Focus Groups
Page 23
Focus Groups 2004
In June and July, 16 focus groups were held throughout NZ, to seek feedback about Equipment Services, the Telephone Information Service (TIS) and how best to provide services to older people, who form the majority of our members. Members were randomly selected and invited to attend sessions in Whangarei, Orewa (x2), Remuera, Howick, Hamilton East, Hamilton, Gisborne, Palmerston North, Upper Hutt, Wellington, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Balclutha and Gore. In total, 155 members attended.
The trials of selling equipment through a pharmacy and a disability resource centre were not well known, and many members felt that although the delivery of ordered equipment was speedy, they had insufficient opportunity to view it prior to ordering. They felt that the equipment display days were not frequent enough, did not have a wide range of items, and that small items should be available locally.
The majority of attendees at the focus groups were not aware of the TIS, and the information available through either the local services which are available in some areas, or through the national line. Many were unsure whether they would be interested to access it until they knew more about it and had been taught how to use it and had tried it for themselves.
Older members talked of the difficulties with shopping and reading mail, and their interest in learning how to use computers with enlarged image or speech software. They also emphasised the importance of knowing what services the Foundation offers. As in previous years, members praised the library services, and in areas where volunteers and local committees ran social and recreational groups, members were grateful for their time and support.
Generally, people valued the Foundation for what it did, and for "just being there" for them, and a number commented that they were grateful for the opportunity to give feedback.
Thank-you to all those who took the time to attend the focus groups and for the feedback that you gave. A full report will be presented to senior management and to the Board of Directors, and will be used in adjustment and development of services.