Source: Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance

"...The Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance today called on federal and state leaders to reach an agreement at tomorrow's COAG meeting that will lead to all young people getting out of aged care facilities..."

YPINH director Dr Bronwyn Morkham said it was a national disgrace that 6,500 Australians under the age of 65 were forced to live in nursing homes because of a lack of suitable alternate accommodation.

"In the decade since the Howard Government was elected 1,500 people have been forced to move into nursing homes.

"This a tragedy that we should never have let happen in Australia," she said.

"Nursing homes are no place for young people. They cannot get the care and rehabilitation they need and it is cheaper in the long term to care for them in the community.

"The challenge for federal and state politicians tomorrow is to put in place a long-term solution that will eventually see all young people moved out of nursing homes.

"Recent reports suggest that a package is being considered that will see young people under the age of 50 moved out of nursing homes over a five year period.

"That would be a great start but we need a long term plan to get everybody out.

"If 1,000 people are moved out what happens to the other 5,500 people facing a life in a nursing home? What happens to the people who are on the verge of going into a nursing home now?

"We shouldn't start the process without having a plan to fix this problem once and for all.

"There needs to be a comprehensive solution that will see enough alternative accommodation created and funding committed by both the states and territories and the federal government to get all young people out of nursing homes and prevent others going in.

"It may seem expensive but that is because for too long this issue has been the subject of buck-passing between the Commonwealth and the states and territories.

"People are sick of politicians fighting amongst themselves and they want to see action now."

Further Information: Bronwyn Morkham 0437 178078