubs, PHO, Brigidine Sisters, churches, marae, Eketahuna Health Centre, Anglican Care Wairarapa, Woodville Salvation Army.
■ Top 10 answers for what matters most to respondents in daily life — health, family, friends, independence, waking up, companionship, being able to drive, no money worries, not falling over, being fit and pain free.
■ 88 per cent feel content or very content.
■ Respondents’ underlying theme was loneliness as a fear for some and an actuality for others.
■ Visiting scheme for housebound thought necessary.
■ Elder support needed — social worker.
The results fit well with a lot of the feedback Pahiatua On Track is getting regarding the town upgrade, according to chairwoman Louise Powick.
“Addressing the issue of the height of the footpath gutters and residents wanting a good surface and maintenance of the footpaths were key issues raised,” she said.
“Also, parking spaces have been identified as being too close on the Pahiatua New World side of the Main St. Being sandwiched between two SUVs is a challenge even for slim people, let alone the elderly or those physically challenged.
Another issue is the need for an extra pedestrian crossing at the southern approach to Pahiatua which would give access to Waireka Care Home. On the concept plan for the Pahiatua Main St upgrade at least one extra pedestrian crossing is planned. More seating along Main St on the footpaths is noteworthy but would need to blend in with the aesthetics of the concept plan.
“Feedback on the concept plans is coming back to the community at the end of July. The survey results confirm Pahiatua On Track is meeting the needs of the community and gives us more clout to address issues with council — the results are very timely.
“Separate to the town’s Main St upgrade, a heated swimming pool for Pahiatua shone out as being a need.
“This was highly recommended and would offer exercise that is not strenuous on the body for the elderly and help with rehabilitation for the aged community which is prone to falls and hip replacements. It gives weight to recommend to council at the end of the year that Pahiatua needs a heated swimming pool,” she said.
Further information about the survey is available from the Pahiatua Community Services Trust at www.thetrustpahiatua.co.nz.
Pahiatua Community Services Trust (also just known as “The Trust”) is now working alongside Pahiatua Help-n-Hand, to provide a MSD response service for adults aged over 65 who are experiencing abuse or neglect. This service is called Tararua Safer Seniors.
Recent statistics show that one in 10 people over the age of 65 will experience abuse in New Zealand, and only one in four cases will be reported to someone who can help: 79 per cent of the abuse reported is at the hands of a family member, with 76 per cent of the abusers identified as NZ European. Also, 54 per cent of reported cases of elder abuse in NZ is financial abuse.
If you are concerned about anyone you know, please contact “The Trust” in Pahiatua (06 376 7608) or you can call the 0800 EA NOT OK (0800 32 668 65) helpline. However, to make a real difference all you have to do is something as simple as asking how they are.