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

Media release

From the Minister for Community Services

Monday, 22 October, 2007

MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN NURSING HOMES

The Brumby Government is providing $2.6 million in additional funding to develop new accommodation options to support younger people living in residential aged care facilities, Minister for Community Services Lisa Neville announced today.

Ms Neville said the funding is part of the joint $60.2 million Victorian and Commonwealth Governments initiative to provide accommodation and support to people with a disability aged under 50 who would otherwise be living in residential aged care facilities.

“my future my choice provides support and advice to younger people who are either living in residential aged care facilities or at risk of entering these facilities,” Ms Neville said.

“We currently working with 140 younger people in residential aged care to identify more appropriate supports and plan their future care and living arrangements.

“Work has also started on the design of a new, purpose-built 10-bed accommodation service in Alphington for people with very high support needs, in partnership with the Villa Maria Society.”

The $2.6 million will support an extra 12 places in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and nine places in Melbourne’s south, making a total of 21 new places with intensive support services.

The successful agencies chosen to operate the new facilities are the Yooralla Society, Scope and Wesley Mission. All agencies have indicated their willingness to put additional resources into the projects and explore opportunities for other community contributions.

“I’m delighted to announce we will be working in partnership with these three experienced agencies to provide this additional support,” Ms Neville said.

“The Brumby Government acknowledges aged care facilities are not appropriate accommodation for younger people with a disability.

“The my future my choice initiative has completed individualised planning for most younger people currently in aged care facilities who have chosen to participate, as well as launching the From a home to their home package of DVDs and booklets to outline alternative living options for younger people with a disability.

“We will continue to work with the younger people, their families and carers as well as agencies to provide accommodation that better meets their needs.”

Media contact:  Nick Talbot 03 9651 5799/0408 473 278 www.vic.gov.au