Age Friendly City Strategy 2016 - 2020

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

inside cover Age Friendly

Kay O’Regan, Enniscorthy, competing in her 110th Marathon in Cork in 2013, aged 77.

Photo - Clare Keogh

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY 2016 - 2020

CONTENTS

Message from the Chair, Cork Age Friendly City Alliance 4 Foreword of Cork City Older Persons’ Forum representatives on the Cork Age Friendly City Alliance 5

Cork Age Friendly City 6-10 International context Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme Objectives of Age Friendly Programme Cork - The journey towards Age Friendly City status Cork City age profile What does Age Friendly mean? Age Friendly Cork City Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative/AFCC survey

Cork Age Friendly City Strategy 11 - 26 Introduction to the Cork Age Friendly City Strategy Developing the strategic vision The overarching actions to which the Alliance commits Thematic Actions 1 Community Support & Health Services 2 Communication and Information 3 Transportation 4 Outdoor Spaces & Buildings 5 Civic Participation & Employment 6 Respect and Social Inclusion 7 Social Participation 8 Housing

Implementation of the Cork Age Friendly City Strategy 28 Actions 29 - 38 Membership of Cork Age Friendy City Alliance & Acknowledgements 39

Cover image credit - Darragh O’Kane Photographer Message from the Chair, Cork Age Friendly City Alliance

As chairperson of the Cork Age Friendly City We must be ready to face the challenges that Alliance it gives me great pleasure to present the such an eventuality will bring to society. Cork Age Friendly Strategy 2016 -2020. The strategy is the culmination of a detailed consultation process that has brought together This strategy is the result of a process which began the older residents of Cork and the key service when Cork City committed itself to becoming a providers from the statutory, voluntary, community city where older people can live full active and and private sectors to identify how we can make healthy lives by signing up to Ireland’s national Cork an excellent place in which to live, work, Age-Friendly Cities and Counties programme enjoy life and grow older. (AFCC). I want to commend all members of the Age Cork is a city of wonderful character, a vibrant Friendly Alliance, the Older People’s forum and culture and active economy. It is a city of rich the interagency working group for embracing architectural literary and educational heritage, the collaborative approach to establishing this a city of communities of varied social economic strategy and their commitment to ensuring that backgrounds and diverse groups of older no section of the local community is left behind people. when it comes to the delivery of services. C O R K AGE FRIENDLY An Age Friendly city is a place where more and I ask everyone to bring the vision and goals of CITY PROGRAMME more older people can stay living in their own the strategy to life and to make a full-hearted homes and communities, lead healthy and commitment to the values we have signed up active lives, get to where they want to go, when to. they want to go, and are valued contributors to the lives of their communities. A g e F r ie n d ly

Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Ann Doherty indicate that 26% of the current population of Chair Cork is over the age of 55 and that this is likely Cork Age Friendly to increase into the future with better health City Alliance outcomes and care.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 4 Foreword of Cork City Older Persons’ Forum representatives on the Cork Age Friendly City Alliance

As representatives from Cork City’s Older Persons’ The strategy will only be as effective as Forum, we have the privilege of having been the commitment of the stakeholders to its chosen by members of that forum to be the implementation. We view this document as a voice of the greater community at the workings statement of intent, one that will be regularly of Cork Older Persons Alliance. reviewed and updated and one that will evolve over its lifetime as our city does. It is our duty to ensure that member organisations of the Alliance are regularly kept abreast of the We are immensely proud of our city and look changing needs of the city’s older citizens and forward to the Cork of 2020 being a vibrant and communicating their ongoing commitment welcoming city for all ages, being mindful of the to the Alliance thereby ensuring Cork is, in all specific needs of all its citizens and visitors. practical means, an Age Friendly city.

We are greatly encouraged by the commitment Noel Dempsey shown by the stakeholders of the Alliance to Phil Uí Mhurchú making meaningful and progressive changes to Finbarr Coughlan the manner in which older persons concerns and Nora O’ Donovan C O R K needs will be addressed by them in the short, AGE FRIENDLY medium and longer term. CITY PROGRAMME

A g e F r ie n d ly

Cork City Older Person’s Forum steering committee with (seated L to R) Noel Dempsey, Phil Uí Mhurchú Finbarr Coughlan, Nora O’ Donovan.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 5 Cork Age Friendly City

International Context: Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is the driving Age Friendly Ireland (then formerly the Ageing force behind the global movement for age Well Network) established the Age Friendly Cities friendliness. The WHO defines an “age-friendly” and Counties Programme (AFCC) in 2007, based community as one in which all stakeholders: on Louth’s participation in the World Health Organisation’s Age Friendly City initiative and • Recognise diversity among older people research. • Promote the inclusion of older people • Value their contribution to community life The programme adopts a common process and • Respect their decisions structure, but it is intended to be highly tailored to reflect the priorities of older people and service • Anticipate and respond flexibly to age providers in each city and county. related needs Under the programme every local authority has The WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities its own Age Friendly programme involving an and Communities (GNAFCC) was established to C O R K alliance of senior decision makers and influencers AGE FRIENDLY foster the exchange of experience and mutual across the public, private and voluntary sector. CITY PROGRAMME learning between cities and communities The Older Persons Forum, which is open to all worldwide. Any city or community that is older people and their organisations, developed committed to creating inclusive and accessible through a series of public consultations. It exists urban environments to benefit their ageing in order to represent the views of older peopleA g e F r ie n d ly populations is welcome to join. within the Alliance.

Cities and communities in the Network are of different sizes and are located in different parts of the world. Their efforts to become more age- friendly take place within very diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts.

What all members of the Network do have in common is the desire and commitment to create physical and social urban environments that promote healthy and active ageing and a good quality of life for their older residents.

Ireland’s Age Friendly Cities and Counties are affiliated to this global movement which is enabling older people to remain active and valued members of their communities on every At a debate organised by Age Action focusing on continent. older peoples issues ahead of the General Election at the Imperial Hotel, Cork, were;Marina Buckley , Claire Cahill and Pat Kelly. Picture: Des Barry The result: positive ageing, better cities and counties, and more relevant and effective Image courtesy of the Evening Echo local government, service delivery and business opportunities.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 6 Cork Age Friendly City

Objectives of Age Friendly Programme Older people are generally in good health, have valuable skills and experience and are willing The objectives of the programme are to: to make a significant contribution to society, a contribution from which young people can • Increase the participation of older people strongly benefit. Enabling people to stay active in the social, economic and cultural life of as they grow older and to continue contributing the community for everybody’s benefit; to society is central to tackling the challenge of demographic ageing. • Improve the health and well-being of older people in the city; The programme is a catalyst for change and support for better long-term planning and • Demonstrate how services and supports greater collaboration among agencies on the for older people can be made more Alliance. An Age Friendly Strategy informed responsive, caring, professional and by older people identifies initiatives that require accessible, through imaginative and development or change. cost-effective partnerships; There are four steps to implement as part of the Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme C O R K • Lead the way in demonstrating the processes AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME and infrastructure that are required, which are; 1) Alliance set up; 2) Consult; 3) Plan the benefits to be gained and the lessons Strategy 4) Implement to be learnt from adopting an integrated approach to the planning and delivery of services for older people. A g e F r ie n d ly

The Age Friendly programme operates within existing structures and resources in the local authority and takes cognisance of the economic realities and realignment of the public services. Older people had a strong role in designing and determining the programme’s priorities and in developing a methodology that can work in any City or County.

The programme aims to give effect to better local government reform through integrated service planning and measuring impact and improvements. It is designed to maximise the Taking part in the fifth annual Intergenerational impact of collective resources as well as to ensure Quiz organised by Douglas Young At Heart Club at that duplication is minimised. City Hall, Cork, sponsored by Cork City & County Councils, Home Instead Senior Care and the Evening Echo were members of the Rochestown team (from left) Alan O’Keeffe and Shane Goodman of Rochestown College with Tony Kenneally and Mike Kelly. Picture: Denis Minihane. Image courtesy of the Evening Echo

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 7 Cork Age Friendly City

Cork - the journey towards The conference schedule included panels on: Age Friendly City Status • What Older People offer Cork City The Cork Healthy City Steering Group proved to • Positive Ageing be the catalyst for Cork setting out on the journey • Challenges in Ageing to become an Age Friendly City. In the Autumn • Citizens of Cork City of 2012 Sgt. Trevor Laffan, An Garda Síochána, used the interagency network to enquire The older people assembled also participated whether or not the group would consider seeking in a series of workshops which examined what Age Friendly status for the city, as Co. Louth had services were available and what gaps existed. done. The Healthy City Steering group agreed Mr. Hugh O’Connor of Age Friendly Ireland at its meeting of 11th March 2013 to seek Age subsequently met with the City Manager, Mr. Friendly City Status for Cork. Tim Lucey who expressed the City Council’s commitment to being the lead partner for A meeting of interagency contacts formed the development of Cork as an age friendly a steering group (now the working group) to city. Steps were taken to identify likely Alliance look into achieving the Age Friendly City status. participants. C O R K This meeting was attended by representatives AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME of An Garda Síochána, , In May 2014 Cork City Council announced its HSE Community Health Services, HSE Health intention to apply for Age Friendly City status Promotion, Cork City Partnership, with an official launch and in the Autumn/Winter Togher Community Development Project of 2014 commenced localised consultation with (BTCDB), COLLAGE (UCC), Age Friendly Ireland older people in each of Cork’s six district electoralA g e F r ie n d ly and Cork’s older people. divisions (DEDs).

The first meeting received a presentation by In the spring of 2015 interested parties were Hugh O’Connor of the Ageing Well Network invited to form the Cork Older Peoples’ Forum. (now called Age Friendly Ireland) which was They selected 4 representatives to articulate the tasked to roll out Age Friendly Cities and Counties views of older people on the Cork Age Friendly throughout Ireland. City Alliance.

In 2013 the Lord Mayor Cllr. Catherine Clancy The Alliance met for the first time in April 2015 highlighted the older age group as a key agenda and has developed the first Cork Age Friendly for her term as Lord Mayor. That November she City Strategy. This is based on the outcomes of convened a special older people’s conference consultations carried out with older people. and extended an open invitation to individuals and organisations to attend to have their say. The membership of the Cork Age Friendly City Having anticipated an expected attendance of Alliance is set out in the Appendices to this 200-250 people, more than 550 turned up on the strategy. day presenting a welcome logistical challenge to the organisers and the MC and facilitator for the day, the late Derek Davis.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 8 Cork Age Friendly City

Cork City Age Profile

The Census in 2011 shows that in Cork City there The population which are aged 65 or older are 17,950 people aged 65 or older (15.1% of appear in highest concentrations in the south of population) which proportionately is greater the city, spanning from to Blackrock. than both County and State (11.1% and 11.7% Concentrations are comparatively low in the City respectively). Almost thirty per cent (29.8%) of Centre, in the northwest around those aged 65 or older in Cork City live alone. and Hollyhill, as well as in the south east. Those aged 85 or older are more likely to live in the south The ageing nature of Cork City is a significant issue of the city, particularly in and around the areas of going forward. By 2050, the number of persons Wilton, , Ballintemple and Ballinlough. over 65 is expected to be close to one in four of the population. Cork City is the third fastest Old age dependency is dispersed throughout ageing administrative county in the state. the city but features the highest around Turner’s Cross, Tramore, Glasheen, Togher and Fair Hill. Nationally, 94% of those aged 65 or older live Three of which are relatively affluent, with Turner’s in private households whilst the rest - a figure of Cross and Tramore, in particular, typified by high C O R K 31,054 - dwell in communal establishments such educational attainment, low unemployment, AGE FRIENDLY as nursing homes. Twice as many females as and high house owner occupancy. CITY PROGRAMME males live in these caring facilities. Poorer health is a feature of the more There are 3.8 residential or nursing care beds per disadvantaged areas, likely influenced by the 1,000 population in the city, compared to 4.3 large proportions of the aged in parts of ATogher g e F r ie n d ly beds per 1,000 population in the county and 4.2 and Fair Hill, falling within RAPID areas. These beds per 1,000 population in the state, despite areas are typified by poorer self-reported health, the city having a sizeable aged population. Data low educational attainment, high proportions of suggests c. 5,425 (1.05%) people in Local Authority housing, higher proportions of the have dementia representing those of all ages. manual/skilled social class grouping and lower employment.

David Hogan, Rehab Care, team captain, taking part in the Douglas Young at Heart, Cork, Social Inclusion Kurling competition at Douglas GAA hall with prizes sponsored by Liam Ryan’s SuperValu, Grange. Picture: Denis Minihane. Image courtesy of the Evening Echo

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 9 Cork Age Friendly City

What Does Age Friendly mean? A standardised questionnaire has been used, allowing comparisons with national benchmarks The World Health Organisation has identified 8 from surveys such as The Irish LongituDinal Study themes which makes a City age friendly. on Ageing (TILDA) or European benchmarks such as the European Quality of Life survey. These are: The HaPAI/AFCC survey has included questions 1. Outdoor Spaces & Buildings from each of the themes in the Age Friendly City 2. Transportation Strategy, namely: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings; Transportation; Housing; Social Inclusion, 3. Housing Participation; Communication and information; 4. Social Participation and Community Support and Health Services. 5. Respect & Social Inclusion 6. Civic Participation & Employment In Cork City, 502 people aged 55 and older were 7. Communication & Information interviewed for the HaPAI/AFCC survey during 2015. Results have shown that, in general, the 8. Community Support & Health Services majority of those aged over 55 living in the Cork City area are happy with the local environment. C O R K This strategy document addresses these themes AGE FRIENDLY For example 73% of people like living in their CITY PROGRAMME by reference to findings under each of these neighbourhood ‘a lot’, and 63% are happy with headings both from direct consultation with the general appearance and upkeep. citizens,their representative organisations, and from independent research through the Healthy However, the survey also found some differences A g e F r ie n d ly and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPaI) baseline between satisfaction levels of the ‘younger research programme. old’ (55-69 years) and those aged over 70. The findings of the survey suggest that there are some Cork City Healthy and Positive Ageing issues that the Age Friendly Cities and Counties Initiative/AFCC survey programme could address in order to ensure that Cork City can become an even better place in Headline Findings which to grow old.

The Department of Health is leading a joint national programme with the HSE and Age Friendly Ireland (AFI) to develop indicators to measure progress towards the objective of making Ireland a great place in which to grow old. Supported by Atlantic Philanthropies, this project, the Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPAI) operates on a national and local level.

At local level, many cities delivering the Age Friendly Cities Programmes, have committed to participate in the HaPAI initiative through the administration of a single survey in up to twenty local authority areas during 2015 and 2016.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 10 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

Introduction to the Cork Age Each of the Alliance members has given Friendly City Strategy commitments in this strategy that will significantly help to improve the quality of life of This is the first Age Friendly strategy for Cork City older people in Cork City in the coming years. which commits to improving key areas of services, information, infrastructure, and our overall social The ambition for this Age Friendly Strategy is response to older people’s issues in Cork. that Cork City will:

The strategy has been developed by the Cork • Become a great place to grow old. Age Friendly City Alliance in consultation and • Have easily accessible public buildings, cooperation with older people in Cork. shops and services. The Alliance is an interagency partnership which • Incorporate older people’s views into was formally established in April 2015 comprising significant decisions being made about Cork. of senior personnel in public sector agencies, • Promote a positive attitude to ageing and and community organisations that promote address stereotypes about older people. a positive approach to ageing, and includes C O R K representatives of the Cork Older People’s • Create opportunities for older people to be AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME Forum. engaged with their city socially, as employees and as volunteers.

This strategy identifies overarching actions that need interagency and cross sectoralA g e F r ie n d ly List of Alliance Member Organisations collaboration to make progress. It also addresses the WHO themes where each agency commits • Cork City Council to make progress under those themes. • Health Service Executive (HSE) • Cork Age Friendly Forum Many of the actions will have a very tangible impact on Cork City, while others, such as those • Age Friendly Ireland relating to awareness-raising, will be more subtly • Cork Education and Training Board (CETB) felt. • An Garda Síochána • Bus Éireann • Cork Chamber • Cork Business Association (CBA) • Cork City Partnership • Cork Healthy City initiative • COLLAGE (UCC)

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 11 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

Developing the Strategic vision The Alliance will develop a flexible directory of services for older people that will provide The strategy is informed by the views of older up to date information. A working group will people at consultations held at the Lord Mayor’s be assigned to scope out the provision of a conference in 2013 and subsequently in the six directory. electoral divisions. • The Alliance will look to the National In response each of the agencies have outlined Dementia Strategy (2014) to inform its policy commitments that address the concerns raised in relation to the provision of dementia by the older people. The Alliance members friendly services to older people with commit to deliver actions specific to each of cognitive impairment. It is intended to the agencies, progress reports will be reviewed develop links with the Alzheimer’s Society by the Alliance who will consider what action to and other Voluntary organisations. take to progress issues. Thematic Actions The Alliance has identified two broad categories These are informed by the findings of the HaPai for action: research, the older people’s consultations and the agency commitments. They directly address C O R K AGE FRIENDLY • Overarching Actions the themes identified by the WHO. CITY PROGRAMME • Thematic Actions The Older Peoples’ forum has agreed the priority Overarching actions are those which traverse the for the Thematic actions as follows: different WHO themes. The Alliance expects that A g e F r ie n d ly different agencies will need to collaborate to 1. Community Support & Health Services progress actions during the life of the strategy. 2. Communication & Information 3. Transportation 4. Outdoor Spaces & Buildings The Overarching Actions to which the Alliance 5. Civic Participation & Employment commits are: 6. Social Participation 7. Respect & Social Inclusion • Improve access to its services for older 8. Housing people. To do this agencies will ensure that all staff will deal with older people in an age appropriate manner.

• The Alliance will promote and encourage the development of the Cork City Age Friendly Business Programme to promote better customer facing interactions.

• The Alliance will seek to expand and increase levels of activity including volunteerism from middle age in keeping with the aims of Healthy Ireland.

Photo - Clare Keogh

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 12 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

1. Community Support and Health Services • Housekeeping support needs; 35% of people aged 70+ need help In this theme we consider, how together with our with housekeeping and 89% of them receive stakeholders and partners, we can support older this assistance. people to stay healthy and independent. The HSE has been identified as the key driver in the • Mobility support needs; process which offers an opportunity for joined up 22% of people aged 70+ need assistance planning around improved health and wellbeing with their personal mobility and 94% of in a wider context. Other agencies also have a them receive this assistance. role to play in regards to this theme. • Among those aged 55-69 in Cork city, Strategic Goal 7% need assistance with personal care, 9% need assistance with housekeeping and Ensure that older people have access to 9% need assistance with their mobility. adequate health services and information and to age friendly health and community facilities • 38% of people aged 55-69 and 64% of needed for healthy and active living. people aged 70+ in Cork city have a long standing illness or health problem. C O R K AGE FRIENDLY Summary of HaPai findings: Among these people, 22% of the over 70s CITY PROGRAMME and 10% of the 55-69 age group are severely • 66% of people say that their health is good limited in their everyday activities because or very good. This differs by age; - 72% of of this health problem. those aged 55-69 report good or very good A g e F r ie n d ly health and 57% of people aged 70+ say that • 78% of people are satisfied with the their health is either good or very good. opportunities for sport/recreation in their area. • 26% of people aged 55 and older in Cork City are current (daily or occasional) smokers, • 50% of adults aged 55 to 69 and 36% of the figure nationally is 14%. (TILDA 2014) adults aged 70+ reported doing at least More men than women are daily smokers – 21⁄2 hours of moderate physical activity 31% of men and 14% of women smoke on per week. a daily basis. Older people are less likely to smoke on a daily basis; 28% of people in Nationally the figures are 53% in the 55 to 69 the 55-69 age group and only 13% of those age group and 34% of the over 70s. in the 70+ age group are daily smokers. (TILDA 2014)

• Personal care needs; Very few of those aged over 55 have any personal care needs but this rises to 11% of those aged 70 and over. Of those aged 70+ who need assistance with personal care 92% of them receive this assistance.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 13 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

What older people told us during The HSE will continue to work in partnership the consultations with Genio and Atlantic Philanthropies in areas including the IDEAS project in the Mercy University Hospital making the A designated older person’s contact in public hospital services dementia friendly and and larger private organisations should be trialling specific dementia home appointed. support services. Approach HSE to enquire if Home Help hours • Cork and Kerry Community Health can be increased, more access to Public Health Organisation (CHO) is committed to Nurses (PHNs) is necessary. Also provide older supporting older people and other people with information on how to contact PHN, vulnerable care groups including people Home Help and Occupational Therapists. with disabilities to remain living independently in their own homes Request that Community groups create a and communities, for as long as possible. “Community Liaison Officer” for older people to advise them about services available e.g. Meals- • The HSE will provide access to home C O R K on-Wheels. AGE FRIENDLY support services in Cork and Kerry CHO CITY PROGRAMME by referral to the local public health nurse, Ask Gardaí about how they can increase visible who carries out an assessment of need and Garda presence in communities, especially makes recommendations as to the at night. It was felt that active community services required based on clinical priority, policing was essential to maintaining a secure A g e F r ie n d ly based on priority criteria and the environment. available budget.

Agency Commitments – Community • The Cork and Kerry CHO will engage Support and Health Services. with the Older Peoples Forum and will work with the HSE Quality Improvement • The Alliance will champion improved Division to address issues that arise from physical and mental health for older people the “HSE and Older Peoples Forum annual by actively promoting the actions contained Listening Meetings”. in Healthy Ireland, the priorities in the National Positive Ageing Strategy and any subsequent initiatives, such as the Healthy and Positive Ageing Strategy (HaPAi).

• National Dementia Strategy

The Alliance will look to the National Dementia Strategy (2014) to inform its dementia policy. It will link in with the Alzheimer’s Society and other voluntary organisations in relation to the provision of dementia friendly services to older people with cognitive impairment.

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• Home Support Services - Health promotion initiatives for the general Targets the HSE is committed to: population as outlined in the Healthy Ireland Strategy such as smoking - Provide timely access to appropriate cessation; supports for exercise programs support services. to maintain optimum health and mobility; and the Cork beats Stress programme. - Facilitate and manage timely discharges from acute settings. - An Garda Síochána is committed to ensure that its services meet the needs of all - Improve linkages between acute / people regardless of Gender, Marital status, community hospitals and community Family status, Age, Religion, Disability, services. Sexual orientation or membership of the Traveller community. - Bus Éireann will continue to deliver approximately 600 services per day - The actions of An Garda Síochána serving (CUH) will be delivered in compliance with the directly or in close proximity to CUH. Garda Síochána Older Peoples’ Strategy C O R K AGE FRIENDLY 2010 and the Garda Victim’s charter. CITY PROGRAMME - Other city hospitals, including Mercy University Hospital, St. Mary’s Campus, - An Garda Síochána will deliver a timely St. Finbarr’s Hospital, South Infirmary, and effective proactive responses for Marymount Hospice and other health older people. Increase trust and A g e F r ie n d ly facilities. confidence by lessening the fear of crime amongst older people. Determine - Cork City Partnership commits to the and respond to the needs and expectations continuation of the roll out of the personal of older people on an ongoing basis. alarm systems to older people across the city. - Cork City Council through Cork Smart - In relation to Day Care Centres, the HSE is Gateway will seek to identify and introduce, seeking a mechanism to ensure where appropriate, technological public involvement in the review process solutions supporting the health, and wishes to seek the views of the forum on independence and security needs of how this can best be achieved. older people. The review is scheduled to be completed by the end of October 2016. - Cork City Council is committed to supporting the development of community groups - Roll out of clinical programmes such for older people in the city. It will lead to as protocol for Type 2 Diabetes management the development and implementation of by GPs – improving access to services this strategy in conjunction with the Age and avoiding the need to attend clinics Friendly Alliance. In general the Council in hospitals. will support initiatives that will bring older people together outside of their homes. It will continue to support events such as the Intergenerational Quiz and the Lord Mayor’s Tea Dance.

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2. Communication and Information • There is a clear age difference in daily internet use between the age groups Communications and Information in the – 43% of the 55-69 age group and 13% context of this strategy is about considering of those aged over 70 use the internet daily how a reliable flow of accessible information or almost daily. Again, daily internet use about community news, activities in Cork city is close to the national average; and opportunities can keep older 17% of over 70s and 46% of those aged 55-69 people active and involved in all aspects use the internet daily or almost daily. of community engagement and (TILDA 2014) participation. This is critical for those who have few formal or informal networks to call • Nearly 40% of those aged 70 and over on. never use the internet but among those aged 55-69 that percentage is only 8%. Strategic Goal • 14% of people aged 55-69 and 9% of Ensure that information relevant to older person’s those aged over 70 report difficulties services is easily accessible by everyone in a getting information about local events or activities, C O R K manner and format most appropriate to their AGE FRIENDLY needs and experience. CITY PROGRAMME • 12% have difficulty getting information Summary of HaPai findings: on health or social care.

• National TV is the greatest source of What older people told us during A g e F r ie n d ly information for older people in Cork City. the consultations 78% of people aged over 55 get their information from TV and this is higher Although many have computers few know how among the over 70s (82%) to use them to full advantage. Workshops for older people to improve IT skills, knowledge and • Local radio is another big source of application are necessary. information - 70% get information from local radio – again this is higher among over 70s Older people have asked for less jargon in (76%). Word of mouth is another good information coming from public sources – e.g. source of information, particularly among information on property tax, water charges etc. those in the 55-69 age group – 74% get Relevant agencies need to investigate how information by word of mouth while among information can be provided to older people in those age over 70 this is 56%. a more suitable manner.

• Only 35% get their information from Older people require printed information, not just the internet and 31% of older people in Cork online information. A guide needs to be provided city have used the internet every day or for community groups on how best to provide almost every day in the last three months. information to older people. Key service providers This is close to the national average (TILDA including financial institutions, utility companies 2014) of 35%. such as electricity, gas, water etc should have a slower more distinct delivery in their pre-recorded service, with the option of sound boost if such was possible on phone-based service provision.

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Agency Commitments • Businesses will be encouraged to designate an older person’s champion from among – Communication and Information their staff to deal with older persons issues and to feed this back to decision makers • An Garda Síochána will develop and at the highest level. maintain effective communication links between Gardaí and older people. • Organisations represented on the Alliance This will involve meeting community groups will provide proactive support and and delivering actions on issues raised by engagement with their employees on all them. The Safer Communities campaign aspects of pre retirement planning and affords an opportunity to disseminate the provision, if necessary, of post crime prevention literature to different retirement support and advice. communities of interest including older people. • UCC (COLLAGE) will support initiatives that train the public and business in • Service Providers and businesses will ensure dementia awareness, linking with that their automated telephone services business interests. C O R K calls are age-friendly and easy to use. AGE FRIENDLY • Bus Éireann will maintain high standards in its CITY PROGRAMME • Cork City Council through Cork communications with older people, which Smart Gateway will continue to identify includes clear signage in Bus innovative solutions to enhance Station and the availability of inspectors to assist people with enquiries. Frontline staff effective communications with older people. A g e F r ie n d ly It will support initiatives aimed at improving will be trained to ensure older customers the IT knowledge and skills of older are assisted in the application and people. Technology solutions such as understanding of new technologies. corporate communications and information dissemination will be cognisant • The HSE has a goal to reduce barriers of the needs of older people. for people in accessing health services. Improved communications will be achieved • Cork City Libraries will adopt and by ensuring service leaflets and application implement the Age Friendly forms and decision processes are clear and Libraries Programme. easy to understand and complete by the public. • Cork City Council will continue to improve the availability of/and access to information relating to housing grants and other home related financial supports.

• The business community in Cork will promote the benefits of clear communications with older people and in conjunction with Age Friendly Ireland will roll out the Age Friendly Business Programme.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 17 CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 18 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

3. Transportation What older people told us during consultation It is our policy to actively support sustainable modes of transport and ensure that land use and Older people had concerns generally about zoning are fully integrated with the provision and getting out and about. It was felt that a lack of development of high public quality transportation means of travel hugely impacts on the quality systems. of life of older people in urban centres in cases where people were no longer able to walk longer Strategic Goal distances.

To enable older people in Cork City and areas It was felt that transport providers were not taking adjoining the city to get to where they need to full cognisance of the needs of older people go when they want to go there. when stopping and picking up older customers.

HaPai findings: • i.e. not waiting until older customers were seated before moving off. • Not lowering flexible flooring ramp in • The majority of the under 70s (69%) are C O R K current drivers (who drove themselves in all instances. AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME the past week), however this is lower for • Parking too far from the kerb forcing less those aged 70+ (43%). The majority of people able customers to walk to middle of the road do not have any problems with transport before entering. (86%). In both age groups only 14% reported a difficulty. However when we Following consultation it was recognised manyA g e F r ie nof d ly looked at people who were not drivers, the issues outlined above were related to Public the numbers who experienced a difficulty Transport Infrastructure not within the remit of rose to 28% among those aged over 70. transport providers to change, which the Alliance hopes to address. • People are generally very happy with public transport in the area – only 21% Agency Commitments – Transportation rated it as poor or very poor. Nationally when the Irish Longitudinal Study on • Cork City Alliance will pursue opportunities Ageing (TILDA) asked this question in 2011, to expand and develop flexible 35% of people rated transport in their alternative transport initiatives for older area as poor or very poor. people.

• 80% of the 55+ in Cork City report that a • Bus Éireann has a corporate policy of lack of transport rarely or never prevents responding to customer queries within 5 them from doing essential tasks. working days. It operates Certificate This figure is similar for attending health and of Professional Competence (CPC) courses social care appointments (82%) and slightly for all drivers annually and will continue to lower for socialising (75%). monitor service delivery and safety issues on an ongoing basis.

• Bus Éireann operates more than 600 services daily to Cork University Hospital (CUH). It will add 4 new double-deck and 16 single-deck fully accessible low floor buses (NTA Funded) to its existing Cork City & Suburban Fleet for 2016.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 19 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

• Cork City Council and the Cork Smart • Gardai; 28% reported a difficulty. Gateway will seek to identify and where • Cafes and restaurants; 25% reported appropriate support new technologies to a difficulty. enhance transportation and urban mobility • The service that was easiest to access was for older people. the community centre or other venue where you can meet friends - 17% reported a • Under the HSE Access policy introduced in difficulty. 2015, the HSE has a goal to reduce barriers for people in accessing health services. Satisfaction with aspects of the built environment Health Services are required to examine accessibility which includes issues • The good news is that 89% of people in such as: Cork City like living in the area either a lot - Physical barriers in service locations including or a little. 73% of those aged 55-69 and the proximity of set down areas and this increases to 85% among those aged 70+. public transport to the service entrance are matters considered on an ongoing basis. • 50% of people aged 70 and over and C O R K 39% of people aged 55-69 are dissatisfied AGE FRIENDLY 4. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings with the availability of public toilets in CITY PROGRAMME Cork City.

For the purpose of this theme, Outdoor Spaces • Almost two thirds (61%) are satisfied with and Buildings, refers to any part of the built public the number and the timing of pedestrian A g e F r ie n d ly realm, where people living, working or visiting our Crossings and traffic lights. city may be expected to visit or enjoy. • However, only 39% of people are satisfied Strategic Goal with the availability of seats or resting places. Ensure that the location, design and maintenance of buildings and the surrounding environment • Almost half (49%) of those aged 55 and are age proofed and in line with current best over are satisfied with the quality and practice. continuity of paths or pavements. Satisfaction rates are higher for men Summary of HaPai findings: (55%) compared with women (44%) aged 55 and older and dissatisfaction is Access to services higher among people aged 70+ (38%) (Note: these percentages exclude participants compared with 26% of people aged 55-69. who said that the services were not available)

• A majority of people (56%) have no difficulty accessing essential services (such as shopping, the Gardai, postal, banking, transport, or health services).

• The services that older people found most difficult to access were: Full banking services; 29% reported a difficulty. By comparison, the European Quality of Life survey asked this question in 2012 and only 14% reported a difficulty accessing banking services CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 20 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

What older people told • In the design of civic or public buildings us during consultation Cork City Council will consult with Cork City Age Friendly Alliance to demonstrate Public facilities such as footpaths, street lighting, that best practice standards are being seating and toilets in areas identified by older pursued. people need to be more age-proofed and readily available. • Bus Éireann will continue to ensure full accessibility and design best practice in There needs to be more pedestrian crossings and relation to our fleet and our premises and for those already in place, the timing sequence that infrastructure provided at bus stops is in needs to be extended to allow for individuals line with best practice and facilitates with walking difficulties to safely cross ease of access for older customers to Bus Éireann services. The introduction of seating/benches along St Patrick’s Street and in the City Centre generally. • Bus Éireann is cognisant of the needs of older City and suburban shopping centres should add members of the community including awareness around the siting of bus stops/ C O R K seating areas to the furniture of such outlets. AGE FRIENDLY shelters within the area and will aim to CITY PROGRAMME Street crossings in areas identified by older people ensure that communities with a largely older need to be upgraded. population will retain services linking the community to city centre, services and amenities. Agency Commitments – Outdoor Spaces and A g e F r ie n d ly Buildings. • Bus Éireann will continue to liaise with • Cork City Council will ensure that accessibility Cork City/County Councils and in design and best practice should be An Garda Siochána in relation to : followed at planning stage and carried - Ensuring that infrastructure at our bus through to implementation. shelters/stops is suitable for our older customers’ safety and allows for ease of • Cork City Council will ensure provision of access to our services. seating areas in new public spaces - Enforcing the no-parking policy at bus stops and actively promote provision of the and in bus lanes. same in new developments.

• HSE will use best design practice in the design of Primary Care Buildings.

• The business community will highlight and promote the provision of seating areas in city and suburban shopping centres.

• Cork City Council and Cork Smart Gateway will seek to identify and embed the delivery of technology solutions for public buildings, enabling enhanced civic participation by older people.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 21 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

5. Civic Participation What older people told us and Employment during consultation A guide to community groups in ones area Civic participation and employment in the context should be established to enable volunteers to be of this strategy is about considering the benefits aware of opportunities available for which their that may be garnered from general participation skills should be suitable. e.g. establish formal links and engagement in one’s own community. When between Cork Volunteering Centre and Cork considering the health and well-being of an older Age Friendly Forum and Alliance. person the level of opportunity to engage and participate can be restricted due to health and Increase opportunity to work past age of 65 in accessibility barriers. a way which will not negatively influence one’s Strategic Goal social welfare payments– people find that they lose benefits if they avail of part time work / full To enable older people to participate fully time work. in lifelong learning opportunities and in the employment market where desired. Agency Commitments – Civic Participation and C O R K Employment AGE FRIENDLY Summary of HaPai Findings: CITY PROGRAMME • Social participation in Cork City is just • The Alliance will engage with Volunteer below the national average - 45% of Ireland on a project to encourage people participate in a community group at more volunteers in communities across least once a month and 31% the city. A g e F r ie n d ly participate weekly. The national average • The members of the City Alliance will, (TILDA 2014) for participation in a through their corporate policies, provide, community group at least once a month promote and highlight opportunities for is 49%. continuing education and employment • Those in the younger age group (55-69) opportunities. have a slightly higher level of weekly • The Alliance will engage with education participation - 37% than those aged over providers on issues such as catering for the 70 (26%). diverse learning and development needs • 64% people aged over 55 meet socially of older people and supporting their with friends, relatives or colleagues at least participation in education. once a week and only 10% meet socially less frequently than once a month (or never). More than twice as many people aged 70+ (14%) compared with those aged 55-69 (7%) who report being lonely ‘often’. Just under one quarter 21% of people aged 55+ report feeling lonely some of the time. • While three quarters of people aged 55+ (75%) in Cork City reported that they were satisfied with the availability of social contacts within walking distance of where they live, almost one third of people aged 55+ (32%) reported that the social activities available in Cork City do not interest them. Local community groups are Photo - Clare Keogh keen to recruit/include older people as volunteers for their services. CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 22 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

• Cork Smart Gateway in collaboration Summary of HaPai Findings with IERC has surveyed senior citizens in the • One third (33%) of adults aged 55-69 city. The findings of this survey will inform the volunteer at least once a month and 18% of Smart Gateway actions in respect of them volunteer at least once a week. older people. Among those aged 70+ 22% volunteer at least once a month and 12% volunteer at • Cork ETB will continue to partner least once a week. with organisations in the city to deliver community education programmes • Most people are satisfied with the exclusively to older learners. amount of volunteering they do. 65% of those in the 55-69 age group are satisfied • Educational institutions will age-proof but 15% would like to increase the their educational offerings to adjust to amount of time they spend. Among those population changes. aged over 70 the level of satisfaction with time spent volunteering is higher (82%). • The Alliance will, through the Learning City Initiative continue to champion • A majority (58%) are satisfied with the C O R K education provision which is cross- range of volunteering opportunities. AGE FRIENDLY generational. However, 40% say that they don’t know if CITY PROGRAMME they are satisfied. • Cork City Partnership will continue to provide education, training and • Most people have never experienced employment supports to individuals up to negative attitudes or behaviour towards A g e F r ie n d ly pension age and in addition will also them as an older person. However, 24% provide volunteering and education said that they had had such an experience. opportunities to support civic participation. Overall, the most common sources were from younger people (18%) in places 6. Respect and Social Inclusion like shops, pubs or restaurants (10%) and those providing services in the financial sector (9%). The Respect and Social Inclusion Theme considers What older people told us issues around how valued, active and engaged people feel in their community. The aim being to during consultation help combat stereotypes, myths and negative views on ageing and prevent prejudice against • Feeling disrespected in businesses in older people the community. Lack of respect in pharmacies and supermarkets was a big Strategic Goal issue. For example in pharmacies; changing of brands without consultation To promote inclusiveness and respect for older and changing of days on medication from people in all aspects of service provision. 30 to 28 without consultation. Many also felt mistreated in many supermarkets.

• There needs to be more awareness in the public that older people deserve to be treated with dignity – Consider city wide campaign promoting positive attitudes towards older people. Target secondary schools / Public transport.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 23 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

Agency Commitments 7. Social Participation – Respect and Social Inclusion When considering the Social Participation in • Cork City Alliance will incorporate the this section we are referring to the extent to principles of the vision, mission and values of which a person feels socially connected. Social the Cork Age Friendly City Strategy into their connection - feeling part of a network of family, own strategies, plans and service provision. friends and community is one of the main determinants of health and wellbeing. • Alliance members will use existing services and facilities such as libraries, community Strategic Goal centres and day centres to run To enable older people to participate fully in the intergenerational events. social, economic and political life of the city.

• Service providers and businesses will Summary of Hapai Findings actively promote the positive portrayal of older people in their advertising. • Social participation in Cork City is just below the national average - 45% of C O R K people participate in a community group at AGE FRIENDLY • The Alliance will promote CITY PROGRAMME opportunities for dialogue and least once a month and 31% interaction between the generations to participate weekly. The national average facilitate a greater mutual understanding. (TILDA 2014) for participation in a community group at least once a month • Cork City Council will be guided by is 49%. A g e F r ie n d ly Smart Gateway Strategy in addressing the needs of older people in the design of • Those in the younger age group (55-69) public facing ICT solutions and systems. have a slightly higher level of weekly participation - 37% than those aged • Cork City Partnership will support and over 70 (26%). expand its Friendly Call service and plans to develop an associated visitation • 64% of people aged over 55 meet socially service to include those not in a position with friends, relatives or colleagues at least to engage in community activities in their once a week and only 10% meet socially area. less frequently than once a month (or never). More than twice as many people • Cork City Partnership through Friendly aged 70+ (14%) compared with those Call will seek to develop a system of aged 55-69 (7%) report being lonely ‘often’. transportation for older and vulnerable Just under one quarter 21% of people people to enable them to attend aged 55+ report feeling lonely some of the appointments e.g. hospital appointments. time.

• While three quarters of people aged 55+ (75%) in Cork City reporting that they were satisfied with the availability of social contacts within walking distance of where they live, almost one third of people aged 55+ (32%) reported that the social activities available in Cork City do not interest them.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 24 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

What older people told us during • Cork City Library will make appropriate the consultations provision for older citizens, in terms of collections and programmes and will A need exists to promote services that provide regularly-refreshed collections provide visits to older people who suffer of large print books and audio books, isolation. Community groups should be including downloadable e-audio books contacted to encourage them to set up services such as walking groups. • Cork City Library will organize a e.g. Friendly Call Cork, St. Vincent de comprehensive range of events each Paul Visitation service. year as part of the ‘Bealtaine’ festival and Renewed Neighbourhood Watch will foster and facilitate book clubs, Campaigns/more information about creative writing groups and other forms of local Community Safety Forums. cultural expression, specifically for older citizens. Agency Commitments – Social Participation 8. Housing C O R K AGE FRIENDLY • Cork City Alliance will endeavour to Housing for the purpose of this theme includes CITY PROGRAMME facilitate the sharing of information relating the built accommodation but also relates to the to community groups. associated essential community supports that may assist a person to remain living in their own • Cork City Alliance will work with home for longer than they might otherwise. outside organisations to expand and A g e F r ie n d ly increase levels of activity from middle Strategic Goal age in keeping with the aims of Healthy Ireland. Enable older people to live in their own homes and communities by providing the necessary • The Alliance will encourage people supports and services as well as suitable housing through the Older Peoples Forum to in the right locations. participate in the new framework for public engagement and participation Summary of HaPai Findings: through the Public Participation Networks (PPN). • One third (34%) of those aged over 70 and 43% of those aged 55-69 have some • The Alliance will act as a catalyst to difficulty with facilities in their homes service providers to expand and – this is defined as shortage of space, develop initiatives aimed at encouraging home too big, indoor flushing toilet, the social engagement of older people. bath/shower, downstairs toilet, outside space. 15% reported that their home does • Cork City Library will ensure that the not have a downstairs toilet or bathroom library service is age-friendly, and that its facilities. service plays a central role in making Cork an Age-Friendly City. • 21% people aged 55+ had difficulty keeping their house adequately warm in the last 12 months. This is higher than the EQLS (2012) average of 5%.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 25 Cork Age Friendly City Strategy

• One fifth (21%) of people aged 55-69 and Agency Commitments – Housing 12% of people aged 70+ have problems with housing conditions (such as rot in • Cork City Alliance will work with windows and floors or leaks in walls or roof). service providers, community and voluntary organisations to streamline • Approximately one third of those aged and coordinate community-level supports 55+ (32%) have difficulty with housing and services for older people living in the upkeep. 32% of the over 55s have difficulty city to enable them to remain in their with the cost of upkeep. A total of 22% of communities for longer. people aged 70+ compared with 7% aged 55-69 have difficulty carrying out • Cork City Council provides and will housing maintenance or upkeep themselves. continue to provide specific accommodation for older people of different ages. • When asked about their willingness to Horgan’s buildings, Maddens Building’s move home if they were no longer and Kelleher’s Buildings for people over 60. able to remain in their homes, a majority Roche’s Buildings and Sutton’s Buildings for were negative about the various those over 50 and Barrett’s Buildings for C O R K options. Participants were most positive age 55 and up. AGE FRIENDLY about adapting their current home to their CITY PROGRAMME needs (70% of over 70s and 62% aged 55-69). • The Cork City Council Housing Strategic Policy Committee will consider best The level of positivity toward other housing practice in housing provision for older options was significantly lower; only 22% of people. A g e F r ie n d ly over 55s were positive about moving to an adapted type of housing; 11% were • Cork City Council will continue to positive about living together with a few support the work of SHARE to older people and just 4% were positive provide accommodation specifically for about moving to a nursing home. older people.

What older people • An Garda Síochána will provide one point of contact for information relating told us during consultation to security in the home, security when outside and text alert schemes. Contact Cork City Council regarding the availability of grants for home adaptations. This would improve the quality of life for those remaining at home.

Extra support to address the needs for those living at home is essential.

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 26 CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 27 Implementation of the Cork Age Friendly City Strategy 2016-2020

The Cork Age Friendly City Alliance is committed to implementing this strategy over a five year period 2016 to 2020. It will consider the steps it needs to take to deliver the overarching goals and will decide a process for reviewing these.

Each agency will be required to report on the measures set out in the action plan and the Alliance will review the progress of the strategy periodically.

The Alliance will utilise the Older People’s Forum for opinions and advice from time to time. It envisages that the working group of agency staff is best placed to address many of the actions directly and will empower the working group to continue its work.

C O R K AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

A g e F r ie n d ly

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME 28 CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly 29 essing Alliance Alliance Alliance Alliance Agency Responsible Agencies will ensure that all staff will Agencies will ensure The Alliance will develop a directory The age friendly business programme better will be developed to promote Proposed Measures deal with older people in an manner. Age appropriate of services for older people that will flexible, easily updateable provide information. A working group of a will scope out the provision directory. customer facing interactions. Develop links with the Alzheimer’s Society and other Voluntary organisations agendas. The Alliance is committed to address thematic actions which are specific, measurable and reviewable. thematic actions which are The Alliance is committed to address on by the member under these thematic actions will be reported measures During the lifetime of this strategy, proposed necessary, amended. and where goals reviewed achieving the different towards organisations and progress It is expected that new issues may arise during the lifetime of this strategy and Alliance will be flexible in addr access to The Alliance will improve and encourage the The Alliance will promote these new Priority Action its services for older people. Cork City Alliance will seek to expand levels of activity including and increase middle age in keeping volunteerism from with the aims of Healthy Ireland. development of the Cork City Age Friendly Business Programme. The Alliance will look to the National Dementia Strategy (2014) to inform its policy of dementia to the provision in relation friendly services to older people with cognitive impairment. CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY - ACTIONS Overarching goals to be addressed by the Alliance AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK

HSE HSE Cork City Council Cork City Partnership Bus Éireann An Garda Síochána An Garda An Garda Síochána An Garda Agency Responsible

deciding policy on home helps. Proposed Measures HSE will communicate its policy around HSE will communicate its policy around HSE will communicate the scope and depth of its of the community safety fora in each District on actions carried out. Garda - Age Friendly will be C & V awards included as a key theme in and installed. The number of services to each hospital the categories. Supports provided to the categories. Supports provided citywide initiatives such as the Intergenerational Quiz contribution to Friendly Call Service and other similar services as required. Number of alarm systems requested the Garda PULSE system. the Garda at each meeting Feedback addressed the home help service for older people at the time of discharge. on Numbers getting advice recorded Priority Action Strategic Goal that older people have access to adequate health services and informationThe Alliance will ensure and to age friendly health and community facilities needed for healthy active living. 1.5 Cork City Council will support initiatives of older people. valuing the contribution of older people 1.7 will maintain its service to City Bus Éireann alarm systems to older people 1.6 Cork City Partnership will be the point of to safety responses effective proactive 1.4 Síochána will determine An Garda and issues. 1.1 access to appropriate HSE will provide 1.2 of discharges Facilitate the coordination assessed need in the city. Community Health Supports based on acute settings from 1.3 Síochána will deliver timely, An Garda contact for the delivery of personal Hospitals including CUH Cork Mercy Hospital, St.Mary’s Campus, South Infirmary, St. Finbarrs hospital, and Marymount Hospice to the needs and expectations respond CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY - ACTIONS 1. Community Support & Health Services 30 CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly 31

An Garda Síochána An Garda All Alliance members Cork City Council Business Community Business Community Agency Responsible

partners on

will be key contacted, population Age Friendly Alliance. The number of businesses registered as The number of businesses registered Annual reports on the numbers of Annual reports groups and actions delivered. impacted and actions delivered. Annual Reports on safer Communities campaign annually – numbers and opportunities for the activities. Explore development of a community text alert system. Alliance to meet with service providers Commenced Registration Process the Cork Age Friendly Business initiative. Subcommittee in place with Age Friendly Ireland the forum. from representation Cork Business Association and Cork Chamber the age friendly business initiative. The numbers of businesses registered to The numbers of businesses registered Proposed Measures and Information Strategic Goal that informationEnsure to older person’s services is easily accessible by everyone in a manner and format relevant most to their needs and experience. appropriate to deal with older persons issues and will support the Cork Age Friendly initiative. Age Friendly Libraries Programme. the benefits of The Alliance will promote 2.4 maintain effective communication with 2.1 An Garda Síochána will develop and An Garda 2.1 Age Friendly ethos among its membership older people. and businesses will ensure Service Providers 2.2 that their automated telephone services age-friendly and easy to use. calls are City Libraries will adopt and implement the 2.3 clear communications with older people with its members and will, in conjunction out the Age roll with Age Friendly Ireland, Friendly Business Programme. The Cork business community will support 2.5 and encourage the development of an Priority Action CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY - ACTIONS 2. Communication AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK

Agency Responsible All Alliance members Cork City Council Cork City Council Cork City Council HSE Bus Éireann

Cork tender as persons TVMs Station will industry to implement assisted operation of older persons. and safety displayed prominently and safety displayed prominently older customers in Proposed Measures living solutions for for staff attention. Signage for customers to give up seating for older people if required. Numbers of staff receiving retirement retirement Numbers of staff receiving to initiatives such Equipment provided Junior Chamber. forms available to older people. during deployment and implementation. to older appropriate Number of projects and Leap Card Devices. Poster displays & and Leap Card passenger issues Regular notices addressing health around training supports. documentation and specification. of elder Cognisance of requirements people included in operational plan for Smart Gateway. Engage with assist Number of service leaflets and application How many implemented? staff at ParnellFrontline Place Bus assess and as appropriate assess and as appropriate Incorporate specific requirements into Incorporate specific requirements

continued and Information Cork City Council will ensure that technology Cork City Council will ensure Strategic Goal that informationEnsure to older person’s services is easily accessible by everyone in a manner and format relevant most to their needs and experience. appropriate

and offer supports to older people standards

in Cork will maintain high Bus Éireann 2.10 older people. 2.6 supports proactive Agencies will provide planning including aspects of pre-retirement 2.7 Cork City Council will support initiatives support and advice. post retirement 2.8 solutions such as Corporate Communications and Information of aware Dissemination are 2.11 The HSE will enhance the accessibility of its and engagement with employees on all the IT skills and aimed at improving knowledge of older people. the development of clear services through communications systems. 2.9 Cork City Council and Smart Gateway the needs of older people. will continue to identify innovative solutions to new technologies. in relation to enhance effective communications with Priority Action CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY - ACTIONS 2. Communication 32 CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly 33 Agency Responsible Bus Éireann Bus Éireann Bus Éireann

ur Customers” will be made available/issued Proposed Measures Bus Éireann will continue to provide Bus Drivers will continue to provide Bus Éireann Cork City & Suburban services fleet are 100% Cork City & Suburban services fleet are low floor accessible. New fleet (funded by NTA) booklet “Age Friendly Services to Bus Éireann’s 100% driver compliance with CPC courses. Annual CPC courses to all drivers and will ensure Annual CPC courses to all drivers and will ensure introduced will be 100% low floor, fully accessible. will be 100% low floor, introduced O No. of buses serving Health facilities. Total of 602 bus services daily. Currently BÉ of 602 bus services daily. Currently Total Services 214 and 216 terminate within the CUH the review will regularly Bus Éireann grounds. services which terminate within CUH grounds. older customers. to all members of staff. requirements of its requirements Strategic Goal they need to go when want to the city get where enable older people in Cork City and adjoining areas To to go there.

the city. facilities throughout 3.1 that fleet will continue to ensure Bus Éireann of Cork City and used in the provision and Suburban bus services is suitable for, 3.2 fully accessible to our older customers. will continue to emphasise Bus Éireann staff the need to understand 3.2 a sufficient Bus Service to health Provide Priority Action CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY - ACTIONS 3. Transportation AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK ouncil ouncil ouncil Agency Responsible Bus Éireann Cork City C Cork Education & HSE Cork City Partnership Cork City C Cork City C HSE

City Proposed Measures bus stops and in lanes. at our bus shelters Ensuring that infrastructure /stops is suitable for our older customer’s safety and allows for ease of access to our services. Specific requirements will be developed to Specific requirements How many audits undertaken? design of relevant new civic or public buildings design of relevant incorporated in the tender and design stages of websites and applications. Accessibility audits Board undertaken on deployed applications & websites. Training Síochána An Garda each agency. The Numbers of staff attending from The Alliance will be invited to consider the and issues arising. will continue to liaise with Cork Bus Éireann Siochána in /County Councils and An Garda the no-parking policy at to:- Enforcing relation

Bus Éireann will seek to ensure that infrastructure that infrastructure will seek to ensure Bus Éireann Strategic Goal and in line age proofed are environment that the location, design and maintenance of buildings surrounding Ensure best practice. with current services. customers to Bus Éireann 4.1 that accessibility in All agencies will ensure to at planning stage and carried through of implementation, including the provision furniture. street 4.2 Alliance Staff engaged in developing the will participate in the Age Friendly public realm “Age Friendly Training programme Ireland 4.3 for Housing and the Public Realm” Department will discuss The City Architect’s or public buildings with Cork City Age Friendly 4.4 at bus stops is in line with best practice provided design and best practice should be followed to design or adapt civic proposals relevant

Alliance to demonstrate that best practice being pursued. are standards and facilitates ease of access for older Outdoor Spaces & Buildings Priority Action

CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY - ACTIONS 4. 34 CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly 35 ouncil

Partnership artnership Agency Responsible Cork City C Cork Education Cork City UCC Alliance P and Training Board and Training

people in education. Proposed Measures Ensure Older People’s Forum meetings are Older People’s Forum meetings are Ensure Budgets provided for older Budgets provided taking place and submitting issues for discussion The Alliance will be a key consultative body on to older people. public policy relating specifically The number of courses targeted A line of communication with the Department

at older people. will be developed. of Social Protection The type and number of supports offered. Cork City ccessibility to courses. a people’s Strategic Goal enable older people to participate fully in lifelong learning opportunities and in the To desired. employment market where

5.1 The Alliance will support the development of the Older People’s Forum into a strong individuals up to pension age. voice for older people. representative 5.2 The Alliance will engage with education to the Alliance. the participation of older to ensure providers 5.3 opportunities to work past Seek to increase age of 65 in a way which will not negatively payments influence one’s social welfare – people find that they lose benefits if avail of part time work / full work. 5.4 education, Cork City Partnership will provide training and employment supports to Civic Participation & Employment Priority Action . CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY - ACTIONS 5 AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK Agency Responsible Cork Age Friendly Business sub-committee. Alliance Partnership Cork City Partnership Proposed Measures The number and types of measures taken. The number and types of measures Each agency will support engagement in various intergenerational events. a service. Numbers of older people receiving Cork City Reports on steps taken to develop a transport service. Strategic Goal valued and allowed to play that older people in the city are Cork Age Friendly Alliance will ensure in the life of city. a key role 6.1 and businesses will actively Service providers the positive portrayal of older people promote 6.2 in their advertising. Cork City Council and other Alliance members will use existing services and facilities like libraries, community centres to run intergenerational and day centres 6.3 events. Cork City Partnership will continue to operate and seek to expand the Friendly Call Service 6.4 the City. throughout Cork City Partnership will seek to develop a system of transportation for older and vulnerable people to enable them attend appointments, e.g. hospital appointments. Respect and Social Inclusion Priority Action . CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY - ACTIONS 6 36 CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly 37

ouncil ouncil Partnership Agency Responsible Cork City C HSE Cork City Cork City C Alliance

Proposed Measures Libraries will make appropriate provision for provision Libraries will make appropriate older citizens. Libraries will organize a part of the ‘Bealtaine’ Festival. Libraries will foster and facilitate books clubs, and other forms writing groups creative of specifically for older citizens. cultural expression, The types of supports provided. The types of supports provided. An overarching aim. An overarching

Cork City Age Friendly Alliance will endeavour Strategic Goal to expand and develop initiatives Cork Age Friendly Alliance will act as a catalyst to service providers aimed at encouraging the social engagement of older people. 7.1 7.3 visitation services. a library service Cork City Libraries will provide that is age-friendly and will play a central in making Cork an age-friendly city. role range of events each year as comprehensive that seek to keep in touch with older people and and repair such as friendly call, care to facilitate the sharing of information relating 7.2 to community groups. The Cork City Alliance will support initiatives Social Participation Priority Action . CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY - ACTIONS 7 AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK ouncil ouncil ouncil Partnership Agency Responsible Cork City C Cork City C Cork City Cork City C Síochána An Garda programme programme oviding the necessary supports and services “Housing for Older People: Proposed Measures entitled Availability of forms. Availability understood. Ease with which they are Age from a presentation The SPC will receive on the SLIOTHAR Friendly Ireland Supports given. Future Perspectives” officer in place. Crime prevention Strategic Goal Enable older people to live in their own homes and communities by pr as well suitable housing in the right locations.

for older people. to housing grants and other home relating 8.2 financial supports. related Cork City Age Friendly Alliance will support 8.1 Cork City Council will continue to improve the availability of/and access to information the work of community and voluntary organisations to enable older people 8.3 in their communities for longer. remain The Housing SPC of Cork City Council will of housing consider best practice in the area contact for information to security in relating the home, security when outside and text alert schemes. 8.4 one point of Síochána will provide An Garda Housing Priority Action . CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY - ACTIONS 8 38 CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

Age Friendly 39

The Alliance wishes to acknowledge all those that contributed to the development of the Cork strategy. Older People’s Forum, the Cork This Age Friendly City working should include the group. Also, the Alliance appreciates the contributions of different the in enthusiastically so the contributed who people older consultations that took place and is committed to ensure that Acknowledgements their voice will be implemented in this strategy. The Alliance acknowledges the support of Age Friendly Ireland who has supported us along the way. In particular the support Debra O’Neill and Shane Winters is valued. of Hugh O’Connor, O’Donnell Con The Alliance particularly acknowledges Council the City Cork work of of Section the Enterprise Community and and Chris Dorgan. Also, it acknowledges Deborah O’Connell. the contribution of The Alliance would also like to commencing the thank process and Cork the interagency working Healthy group Cities for that has supported the process thus far will in the future deliver the operational activities. Chair

Cork Chamber Síochána An Garda Board Cork Education Training Cork Older People’s Forum Cork Older People’s Forum Cork Older People’s Forum Cork Older People’s Forum Health Service Executive (HSE) Board Cork Education and Training (CETB) Bus Éireann Cork Chamber Cork Business Association (CBA) Cork City Partnership Cork Healthy City initiative COLLAGE (UCC) Cork City Council Membership of Cork Age Friendly City Alliance Members of the initial Alliance represented by others: Conor Healy Chief Superintendent Michael Finn Owens Ted Phil Uí Mhurchú Phil Uí Mhurchú Noel Dempsey Nora O’Donovan Finbarr Coughlan Gabrielle O’Keeffe Ger Canning Myers Superintendent Tom Martin Walsh Síochána An Garda Michelle O’Sullivan Owens Lawrence Cahill Brenda Stephen Murphy Ronán O’Caoimh Ann Doherty AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME CORK CORK AGE FRIENDLY CITY PROGRAMME

CORK OLDER PERSONS FORUM

For further information please contact: T: 021 492 4076 • E: [email protected]