Sustainable community services for older people

Chris Taylor Chris Taylor,Jed Donoghue Jed Donoghue

doi:10.5130/cjlg.vi22.7020

Chris Taylor Chris Taylor, Jed Donoghue Jed Donoghue

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5130/cjlg.vi22.7020

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Abstract

This paper explores the sustainability of non-government organisations (NGOs) providing services to older people in the local government authority area of North Sydney. It identifies several key issues that can be used to assess the level of programme sustainability in the community sector. We suggest that government support is essential for the ongoing financial sustainability of community aged care services and that community-based organisations need to address a number of issues that will impact on their long-term sustainability. A good working relationship with local and state government is crucial for organisations to access community grants, donations and subsidised premises. The recruitment, training and retention of volunteers were some of the most important issues identified. Further, these NGOs will need to develop strategic plans that factor in sustainability indicators to address rental, recycling, transport, renewable energy and water costs to ensure that they have the capacity to pay for these utilities in the future.

Highlights

Non-government organisations (NGOs) are considered to be important for the quality of life of older people (Oppenheimer and Warburton 2014)
This paper considers the sustainability of NGOs providing services to older Australians in the local government area of North Sydney
NGOs involved in the care of older people will need to source additional revenue streams to varying degrees and many will depend on volunteers

Summary

Introduction

Non-government organisations (NGOs) are considered to be important for the quality of life of older people (Oppenheimer and Warburton 2014). This paper considers the sustainability of NGOs providing services to older Australians in the local government area of North Sydney. It will address two research questions: first, what are the main sustainability issues faced by smaller stand-alone community organisations; and how useful are existing sustainability indicators in providing a framework for NGOs to identify issues and plan for the future. The literature suggests that the sustainability of community-based organisations will be vital for older people as they provide a range of opportunities for engagement and support in the community (Oppenheimer and Warburton 2014; VanSant 2003)

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Conclusion