National Alliance of Young People In Nursing Homes
17 May 2004
MEDIA RELEASE

"...The crisis in aged care is not only a problem for older Australians..."

Government figures show that over 30 young people are being forced into nursing homes every month in Australia. This is the fastest rate of admissions we have seen.

At this rate there will be 10,000 young people living in nursing homes in 3 years.

This means 200 frail older people have been denied the care and accommodation meant for them.

It also means 200 frail older folk forced to live in acute care hospital beds because they can't access an aged care bed.

This then means 200 acutely ill Australians being prevented from using hospital facilities meant for the severely sick causing hospital waiting lists to lengthen.

This blockage alone costs State Health Budgets in excess of $372 million each year.

Erica Naisbitt is one of these young people. Last month she was forced into a nursing home, and is not allowed out of the building in her electric scooter. She has a purpose built unit in Narre Warren that is now useless to her. She wants to go back home but it may be too late. The system has failed her.

If something is not done, Erica is looking at spending the next 40 years in a nursing home. She is available for interview and photographs in Carrum.

The National Alliance of Young People In Nursing Homes calls on the Commonwealth Government to work with its State and Territory colleagues to stop this wastage and develop sustainable alternatives so that all Australians can get the care and accommodation they need.

For comment:            Alan Blackwood                         0407 542 605
                                       Bronwyn Morkham                   0419 516 000