Source: Office of the Minister for Community Services, the Hon. Lisa Neville MP

From the Minister for Community Services

Tuesday, 19 May, 2009

BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE IN NURSING HOMES

Young Victorians with a disability will be able to move out of residential aged care services into specially provided accommodation thanks to a $4 million Brumby Government funding boost.

Community Services Minister Lisa Neville today announced that three new specialist units would be built in Altona, Frankston and Geelong under the my future, my choice initiative.

Ms Neville said the joint Brumby and Rudd Government program built and supported specialised accommodation facilities for younger Victorians with a range of disabilities, including acquired brain injury, neurological conditions or spinal cord injury, who are either living in or are at risk of entering a residential aged care facility.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to support Victorians with a disability. These additional developments across Victoria will provide flexible accommodation and support for people as their needs change, and will enhance their independence,” Ms Neville said.

“While it is important to move those younger people out of aged residential care who want to leave, we also recognise it is just as important to help prevent younger people at risk from entering aged care facilities.”

Facilities to be built under the Brumby Government funding boost include:

• A $1.5 million Altona facility for six young people with a range of disabilities to be managed by Yooralla and supported by $690,000 per annum in joint Brumby and Rudd Government funding;
• A $1.3 million Frankston facility for six young people with high and complex health needs to be managed by Focus Individualised Support Services and supported by $720,000 annual Brumby and Rudd Government funding; and
• A $1.2 million Geelong facility for five young people, including two people in or at risk of entering residential aged care and three people living with older carers who need supported accommodation, to be managed by Scope (Vic Ltd) and supported by $465,000 annually in joint Brumby and Rudd Government funding.

Ms Neville announced that 10 new services would also be created, providing a total of 53 places, including 39 for younger people in, or at risk of entering nursing homes.

“I am pleased to announce that Scope (Vic), McCallum Disability Services, Wesley Mission, the EW Tipping Foundation, Gellibrand Disability Services, Focus Individualised Support Services and Goulburn Valley Centre Disability Services will be delivering these new services,” she said.

Ms Neville said the facilities would be built as part of the Brumby Government’s $23.8 million commitment to provide young Victorians with a disability choice in accommodation.

“The new homes will be purpose built, designed to enhance the residents’ independence and improve their quality of life. They're also close to shops, transport and community facilities, with residents encouraged to continue strong relationships with family and the community,” she said.

The three new facilities are among nine specialist units now operating or under construction. Construction on the three new units will begin soon, securing jobs and boosting the economy.

Media contact:     Bill Kyriakopoulos 9651 5799 / 0400 510 802       www.premier.vic.gov.au

my future my choice  Capital Developments