This survey is a part of the Age Friendly Communities Benalla Project.

The survey is being guided by a group of local volunteers who are working on this project with Cooinda, Benalla Rural City Council and Central Hume Primary Care Partnership (PCP).

We want to:
  • Hear about the experiences of older people, and
  • Find out ways to make living in Benalla and the surrounding rural areas even better for older people.

For the purpose of this survey:
  • Older people = 55+ years of age
  • BRC = Benalla Rural City
Please note:
- This survey will take about 15 minutes to complete.
- Answer as many questions as you can, if you don't feel comfortable answering a question, or you don't know what a question
is asking, please move on to the following question.
- All information is anonymous and will be treated in confidence.

Question Title

* 1. Gender

Question Title

* 2. Age

Question Title

* 3. Do you have a disability?

Question Title

* 4. Are you a carer?

Question Title

* 5. Do you identify yourself as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?

Question Title

* 6. Are you from a Culturally or Linguistically Diverse background, e.g. born overseas, speak another language as your mother tongue?

Question Title

* 7. Are you a member of the LGBTI community?

Question Title

* 8. Where do you live?

Question Title

* 9. How long have you lived in Benalla Rural City?

Question Title

* 10. Which best describes your current status?

Question Title

* 11. How connected and a part of your community do you feel?

Question Title

* 12. Do you have any additional comments regarding how connected you feel in your community?

Question Title

* 13. In your home, do you have a computer (such as Personal Computer, Laptop or iPad)?

Question Title

* 14. Are you connected to the internet?

Question Title

* 15. Do you have and use a mobile phone?

Question Title

* 16. Do you have any additional comments regarding your internet, mobile phone, or other device?

For the purpose of this survey BRC refers to Benalla Rural City.

Question Title

* 17. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding Outdoor Spaces and Buildings?

  Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't know
BRC has good community facilities such as the library, art gallery and swimming pool
BRC parks and gardens are well maintained and safe for older people
In BRC seating is provided in public places for older people to rest and relax
BRC has shops and businesses that are easy to access
Buildings and places are well signposted and easy to find in BRC
Public toilets in BRC are clean and well maintained
Where I live the outdoor spaces and buildings are safe, well maintained and accessible
BRC has dementia friendly outdoor spaces and buildings for people with dementia and their carers/family
I use local outdoor spaces and/or facilities on a regular basis

Question Title

* 18. Do you have any other comments on Outdoor Spaces and Buildings in Benalla Rural City?

Question Title

* 19. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding Transportation and Mobility?

  Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't know
The pavements in BRC are generally in good condition
Parking in BRC is fairly easy to obtain
BRC has adequate disability parking spaces
BRC has a reliable taxi service
BRC has well maintained and well lit cycle paths and walking tracks
BRC has adequate and accessible public transport options e.g. low floor bus
There is access to refresher driving courses in BRC for older drivers
Volunteer and community transport is readily available for people who need it in BRC
In Benalla information is available about the range of transport options, where to access, timetables and cost
BRC has dementia friendly transportation and mobility supports for people with dementia and their carers/family
I can get about easily and safely where I live in BRC
BRC has adequate airport facilities

Question Title

* 20. Do you have any other comments on Transportation and Mobility in Benalla Rural City?

Question Title

* 21. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding Housing?

  Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't know
BRC has a range of accessible, affordable and suitable housing options for older people
BRC has adequate services to help older people continue to live safely in their own homes as they age
BRC has dementia friendly housing options for people with dementia and their carers/family
I feel comfortable with where I am living at the moment

Question Title

* 22. Do you have any other comments on Housing in Benalla Rural City?

Question Title

* 23. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding Respect and Social Inclusion?

  Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't know
Older people are well respected in our community
Older people are regularly consulted about government services etc.
Social isolation and loneliness is a problem for many older people in our community
In BRC older people with dementia and their family/carers are treated with respect and are included in events
Older people are viewed positively in the local media e.g. Benalla Ensign, community radio
I feel valued and respected as an older person in my community

Question Title

* 24. Do you have any other comments on Respect and Social Inclusion in Benalla Rural City?

Question Title

* 25. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding Social Participation?

  Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't know
BRC has a good range of clubs and organisations e.g. U3A, Seniors groups, providing opportunities for older people to participate
Local activities and events in BRC are well promoted and are welcoming of older people
Local activities and events in BRC are affordable for all people to take part in
Outreach programs (e.g. community visitors, district nursing services etc.) help to address isolation experienced by some older people
In BRC the needs of older people who are not interested in participating in community life are respected
Local activities are dementia friendly for people with dementia and their carers/family
I feel that I have access to a variety of activities and events where I live

Question Title

* 26. Do you have any other comments on Social Participation in Benalla Rural City?

Question Title

* 27. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding Civic Participation and Employment?

  Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't know
BRC has a range of flexible job opportunities for older people
There are a range of volunteer activities for older people to choose from in BRC
Older volunteers are well supported and encouraged to participate in BRC
Older people are well represented on committees and decision making bodies in BRC
BRC has a number of intergenerational programs and activities
BRC has a range of training opportunities for older people who want to learn new skills e.g. use of technology (emails, iPads etc)
I feel my views and opinions are considered and valued by my community

Question Title

* 28. Do you have any other comments on Civic Participation and Employment in Benalla Rural City?

Question Title

* 29. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding Communication and Information?

  Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't know
BRC offers age friendly customer service in local shops and businesses
It is easy to find information on local health and home support services in BRC
There is free access to computers and internet in public places in BRC e.g. Library
There is age friendly promotion of what’s happening in BRC through the local newspapers and radio
Social Media is well utilised by older people in BRC e.g. Facebook
Older people are recruited as experts, distributors of information and trainers in BRC e.g. L2P driving program
Where I live I access a range of ways to find out what is happening. e.g. word of mouth, local shop
Older people in BRC are supported to keep in touch with their family and friends
In BRC people are skilled at communicating with people with dementia

Question Title

* 30. Do you have any other comments on Communication and Information in Benalla Rural City?

Question Title

* 31. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding Community and Health Services?

  Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't know
We have caring and responsive health professionals in BRC
Affordable and available health and home care services are in place in BRC and include health, personal care and support in the home
BRC offers a range of home delivery services e.g. chemist and groceries
BRC offers supports for older people to prepare meals or provides prepared meals if they need it
Support for family carers, including respite care, is readily available in BRC
BRC health and home care services are skilled in the delivery of dementia care
BRC has a variety of fitness opportunities geared to older people e.g. walking groups, gym facilities etc.
Education programs on active ageing and aged care services are available to the community in BRC
I can access a doctor of my choice when I need one in BRC

Question Title

* 32. Do you have any other comments on Community and Health Services in Benalla Rural City?

Question Title

* 33. What would make your community a good place to grow old in? Please list up to two or three things that would make Benalla and rural communities more age friendly.

Question Title

* 34. Do you have any ideas or suggestions for any small community projects that would make a difference in your community? If so please explain below.

Question Title

* 35. Would you be prepared to participate in the development of any successful projects in your community?

Question Title

* 36. If you would like further information, or to be invited to our Benalla Age Friendly Communities Launch, please provide your contact details below.

Thank you for completing our survey.  Results will be available October 2017.

Question Title

* 37. Please provide the name of the community volunteer who has undertaken this interview? (If applicable)

T