Source: The Moreland Leader [Andrew Webster]

"...A national insurance levy may one day offfer escape to young people with disabilities living in nursing homes..."

But until then, about 6000 people aged 65 or younger are in aged care homes across Australia.

In Victoria, the issue affects more than 1400 people - 300 younger than 49.

Most have multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury or other neurological conditions.

Advocates trying to secure better futures for them say that money for alternatives is scarce, despite widespread recognition that nursing homes offer inappropriate accommodation.

A national conference was held in Melbourne last month to explore options to resolve the problem.

Conference spokeswoman, Bronwyn Morkham, said most aged care providers did their best to give good service, that younger people deserved other options.

"Maintaining a social network is vital to their rehabilitation - simply maintaining a person physically is not enough," Ms Morkham said.

MS Society spokesman Alan Blackwood said a national insurance levy could be the answer.

"We need a dedicated pool of money to manage this growing problem," Mr Blackwood said.