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

MEDIA RELEASE

BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE IN NURSING HOMES

Wednesday, 22 July 2009 

Younger people with disabilities in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs will be able to move out of residential aged care services into specially provided accommodation thanks to the five-year, $60.2 million joint Commonwealth/State project my future, my choice initiative, Minister for Community Services Lisa Neville announced today.

Ms Neville joined representatives of local service organisations to inspect progress on the site at Willow Avenue in Glen Waverley, saying the project would build specialised accommodation facilities for younger Victorians with a range of disabilities - such as acquired brain injury, neurological conditions, or spinal cord injury - who are living in aged care facilities.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to stand up for vulnerable Victorians and to support people with disabilities and to enhance their independence. The units at Glen Waverley will provide important and flexible accommodation and support for people as their support needs change,” Ms Neville said.

“While it is important to give those younger people in residential aged care the opportunity to move out, we also recognise it is just as important to help prevent younger people at risk from entering aged care facilities.”

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane MP said the site is one of three either planned or operating in Melbourne’s east.

“The new building will be home for up to six people with a range of disabilities, with the new house anticipated to be completed early next year. Total budget for the building project is $1.7 million,” Mr Leane said.

“All the new homes will be purpose built, designed to enhance the independence of the residents and improve their quality of life. Residents will be encouraged to continue strong relationships with their family and the wider community.”

The new facility will be managed by Wesley Mission, a not for profit community organisation.

There were 182 younger people in residential aged care facilities as of May 2009, down from 221 people in July 2006.

The Brumby Government announced $13.8 million in the recent State Budget for Stage Two of the program.

my future my choice will also boost job opportunities across Victoria. During the construction phase of the 20 new services approximately 120 jobs in the construction industry will be created and there will be approximately 180 ongoing jobs providing support to people with a disability.

“To date, my future my choice has funded 67 individual support packages that have enabled 21 younger people to exit residential aged care and another 46 younger people to avoid entering residential aged care,” Ms Neville said.

“Over 100 younger people have received disability supports, to enhance their quality of life whilst in residential aged care.

“I look forward to welcoming the residents into their new homes when the building is finished.”