A+
large
A
small
invert
colour
Group 3
reset
A group of photos of people with disability

About the Summer Foundation.


We’re passionate about stopping young people with disability from being forced into residential aged care, by helping them access the support needed to be in control of where, how and with whom they live.

Our research

Research helps us understand the pathways for young people in aged care and provide the evidence needed to create systems change to solve this problem. 

Our research team consists of academics and clinicians working on over 20 projects across the disability, health, and housing sectors, and collaborating with universities and government. These findings are regularly published in reports, conferences, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

a young person in aged care wth disability being interviewed by a researcher
a map of australia
a graphic showing 26 people going into aged care

July 2022–June 2023. See: www.gen-agedcaredata.gov.au

The issue – Young people in aged care

Today in Australia, 2,067 young people with disability under 65 years of age are forced to live in aged care. More than 26 people (under 65 years of age) enter aged care each month. The issue is complex and crosses multiple settings and sectors, including hospitals, housing, disability and primary health.

Young people end up in aged care when disability and health services don’t work together in a timely way. Some of these people are aged in their 30s and 40s, living with people in their 80s. They rarely see family or friends and it is common for young people in aged care to lose skills and independence. 

Click here to go to housinghub.org.au
NDIS Housing Advice Line 1300 61 64 63

Latest news


Summer Foundation Focus – February 2024

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2024. We go into the new year with renewed enthusiasm and determination to see more positive housing outcomes for young people with disability and those who support them.
Read More

At the start it was hard for me to talk about myself, but I loved it, it gives you a chance to tell your story and help some people along the way.

— Daniel Black, a man who previously lived in RAC

Thanks for the Staying Connected page. I found it useful and uplifting to know we are all in this together and great to read other people’s stories.

— Salote, a person with disability

It is great to attend training that is relevant and can be applied to work practice with knowledgeable facilitators.

— Bridie West, Support Coordinator

I had no confidence in my ability to support someone through this process [SDA] but now I know I can after yesterday’s training.

— Lisa Davis, Support Coordinator

Kate’s story

Kate was 34 when she went to live in aged care. She was there for 15 months. 

James’ story

“You might make a friend or acquaintance, but the next week they’re dead. A 21-year-old should not be losing the people around them like that.”

Andrew’s story

Andrew was told:
“You are an Aboriginal man, you have a degenerative disease, you may as well continue in a system you are going to end up in.”