Version: 2.0 
Date: Effective 1 July 2015

Investment Specification 
Older People

CONTENTS
1.   Introduction	3
1.1 Purpose of the investment specification	3
2.  Funding intent	4
2.1 Context	4
3.   Investment logic	5
4.   Service delivery overview	5
4.1 Description of service types	6
5.   Service delivery requirements for all services	6
5.1 General information for all services	6
5.1.1 Requirements for all services	6
5.1.2 Considerations for all services	6
6. Service delivery requirements for specific Service Users	7
6.1 	Older people who have barriers accessing the service system (U1094)	7
6.1.1 Requirements — accessing service system	7
6.1.2 Considerations — accessing service system	7
6.2 	Older people experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) elder abuse (U1124)	8
6.2.1	Requirements — elder abuse	8
6.2.2	Considerations — elder abuse	9
6.3 	Older People experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) social isolation (U1144)	9
6.3.1 Requirements – social isolation	10
6.3.2 Considerations	10
7. Service delivery requirements for specific service types	10
7.1 	Support — Case management (Support and Integrated) (T314)	10
7.1.1 Requirements — Case management	10
7.1.2 Considerations — Case management	11
7.2 	Support — Community Support (T317)	11
7.2.1 Requirements — Community Support	11
7.2.2 Considerations — Community Support	11
7.3 Support — Information, advice and referral (T325)	11
7.3.1 Requirements — Information, advice and referral	11
7.3.2 Considerations — Information, advice and referral	11
8.   Service modes	11
9.   Deliverables and performance measures	12
10.   Contact information	19
11.   Other funding and supporting documents	19
Report - Milestones (Community Education)	20
Report - Annual (Service Users U1124, U1094)	21
Report Template – IS70 Qualitative evidence to supplement outcome measure (OPTIONAL)	22

1.   Introduction
In line with the strategic intent of the department, Older People over 60 (or those who have major barriers to accessing their community) have been designated as a funding area with an investment in services that aim to:
·	prevent and reduce social isolation
·	prevent and reduce elder abuse
·	prevent barriers to accessing information and services.
1.1 Purpose of the investment specification
The purpose of this investment specification is to describe the intent of funding, the Service Users and identified issues, the service types, and associated service delivery requirements for services that are funded under the Older People funding area. 
This investment specification is a guide for service delivery for the Older People funding area, where all service types contribute to outcomes.  The investment specifications allow for flexibility and responsiveness and innovation in service delivery, enabling the right services to be delivered to the right people at the right time.
Investment specifications form part of a hierarchy of funding documents of the department. Investment specifications are informed by the three broad investment domains described in the investment domains guideline. Refer to Section 11 for more information and links to the investment domains guideline and other associated documents.
Figure 1 – Funding document hierarchy
1.	Investment Domains Guideline
2.	Investment Specification
3.	Procurement Invitation Document
4.	Service Agreement
The department’s funding documents underpin the business relationship between the department and the funding recipient. The investment specification should therefore be read in conjunction with the investment domains guideline, procurement invitation document (new funding), and service agreement for organisations that are currently funded to deliver a service.

2.  Funding intent
Queenslanders want a vibrant and prosperous state where everyone has the opportunity to lead an active lifestyle, live in a healthy community, and participate in the economy. The department helps vulnerable Queenslanders to improve their lives and better access these opportunities. The department does this by providing evidence-based and responsive services not provided elsewhere and by adding value to other agencies’ initiatives. 
Evidence shows that older people are a growing population group, and that some have increased vulnerability or are experiencing harm in key areas such as elder abuse, social isolation, and experiencing barriers to accessing information, advice and referrals. . Since these issues are not adequately addressed in the existing human services system, the department invests in services to help older people tackle these issues. The investment will produce positive results for individuals and families; reduce the overall burden on the human service system; and contribute to healthier, stronger and more inclusive communities.
The department is standardising its investment approach to improve the line of sight from investment through to outcomes. Funding under Older People contributes to the following outcomes:
·	reduced harm and social isolation
·	older people are safe, supported and connected to community
·	increased levels of personal resilience and connections
·	maintain and strengthen connections to community
·	improved quality of life.
2.1 Context
The department is committed to providing high-quality and responsive frontline support and services to people most in need. The department’s 2015-2019 Strategic Plan focuses on excellence in human services to ensure improved wellbeing, safety and participation of Queenslanders, especially disadvantaged and vulnerable people, and improved liveability, inclusion and cohesion in communities. In 2013, there were approximately 634,000 Queenslanders aged 65 and over, which represents around 14 per cent of Queensland’s population. It is expected by 2021, there will be nearly double that number, or about a million people aged 65 and over. By 2056, this age group will make up approximately one quarter of Queensland’s population. 
Funding under Older People is linked to the following domains:
·	safe
·	resilient
·	capable.

3.   Investment logic

Service Users
Older people over 60 who are:
·	Experiencing or at risk of experiencing elder abuse
·	Experiencing or at rick of experiencing social isolation
·	Experiencing or at risk of experiencing barriers to the service system
Funding Domain
·	Capable
·	Resilient
·	Safe
Service Type
·	Information, advice and referral
·	Case Management
·	Community Support
Outputs
·	A01.1.06 Information, advice, individual advocacy, engagement and/or referral
·	A01.1.02 Case Management
·	A07.2.01 Community education
Outcomes
·	Reduce harm and social isolation
·	To be safe, supported and connected to community
·	Increase levels of personal resilience and connections
·	Maintain and strengthen connections to community
·	Improve quality of life
4.   Service delivery overview
The table below provides an overview of the Service Users and service delivery types within the Older People funding area. This is not an exhaustive list; the department may from time to time update this investment specification in response to evidence and changing needs to invest in additional service delivery responses, or different combinations of responses. Please refer to the most up to date version of this investment specification (refer to Section 11 for web links).

Service Users	Service types	
Older People – experiencing (or at risk of experiencing barriers accessing the service system (U1094)	Support Service – Community Support (T317)	
	Support– Information, advice and referral (T325)	
Older People - experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) elder abuse (U1124)	Support – Case Management (T314)	
	Support – Community Support (T317)	
	Support – Information, advice and referral (T325)	
Older People - experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) social isolation (U1144)	Support– Information, advice and referral (T325)	
	Support Service – Community Support (T317)	
Older People and interested stakeholders – Seniors Week –  Refer to Community Specification (U4190)	Access – Community Support (T101)
Access – Events (T102)
Access – Information, advice and referral (T103)	
Seniors Peak Service – Refer to Service System Support and Development Investment Specification – Service Providers- Part Industry (U5230)	System Support – Capability Building (T440)
System Support – Research and Advice (T443)
System Support – Dissemination of information (T441)
System Support – System and group advocacy (T446)	
4.1 Description of service types
Support Services improve the capability, resilience, and safety of vulnerable Queenslanders, and provide a range of responses to support Service Users.  
The service types in Section 7 provide details of the range of supports provided to Service Users under the Older People funding area.
5.   Service delivery requirements for all services
5.1 General information for all services
Services that are funded under Older People must comply with the relevant statements under the headings of “Requirements” as specified in the Service Agreement. Services should also have regard to the relevant best practice statements and guidance provided under the headings of “Considerations”.
Requirements for all services are outlined in Section 5.1.1. Service delivery requirements for specific Service Users and service types are outlined in Sections 6 and 7 below.
5.1.1 Requirements for all services
The program of activities will be responsive to the identified needs of customers and reviewed regularly to ensure that activities are relevant, viable and focused to older people’s needs. 
5.1.2 Considerations for all services
Nil.

6. Service delivery requirements for specific Service Users
6.1 	Older people who have barriers accessing the service system (U1094)
Definition
Access to a supportive service system can reduce incidents of social isolation and elder abuse. 
People feel better supported when they can access services and facilities they need in a timely manner. 
Partnership arrangements should be developed to improve the service system and the outcomes for older people. Effective connections across local, state and Commonwealth governments as well as non-government organisations are crucial to enhance quality service delivery. 
Purpose of funding
Groups most likely to lack knowledge about available services include newcomers to an area, older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and transient population groups. Service providers may also lack comprehensive knowledge about services in their own community, thereby limiting appropriate cross-referrals. An effective communication strategy therefore needs to target the whole community through a variety of mediums (e.g. word-of-mouth, coordinated cross-agency communication strategies and information packs for newcomers to an area)
The service system needs to provide information, referral and triage services to:
·	Older Queenslanders (60+)
·	family
·	friends
·	grandparents
·	carers.
The support provided by services will ensure access to information on topics that will assist older people to live informed and connected lives with a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention. 

6.1.1 Requirements — accessing service system
The funded organisation must:
·	provide preliminary needs identification
·	respond to sensitive issues
·	raise awareness in the community on issues facing older people
·	maintain up to date information on the current service system and supporting services
·	empower older people to utilise the information and referrals offered.
6.1.2 Considerations — accessing service system
Nil.
Service delivery mode options: centre-based, mobile or virtual
6.2 	Older people experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) elder abuse (U1124)
Definition
Elder abuse refers to acts occurring within a relationship of trust, which harm an older person.  Such relationships may include those that the elderly have with their adult children, spouses, carers or health professionals. Elder abuse can be of a physical, sexual, financial, psychological, or social nature and can also include neglect.  
Purpose of funding
As people age, they are less likely to feel safe and, in general, women have lower levels of perceived safety than men of the same age. Personal safety is frequently identified by older people as one of the most important influences on their quality of life. There is a need to raise community awareness of elder abuse and the impact of physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse on older persons by family members, carers or others in a position of trust.
Risk factors for elder abuse include:
·	being female
·	being older (vulnerability increases with age, highest risk 75 to 85 years)
·	dependency on others for all or some care
·	shared living arrangements
·	isolation, lack of social contacts or support
·	history of family conflict or tension
·	dementia or a history of mental illness
·	low self esteem
·	institutionalisation.
Services will assist vulnerable older people (over 60) who are at risk of and/or experiencing elder abuse or financial exploitation. This will be done by providing information, support and referral mechanisms to improve health, well-being and safety, to address legal and other issues affecting older people and raise community awareness of elder abuse.
6.2.1	Requirements — elder abuse
The funded organisation must provide a multi-disciplinary framework and must maintain links with key stakeholders on issues relating to older people in the local community through network meetings or local reference groups.
Funded organisations must disseminate information to support agencies and the community on current and emerging trends and issues that may impact upon older people experiencing and or at risk of experiencing elder abuse.
Funded organisations must provide relevant information and referrals, develop resources, deliver training and community education programs and raise awareness of older people’s rights.
6.2.2	Considerations — elder abuse
Nil.
Service delivery mode options: centre-based, mobile or virtual
The preferred mode of service delivery is face-to-face support where possible.
6.3 	Older People experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) social isolation (U1144)
Definition
The funded organisation should focus on groups of older people who are particularly vulnerable to social isolation. This includes:
·	people who are over 80 years of age (vulnerability increases with age)
·	older adults living in remote and rural areas
·	older men living alone
·	older people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds 
·	older Indigenous people and Australian South Sea Islanders
·	residents of aged care facilities and older people in rental  accommodation .
·	carers
Purpose of funding
Funded organisations will promote active ageing and are designed to support vulnerable older people 60 and over who have barriers to accessing their community and personal supports. Older people are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness owing to loss of friends and family, mobility or income. Some groups are more likely than other groups to experience social isolation and insecurity, such as those from lower socio-economic groups and have poor health. 
In order to develop a targeted service response to reducing or preventing social isolation it is important to be aware of certain risk factors that are associated with increased risk of social isolation for older people such as:
·	poor physical or mental health
·	being a carer
·	being over 80 years
·	being male
·	experiences of loss (e.g. death of partner) or a lack of stability in relationships
·	living alone
·	disability, including hearing and communication difficulties
·	having a low income or educational level
·	living in poor or deprived areas (with high crime rates)
·	living in aged care facilities or rental accommodation
·	a lack of access to appropriate and affordable transport. 
6.3.1 Requirements – social isolation
Funded organisations across the state must deliver a range of projects focusing on increasing older people’s awareness of healthy lifestyle options, reducing social isolation and improving links with other agencies and their community. 
Funded organisations must also provide activities and opportunities to extend and strengthen personal and community connectedness and to reduce social isolation, including older men, with the aim to decrease the risk of depression and suicide. 
6.3.2 Considerations
Nil.
Service delivery mode options: 
·	Centre-based
·	Mobile
·	Virtual.
7. Service delivery requirements for specific service types
7.1 	Support — Case management (Support and Integrated) (T314)
Case Management is a collaborative, Service User-centred process aimed at empowering and working with older people to effectively meet their individual needs and to increase their self-reliance and independence. Case management incorporates direct service to older people, based on identification, assessment and planning for the older person’s support needs, and the coordination of customer access to a range of other appropriate services.
7.1.1 Requirements — Case management
Funded organisations must provide:
·	a level of support to older people matched to their assessed needs
·	ongoing assessment of older peoples’ needs as well as initial and ongoing risk assessment and safety planning as needed
·	practical and/or interpersonal assistance
·	assisted and supported referrals to facilitate access to specialist services as required.
Funded organisations must also:
·	facilitate social contact with family and friends and forming new social networks, as needed
·	facilitate access to community and leisure activities.
7.1.2 Considerations — Case management
Nil.
7.2 	Support — Community Support (T317)
Services that promote greater public awareness of social issues and enhance individual and community group capacity.
7.2.1 Requirements — Community Support
Funded organisations must:
·	develop opportunities for older people to participate in programs/events/activities/projects designed to develop their skills and support them in reaching their full potential
·	include older people in program/project development including consultation, design, delivery and evaluation
·	provide opportunities for older people to express their ideas and views, raise issues of concern to them, and act on issues which affect their lives leading them to become engaged and resilient
·	develop opportunities for the wider community to listen to older people and acknowledge and celebrate the positive contributions made by their efforts and achievements
·	support older people to positively connect with their families, friends and social networks
·	deliver programs/events/activities/projects in a culturally appropriate manner.
7.2.2 Considerations — Community Support
Nil.
7.3 Support — Information, advice and referral (T325)
Services that assist clients and community members to make informed decisions about, or be connected to, the services and support that they need. These responses are an important aspect of both prevention and early intervention approaches and may involve preliminary needs identification for the purpose of identifying appropriate service and support options.
7.3.1 Requirements — Information, advice and referral
Provide older people, their family and friends, grandparents and carers with access to information on topics such as financial and legal matters, social activities, household assistance, retirement accommodation, health, education and transport.
7.3.2 Considerations — Information, advice and referral
Nil.
8.   Service modes
There are no specific service mode requirements.
9.   Deliverables and performance measures
The following deliverables and performance measures are funded under the Community funding area. The service agreement will identify the relevant outputs and measures for each service outlet, the quantum to be delivered and the range of measures to be collected and reported. 

COUNTING RULES, DESCRIPTORS AND REPORTING EXAMPLES: For counting rules, detailed descriptors and examples please refer to the Catalogue (Version 1). 

OUTCOME MEASUREMENT:  All quantitative reporting on outcome measures can be supplemented with optional qualitative evidence. Qualitative reports can be uploaded to OASIS using IS70. As qualitative reporting is optional the IS70 code will not appear in agreements but will be visible in OASIS.

Service Users	Service Types	Outputs	
U1094 – Older People who have barriers accessing the service system  
U1124 – Older People experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) elder abuse 
U1144 – Older People experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) social isolation 
	T314 – Support – Case Management
T317 – Support – Community Support
T325 – Support – Information, advice and referral	A01.1.06 – Information, advice, individual advocacy, engagement and/or referral
A01.2.02 – Case management 
A07.2.01 - Community Education	

The following information relates to information found in items 6.2 and 7.1 in a Service Agreement or 6.2 and 9.1 in a Short Form Service Agreement 

U1094  - Older People who have barriers accessing the service system

Relates to item 6.2 & 7.1 or 9.1 of the agreement	Relates to item 6.2 of the agreement	Relates to item 7.1 or 9.1 of the agreement	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Output        	Quantity per  annum	Number of Service Users	Output Measures	
U1094	T325	A01.1.06 
Information, advice, individual advocacy, engagement and/or referral	Number of hours	Number of Service Users	A01.1.06	Number of hours provided during the reporting period	
						Number of Service Users who received a service during the reporting period	

Relates to item 7.1 or 9.1 of the agreement	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Throughput  Measure  	
U1094	T317	IS151	Value of brokerage expenditure	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Demographic Measure	
U1094	T317	IS35	Number of Service Users identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander	
U1094	T325			
U1094	T317	IS39	Number of Service Users identifying as being from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds	
U1094	T325			
U1094	T317	IS141	Number of Service Users over 75 years	
U1094	T325			
U1094	T317	IS205	Number of female Service Users 	
U1094	T325		Number of male Service Users	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Outcome Measure	
U1094	T317	OM2.1.06	Number of Service Users with improved social connectedness	
U1094	T325			
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Other Measure	
U1094	T317	IS61	Upload a report - Case studies (voluntary)	
U1094	T317	IS70	Upload a report - Annual 	
U1094	T325			
U1094	T317	GM16	What significant achievements or factors have impacted on the quality of service delivery during the reporting period.	
U1094	T325			

U1124  - Older People experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) elder abuse 

Relates to item 6.2 & 7.1 or 9.1 of the agreement	Relates to item 6.2 of the agreement	Relates to item 7.1 or 9.1 of the agreement	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Output        	Quantity per  annum	Number of Service Users	Output Measures	
U1124	T325	A01.2.02 
Case management	Number of hours	Number of Service Users	A01.2.02	Number of hours provided during the reporting period	
U1124	T314					Number of Service Users who received a service during the reporting period	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Output 	Quantity per annum	Number of Service Users	Output Measures	
U1124	T317	A07.2.01
Community Education	Milestones	NA	A07.2.01	Upload a report - Milestones	

Relates to item 7.1 or 9.1 of the agreement	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Throughput  Measure  	
U1124	T317	IS255	Number of new Service Users 	
U1124	T325			
U1124	T314			
U1124	T314	GM07	Number of Service Users who had their case plans closed/finalised as a result of the majority of identified needs being met	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Demographic Measure	
U1124	T317	IS35	Number of Service Users identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander	
U1124	T325			
U1124	T314			
U1124	T317	IS39	Number of Service Users identifying as being from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds	
U1124	T325			
U1124	T314			
U1124	T317	IS141	Number of Service Users over 75 years	
U1124	T325			
U1124	T314			
U1124	T317	IS205	Number of female Service Users 	
U1124	T325			
U1124	T314		Number of male Service Users	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Outcome Measure	
U1124	T317	OM2.1.01	Number of Service Users that have shown improvements in being safe and/or protected from harm	
U1124	T325			
U1124	T314			
U1124	T317	OM2.1.06	Number of Service Users with improved social connectedness	
U1124	T325			
U1124	T314			
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Other Measure	
U1124	T317	IS61	Upload a report - Case studies (voluntary)	
U1124	T325			
U1124	T314			
U1124	T317	IS70	Upload a report – Annual 	
U1124	T325			
U1124	T314			
U1124	T317	GM16	What significant achievements or factors have impacted on the quality of service delivery during the reporting period?	
U1124	T325			
U1124	T314			

U1144  - Older People experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) social isolation

Relates to item 6.2 & 7.1 or 9.1 of the agreement	Relates to item 6.2 of the agreement	Relates to item 7.1 or 9.1 of the agreement	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Output        	Quantity per  annum	Number of Service Users	Output Measures	
U1144	T317	A01.2.02 
Case management	Number of hours	Number of Service Users	A01.2.02	Number of hours provided during the reporting period	
U1144	T325					Number of Service Users who received a service during the reporting period	

Relates to item 7.1 or 9.1 of the agreement	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Throughput  Measure  	
U1144	T317	IS255	Number of new Service Users 	
U1144	T325			
U1144	T317	GM07	Number of Service Users who had their case plans closed/finalised as a result of the majority of identified needs being met	

Service User Code	Service Type Code	Demographic Measure	
U1144	T317	IS35	Number of Service Users identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander	
U1144	T325			
U1144	T317	IS39	Number of Service Users identifying as being from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds	
U1144	T325			
U1144	T317	IS141	Number of Service Users over 75 years	
U1144	T325			
U1144	T317	IS205	Number of female Service Users 	
U1144	T325		Number of male Service Users	
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Outcome Measure	
U1144	T317	OM2.1.06	Number of Service Users with improved social connectedness	
U1144	T325			
Service User Code	Service Type Code	Other Measure	
U1144	T317	GM16	What significant achievements or factors have impacted on the quality of service delivery during the reporting period.	
U1144	T325			

10.   Contact information
For further information regarding this investment specification, please contact your nearest service centre. 
For information regarding current funding opportunities, visit the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services website.
11.   Other funding and supporting documents
·	Investment Domains Guideline
·	Investment Specifications: 
1.	Child Protection (Support Services)
2.	Child Protection (Placement Services)
3.	Families
4.	Domestic and Family Violence
5.	Individuals
6.	Young people
7.	Community
8.	Service System Support and Development
·	Catalogue

·	Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) 

Report - Milestones (Community Education) 	

Service Name:      
Service Number:       
Quarter from:   insert start date to insert end date    	

Please provide details in the following table about the milestone tasks delivered during the reporting period.
Output: A07.2.01 Community Education – Promoting greater public awareness about social issues through providing information.
Milestone task	Date of activity 	Details:
(Describe event/activities, aim, benefits/outcomes, feedback and any emerging issues)	Location	Number of participants	
Community events					
Workshop					
Resources/Tools					

Please describe activities you have undertaken during the quarter, in more detail:
Forums
Key issues discussed 
Outcomes achieved or recommendations provided.

Report - Annual (Service Users U1124, U1094)	

IS70 – Provision of an Annual (data analysis) Report to inform current and emerging trends.
Service  Name:      
Service Number:      
Annual: First reporting period after 30 June	

Purpose:
To identify (through data analysis) current and emerging trends. 

Insert report:

Report Template – IS70 Qualitative evidence to supplement outcome measure (OPTIONAL) 	

Please make sure any information provided regarding Service Users is de-identified.  Keep word length to 250 words.
Reporting period from:   insert start date   to insert end date    
Outcome measure:  insert measure

Supplementary qualitative evidence to outcome measure:
[insert here]