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2022

February 2023: The Alliance made a submission to the National Dementia Action Plan consultation that is being conducted by The Department of Health and Ageing. The submission focuses on the issues facing people with young onset dementia and their families and highlights the major service gaps that people face.

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2018

MEDIA RELEASE: Sunday, 17 September 2018

Royal Commission into Aged Care recognises YPINH issue

The federal Government’s announcement today of a Royal Commission into Aged Care has been warmly welcomed by the Young People In Nursing Homes National Alliance.

‘The Young People In Nursing Homes issue has been an enduring problem for over 40 years’, said Alliance National Director, Dr Bronwyn Morkham.

‘Despite the Younger People In Residential Aged Care initiative in 2006-11, and the advent of the NDIS in 2013, younger Australians continue to enter nursing homes in the absence of other alternatives.

‘Until these alternatives are developed, residential aged care will remain an important part of the housing and support equation for younger people with complex disability.

‘By giving these young people an unprecedented opportunity to tell their stories, the Royal Commission will enable a detailed analysis of the causes and the solutions to the YPINH issue, said Dr Morkham.

‘It offers a unique opportunity to examine how we can prevent younger people entering residential aged care and find options for those who want to move out.

‘Most importantly, it will help define how we can comprehensively support people while they remain in aged care.

‘We congratulate the government on taking this step and making the issue of younger people with disability living in nursing homes one of the Commission’s terms of reference.

For comment: Dr Bronwyn Morkham M: 0437 178 078

Media release:  pdfRoyal Commission into Aged Care recognises YPINH issue172.25 KB


2017

April 2017: The Alliance made a submission to the Productivity Commission's recent Inquiry into NDIS Costs. Following consideration of the submissions they received, the PC released a position paper that outlines the Commission's early thinking on NDIS costs. The purpose of this position paper is to seek feedback on the Commission's preliminary conclusions, and on any additional issues that should be considered before the public release of the final study report.

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2016

Calls for an integrated healthcare system for Australia

IN an article for the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR), the Alliance's National Director, Dr Bronwyn Morkham, calls for an integrated healthcare system for Australia.

The Living Longer Living Better aged care reforms that focus on keeping older people at home for longer; and the arrival of the NDIS with its focus on improved social and economic participation for its members, means the demand for new and improved community health responses is only going to get greater. Both reforms offer an exciting opportunity for health networks to think differently about delivery of existing services outside hospital walls; and how, in collaboration with other programs, new health responses can be developed to the mutual benefit of all.

pdfASMR newsletter - October 2016964.32 KB

Queensland moves to NIIS

A Senate Inquiry is currently underway into the federal government's NDIS Savings Fund Special Account Bill 2016." In its submission to the Inquiry, the Alliance recognises the importance of properly funding the NDIS, as well as the need for government to address a range of human services reforms to make the scheme succeed.
Download the pdfAlliance's submission276.88 KB.

pdfMedia release (27 May 2016): Queensland moves to National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) on July 1185.53 KB

2015

Senate Inquiry into residential care arrangements

The Alliance made a submission to the Senate's recent Inquiry into the Adequacy of existing residential care arrangements available for young people with severe physical, mental or intellectual disabilities in Australia.
pdfAlliance's submission528.72 KB

The Inquiry Report contains a number of recommendations concerning YPINH.

NDIS tender a win for community organisations

pdfMedia release, 2 Nov 2015180.35 KB: The NDIA has released a tender to outsource the LAC role to community organisations in the North East metropolitan Melbourne, Central Highlands and Loddon regions next year, as part of the NDIS roll out in Victoria. The Alliance has congratulated the NDIA on this important decision in the attached media release.

YPINH National Alliance Submission to the Review of the NDIS Act 2013

In its pdfsubmission to the Review of the NDIS Act 2013321.52 KB, the Alliance has called for a number of changes to scheme design to improve the NDIS operational capacities.

Review of the National Disability Advocacy Framework

The review of the National Disability Advocacy Framework (NDAF) is a critical component of the overall reform program currently in play nationally in Australia." In its submission to the review, the Alliance calls for advocacy practice to be redefined as a citizen service not a disability service; and for multiprogram funding to support organisations undertaking advocacy practice in the post NDIS world.

pdfYPINH Alliance - response to Review of the National Disability Advocacy Framework1.07 MB

Senate tables Inquiry Report into Young People In Nursing Homes

Date: 25 June 2015

The Alliance has welcomed the tabling of the Senate's Inquiry Report into the Adequacy of Existing Residential Care Arrangements for young disabled Australians and congratulated the Committee members on their strong recommendations that include implementation of a National Rehabilitation Strategy; and development of a Joint Taskforce to address the issue."

Organisations issue Joint Statement on YPINH

Date: 23 June 2015

The Young People In Nursing Homes National Alliance, the Summer Foundation and Youngcare have issued a Joint Statement on Young People In Nursing Homes about the Senate's Inquiry Report into the Adequacy of Residential Care Arrangements for young disabled Australians to be tabled on June 24 in the federal Parliament. "

The Joint Statement calls for a concerted national program to address the growing YPINH issue.

Download:" pdfJoint Statement (23 June 2015)139.05 KB

Response to the NDIS Quality & Safeguarding Framework Discussion Paper

With the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), attention has now turned to development of a Quality and Safeguarding Framework for the scheme. The Alliance's response argues for a robust framework that provides confidence and surety for consumers of NDIS and other funded services; and for Community Living Organisations to be front line agencies of the scheme.

Download: pdfResponse to the NDIS Quality & Safeguarding Framework Discussion Paper380 KB

YPINH Alliance Submission to 2015 Senate Inquiry into Residential Care Arrangements

The Senate's Inquiry into Residential Care Arrangements or Australians with disability offered an important opportunity to revisit the recommendations of the 2004 Senate Inquiry into Aged Care that had the YPINH issue as one of its 5 terms of reference. In its submission, the Alliance calls for more integrated responses across the disability, health and aged care sectors an development of a national rehabilitation strategy.

Download: pdfYPINH Alliance Submission to 2015 Senate Inquiry into Residential Care Arrangements1.57 MB

2014

Shaping the Future Today: Transforming Housing Policy for Australians with Disability

A partnership with Monash University's Art, Design and Architecture studio (MADA), the booklet showcases international and Australian examples of housing that delivers community connection for people of all abilities.

The emerging National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) demands new thinking on how housing and support services are conceived, designed and delivered.

The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme means that the segregated approaches previously used by the States, the Territories and the disability service sector to plan, fund, allocate and deliver disability support services, are now on the verge of redundancy.

A more outward looking and inclusive policy framework is required that is not only consistent with the objectives of the NDIS, but can also deliver practically on the National Disability Strategy.

Shaping the Future Today contains Australian and International examples of housing developments that use urban and precinct design to deliver community connection opportunities for people of all abilities.

Download: pdfYPINH Alliance housing policy paper4.93 MB

No Cover No Care

Alliance response to the West Australian Government's Green Paper: Options to add No-Fault Catastrophic Injury Cover to Western Australia's Compulsory Third Party Insurance Scheme

The West Australian Government recently released a Green Paper seeking public comment on reform of the state's Compulsory Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme." This reform is part of a broader national reform in this area and an important precursor to implementation of the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS).

Related: The WA Government's Green Paper

Download: pdfYPINH Alliance submission - WA No fault compensation scheme838.94 KB

Financial System Inquiry

Announced by Treasurer, Joe Hockey, in December 2013, the Financial System Inquiry is charged with examining how our financial system could be positioned to best meet Australia's evolving needs and support Australia's economic growth.

The Inquiry has broad terms of reference that include a focus on the role of government and that of market discipline in development of a well functioning financial system. Visit: http://fsi.gov.au/terms-of-reference/

In its Interim Report, the Inquiry declared that:

"Wherever possible, the financial system should be subject and responsive to market forces. It should not be politicised to the extent that the Government sets prices, or mandates non-commercial financial decisions to resolve Government fiscal problems such as requiring banks to hold Government debt. Market discipline, through competition or self-regulation, is generally preferred to Government intervention.
"
Where there is compelling evidence for Government intervention, the Inquiry considers the intervention should seek to best balance efficiency, stability and fairness. Inevitably, policy decisions facing the Government require some trade-offs."

The development of both the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) involve key long term responsibilities for government. Both schemes have also attracted the interest of the private insurance industry and, as such, have relevance to the Inquiry's focus.

Related: The pdfAlliance's submission2.21 MB to the FIS that discusses these two complementary schemes.

Cross sector service coordination for people with high and complex needs: Harnessing existing evidence and knowledge

A new report by the Young People In Nursing Homes National Alliance and Sydney University's Centre for Disability Research and Policy, shows that improved collaboration across governments and services is essential to successfully deliver the National Disability Insurance Scheme for people with complex health and disability needs.

Alliance head, Dr Bronwyn Morkham, said many young Australians with a disability require services from several areas of the human services system at the same time but rarely get them as the systems don't work together.

"As our report indicates, cross sector collaboration will not only deliver the integrated services young Australians with disability need, but will help the NDIS deliver on its social and economic objectives."

The report explores best-practice examples of coordination currently occurring in the disability sector and recommends the NDIS roll-out incorporates and trials potential models.

Download the pdfCross sector co-ordination report1.23 MB

QLD Joint Solutions Forum Report

In February 2014, the YPINH Alliance convened a special pdfJoint Solutions Forum393.64 KB in the Parliamentary Annexe, Parliament House, Brisbane."

A follow up to the highly successful Joint Solutions Roundtable the Alliance had previously convened with senior officials from Queensland's Department's of Health; Communities, Child Safety and DisabilityServices; and Housing and Public Works, the forum was convened to raise awareness of the Queensland Joint Action Plan amongst the broader disability, health and housing sectors and highlight the need for improved collaboration across and between sectors, communities and government.

Over 80 young people, family members, advocates and service providers joined representatives from the National" Disability Insurance Agency and senior officials to discuss the capacity of the Joint Action Plan to resolve the issue of young Queenslanders in long stay healthcare facilities; and begin collaborations with the NDIS to develop integrated service responses for young people with complex health and disability support needs.

YPINH National Alliance Submission to the Department of Treasury's National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS)

With over half of the young people placed in nursing homes acquiring their disability as the result of a catastrophic injury, the Alliance has argued for development of a national catastrophic injury insurance scheme since its inception in 2002. "

In 2007, a National Summit convened by the Alliance and attended by senior representatives from the AMA, motor vehicle and work cover schemes and state health and disability departments, unanimously called for the development of such a scheme as a matter of urgency.

The Productivity Commission called for two Schemes in its 2011 Report into Life Time Care for Australians with disability." While the NDIS is now underway, much remains to be done to ensure the NIIS can similarly become a reality.

The Alliance made a pdfsubstantial submission to the NIIS RIS1.94 MB regarding consolidation of Australian motor vehicle schemes to no fault status.

2013

YPINH National Alliance Submission to Queensland Public Advocate Inquiry into People with Disability in Long-Stay Health Care Facilities

In June 2013, the Queensland Public Advocate called for submissions to an Inquiry into the situation of individuals with disability in long stay health care facilities in Queensland.

The Alliance made a substantial submission to the Inquiry

The Public Advocate's Report was tabled in the Queensland Parliament on 7 November 2013. " In her report, Queensland Public Advocate, Jodie Cook, called for far reaching systemic reform and collaboration between Queensland's health and disability services to resolve this longstanding problem.

YPINH National Alliance Submission to the NDIS Bill Senate Inquiry

The Alliance welcomes the Inquiry into the NDIS Bill and the opportunity to outline in the submission the concerns affecting the YPINH cohort. The Alliance submission focuses on the 3 key areas of the Scheme's interface with other program areas, the under-65 age restriction, and the vital need for Plan Management Providers ' or Disability Support Organisations.

pdfYPINH opening statement to NDIS Bill Inquiry142.14 KB

pdfYPINH National Alliance Submission to the NDIS Bill Senate Inquiry668.33 KB

2011

The PC Inquiry Draft Report into Disability Care and Support

May 2011 The Productivity Commission called for submission responses to the Draft Report before handing down the final report in August 2011.

pdfThe Alliance's response to the PC's Draft Report into Care and Support426.89 KB

YPIRAC2: The Next Steps report to FaHCSIA

March 2011 YPIRAC1 was the first truly national effort to tackle the YPINH issue." This report outlines the achievements of this introductory initiative; identifies where YPIRAC1 was unable to have impact; and indicates what YPIRAC2 must do to build on the foundations YPIRAC1 has established.

pdfYPIRAC2: The Next Steps report673.82 KB

2010

September 2010 The Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a public inquiry into a long-term disability care and support scheme. The Alliance made numerous submissions during the Inquiry representing the needs of the YPINH cohort. "

pdfThe Alliance's submission to the Productivity Commission's Inquiry into Disability Care and Support2.59 MB

Continuous Care Pilots (CCPs)

The Alliance was a key contributor to the Continuous Care Pilots (CCPs) delivered by MS Australia within the Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) initiative to prevent younger people with progressive neurological conditions from premature admission to residential aged care. These pilots were delivered in NSW and Victoria and provided joined up specialist and generalist clinical services with funded disability services in community settings."

In Victoria a tertiary neurological hospital (Calvary Healthcare Bethlehem) was the health service provider, while in NSW a metropolitan Area Health Service (South West Sydney) partnered with disability services. In both pilots, the linking of clinical and social supports was highly successful and achieved a 100% success rate in managing the many risks faced by participants. A key success factor in the CCPs was the linking of existing health service offerings with existing disability services through specialised care coordination.

pdfContinuous Care Pilot NSW Evaluation by UNSW Exec Summary213.82 KB

pdfContinuous Care Pilot NSW Evaluation by UNSW Full Report1.34 MB

pdfCCP REPORT Final2.02 MB

AIHW: Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care Program

May 2010 The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Report on data from the Younger People In Residential Aged Care Program. The report indicates that in the first three years of the program over 90 people were moved out of nursing homes, 300 people were provided with improved services within aged care, and 150 were diverted from inappropriate admissions to aged care.

pdfAIHW Report628.24 KB

The Alliance's National Director, Dr Bronwyn Morkham, was interviewed by Richard Aedy on ABC Radio National's Life Matters program, about the impact of the program.

Life Matters (Richard Aedy) said that "...up until recently almost the only place young people with severe disabilities could get proper care was in aged care nursing homes. But a report released today by the AIHW shows that moving young people with severe disabilities out of aged care facilities is well underway. In the first three years of the program over 90 people were moved out of nursing homes, 300 people were provided with improved services within aged care, and 150 were diverted from inappropriate admissions to aged care..." The Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance has been lobbying hard for these improvements and they're delighted by the progress."

National Compact Consultation Report

The National Compact between the Australian Government and the not-for-profit or Third Sector, was launched by Prime Minister Rudd on March 17 at Parliament House in Canberra.

The Compact represents an undertaking by the Commonwealth Government and the Third Sector to develop a new, collaborative way of working together to achieve to address key social, economic and environmental challenges." More information and an opportunity to sign up is available at www.nationalcompact.gov.au

Prior to the launch of the compact, extensive community consultations were held, the results of which are published in the National Compact Consultation Report.

Submission: Aged Care Funding Instrument Review

March 2010

The Australian Government supports care for older Australians living in aged care homes through a government subsidy that homes receive based on the aged care provider's appraisal of each resident's care needs. From March 2008, the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) replaced the Resident Classification Scale (RCS) as the mechanism to allocate this Government subsidy.

The ACFI was developed in response to the Review of Pricing Arrangements in Residential Aged Care carried out by Professor Warren Hogan in 2004 and the RCS Review in 2003. The ACFI is designed to:

  • better match funding to the complex care needs of residents;
  • reduce" the documentation created by aged care providers to justify funding; and
  • achieve higher levels of agreement between aged care staff and departmental review officers in review audits (known as validation).

The Australian Government committed to a post-implementation review to ensure that the new instrument is meeting its objectives."

pdfAlliance submission to the Aged Care funding Instrument Review336.16 KB

2009

Report: The Way Forward

October 2009

In April 2008 the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, assembled a group of prominent Australians with a wealth of experience and knowledge in philanthropic investment and asked them to explore innovative funding ideas from the private sector that will help people with disability and their families access greater support and plan for the future.

The Disability Investment Group (DIG) was chaired by Ian Silk. Its members included Bruce Bonyhady, John Walsh, Bill Moss, Kathleen Townsend, Allan Fels and Mary Ann O'Loughlin (until October 2008). The Australian Government released the Disability Investment Group's report called pdfThe Way Forward: A New Disability Policy Framework for Australia1.11 MB" on December 3 2009.

The report makes six recommendations. The principal recommendation is for a feasibility study into a national disability insurance scheme for Australia.

Other recommendations refer to:

  • Special Disability Trusts
  • savings and investment incentives
  • private investment in housing
  • better employment opportunities and
  • building best practice and research

According to The Way Forward, over the next 40 years in Australia the number of people with severe or profound disability is projected to grow from 1.4 million to 2.9 million. Recent trends indicate growth in demand for specialist disability services of 7.5 per cent per annum in real terms.

PricewaterhouseCoopers National Disability Insurance Scheme final report

PricewaterhouseCoopers worked with the Disability Investment Group (DIG) to consider the costs, benefits and governance of a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

On 23 November 2009, the Federal government announced that as part of its National Disability Strategy, the Productivity Commission had been commissioned to undertake a feasibility study into long-term care and support for people with disability in Australia. The study will be supported by an independent panel of prominent experts and will report by July 2011.

pdfPricewaterhouseCoopers: National Disability Insurance Scheme - Final Report1.11 MB

Shaping the Future Today conference report

In 2006, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) announced a limited, 5 year initiative to address the growing Younger People In Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) issue." Held midway through this national program's 5 year term, Shaping the Future Today reviewed the initiative's achievements to date; and highlighted priorities for the final 2 ' years of its life.

pdfSTFT Conference report1.16 MB

COAG YPIRAC Program's Mid-Term Review report

The Council of Australian Government's (COAG) Younger People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) Program's Mid-Term Review report analyses the targets, performance to date and key issues associated with the YPIRAC Program.

This landmark collaboration between Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments was always intended as a first step towards final resolution of the YPINH' issue, and not a solution in and of itself.

Aiming to provide community based accommodation and support alternatives to younger people with disability living in or at risk of admission to residential aged care (RAC), the YPIRAC program has three key objectives." These are to:

  • offer community based alternative supported accommodation options to younger people with disability currently accommodated in RAC
  • prevent or divert further admissions of younger people with disability who are at risk of admission to RAC
  • and provide disability services to younger people with disability whose health prevents them exiting RAC, or who choose to remain there for reasons of proximity to family and community in remote and rural areas.

Each state and territory government signed a bi lateral agreement with the commonwealth to implement the program." These bi lateral agreements contained targets specific to each objective.

The Commonwealth Government provided 50% of the initial funding or $122m with each State and Territory matching this amount dollar for dollar on a per capita basis." Victoria provided an additional $10m for capital development.

A second phase of this landmark initiative is currently under discussion.

pdfCOAG YPIRAC Program's Mid-Term Review report713.30 KB