Older people at home in Melbourne and Adelaide, 1981

The rationale of the survey was to collect detailed information which would assist governmental and non-governmental agencies responsible for the planning and delivery of support services to older people living at home and to people involved in their care. The survey provides basic information on the physical, social and economic circumstances of older people living at home, and includes significant additional information on persons caring for handicapped older people at home. The survey comprised three questionnaires: a Household Form, a Personal Questionnaire and, a Carer's Questionnaire. The Household Form (cards 1-3 of file A) provides details of household and family composition. The Personal Questionnaire (cards 4-14 of file A) contains information including: the extent to which support services are available to, and used by them; the extent of family and neighbourhood support available; the level of satisfaction with existing services, and whether services are being provided to those most in need, according to health, financial and social circumstances; community support services considered to be both necessary and desirable to assist them to maintain an active and independent life; priority placed on particular forms of assistance; lifestyle; and, the extent of integration within the community and whether they wished to be more actively involved in community activities. The Carers' Questionnaire (file B) contains information including: community services available to and those used by the person in their care; services needed in community to assist elderly; satisfaction with providing care; effect on lifestyle; and, financial assistance for and needs of people providing care. Data not available on Nesstar. Please contact archive staff at [e-mail] if you wish to access these data.