New artist impressions have been released, depicting the final product of a multimillion-dollar development supporting disability needs in Mt Colah.
It comes as the community advocates for more accessible housing and infrastructure in the Hornsby Shire.
Recommendations released today, 20 January 2020, following a review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by independent expert Mr David Tune AO PSM, should unlock the benefits of the scheme more quickly and provide certainty for those trying to access it.
As 2019 draws to a close, we look back at five major reforms that were made possible only through strong charitable advocacy.
Advocacy is an essential function of charities and a vital component of Australian democracy.
But it is an area sometimes misunderstood by the public and an activity that has come under attack from governments in recent years.
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Colin Hiscoe has a simple request for the disability royal commission – please help.
Mr Hiscoe has begged the royal commission to help the people stuck with no voice and little options in disability group homes.
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Ahead of giving evidence to the Disability Royal Commission hearing in Melbourne, the Summer Foundation’s Dr George Taleporos spoke to Every Australian Counts.
Dr Taleporos outlined what he planned to tell the Commission – and what he thinks needs to change when it comes to housing for people with disability.
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After spending three years and eight months in an aged care facility, Mario Amato managed to leave and move in to his own unit.
The Morrison government has pledged there will be no young people with disability living in residential aged care by 2022.
In its response to the aged care royal commission’s interim report, the government vowed to ensure there were no people under 65 entering aged care by 2022, no people under 45 living in aged care by 2022, and no people under 65 living in aged care by 2025.
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The Summer Foundation, the Young People In Nursing Homes National Alliance, Youngcare, Synapse, the Specialist Disability Accommodation Alliance and Aged & Community Services Australia have released a joint statement:
Organisations supporting young people living in nursing homes have welcomed the Morrison Government’s commitment to work to the targets endorsed by the Aged Care Royal Commission that will see no younger person enter residential aged care by 2022 and no one under 65 years in aged care by 2025.
“This is an important step forward and we applaud the government for its commitment to these new targets,” said YPINH Alliance head, Dr Bronwyn Morkham. “The targets reflect the urgency of this problem – and they are certainly achievable – but it’s essential that we start now.
“We’re ready to work with the government to develop and implement its new strategy. We look forward to seeing more detail about these new initiatives, to make sure the strategy delivers on its promise.”
“We’re pleased to see that improved data gathering and detailed analyses of this cohort will form a central part of this work,” said Summer Foundation CEO Dr Di Winkler.
“We also welcome the government’s decision to implement a joint agency approach. Too many younger people end up in aged care because they fall through cracks between the health and disability systems. Bringing all the relevant agencies together is the only way we can stop this from continuing to happen. State health systems are key to this work and we look forward to being partners in this new strategy.”
Youngcare CEO Anthony Ryan said that developing a database of new and existing housing options will support investment in accessible housing.
“Helping investors better understand the needs of these younger people is critical to developing the housing and care options they need,” he said.
“The rapid availability of interim housing solutions is also a priority to stop younger people going into aged care.”
ACSA CEO Pat Sparrow also welcomed the announcement but called on the Morrison Government to ensure that those younger people also receive the level of support they require while they continue to live in an aged care home. “There is often a funding disparity that disadvantages those people in aged care. ACSA believes that regardless of your age or where you reside you should get the level of support required to meet needs and to have a good quality of life.”
All organisations agree that funding is needed for individual advocacy to prevent young people going into aged care as well as help them make the transition back to life in the community.
“These are people needing multiple supports from different services and we need new roles that can work closely with each younger person and the service systems they need to make their transition to life in the community a success,” said Dr Morkham.
Yesterday the Australian Government handed down its response to the interim report from the Aged Care Royal Commission, which labelled the treatment in aged care as a shocking tale of neglect.
Interview starts at 1:37.20
Featured: Carolyn Finis, Summer Foundation
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The Prime Minister says he’s delivering “lasting change for a new generation”, as he’s announced the Federal Government’s response to the damning interim report of the Aged Care Royal Commission, but that’s quickly been dismissed by some advocates.
