No. 33

$3.1 MILLION TO ASSIST YOUNGER PEOPLE WITH 
DISABILITIES LIVING IN RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE

The Stanhope Government has announced a major initiative to reduce the number of younger people with disabilities living in residential aged care facilities.

Minister for Disability and Community Services Katy Gallagher said the Stanhope Government would provide more than $1.5 million dollars over four years for the initiative.

Ms Gallagher said this funding would be matched by the Commonwealth Government, bringing the total expenditure to $3.1 million over four years.

“The funding will enable people with disabilities living in aged care facilities to be supported in accommodation that meets their individual needs, in a way that is age-appropriate,” Ms Gallagher said.

“It will also provide funding for more appropriate support for young people who remain in an aged care facility; and to enable people with disabilities to remain in their home as they age.”

Ms Gallagher said the program will initially target people with disabilities under the age of 50 in residential aged care, and those at immediate risk of entering aged care facilities without this support.  

“Each year the ACT will have between three and six new younger people who require intensive and long-term support and who are at risk of being inappropriately placed in an aged care facility,” she said.

“The ACT has the best record of all States and Territories in providing appropriate community care in this area, but with demand continuing to grow it is necessary to create additional capacity in order to prevent inappropriate admissions to residential aged care facilities.

“Studies indicate that a considerable number of younger people in aged care are unable to receive services appropriate to their needs, are frequently socially isolated and unable to participate in community life.  

“This new initiative will offer an assessment and planning service to those people currently inappropriately accommodated in residential aged care services and to those who are currently in hospital settings awaiting accommodation and support arrangements.”