NSW Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally has today announced the next step in the delivery of the State’s first aged care village for people with an intellectual disability.
“People with an intellectual disability are living longer and healthier lives due to improved health outcomes,” said Ms Keneally.
“However, just like the general community, as people with an intellectual disability grow older they often start to develop age-related conditions.”
“The Commonwealth Government refuses to provide funding for people with an intellectual disability over the age of 65 through the Commonwealth State and Territory Disability Agreement.
“That’s why the Iemma Government is stepping in to close the gap left by the Howard Government and provide the State’s first residential aged care village for people with a disability.
“As part of Stronger Together the Iemma Government committed to develop a specialist aged care village for 100 people with an intellectual disability and a further 20 beds in the community near Peat Island.”
Ms Keneally said the redevelopment of Peat island had the additional benefit of allowing a further 32 people to receive supported accommodation.
“This new aged care village demonstrates that the Iemma Government is meeting its commitment to develop innovative services for people with a disability, their families and carers.
“The new 100 bed aged care village will be directly operated by the Department of Ageing,
Disability and Home Care and will result in a better quality of life and a more home-like environment for residents.
“The new 20 bed cluster of group homes, which we plan to locate nearby to the aged care village, will cater for the younger residents of Peat Island.
“The 20 bed cluster will be released for tender as part of our Stronger Together plan to expand services through the non government sector.”
Ms Keneally said she expected to announce the location of the new accommodation services, which will remain in the Central Coast, in the near future.
“The development of the new accommodation, including design, construction and consultation with Peat Island residents, their families and other key stakeholders, is expected to be completed by 2010,” Ms Keneally said.