A five year, $6.5 million initiative will improve the lives of over 100 younger people with disabilities who live in nursing homes.
NSW Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally, today announced that four organisations have been contracted to roll out 102 "in reach packages", which will give more support and tailored services to people with disabilities aged under 50 years old and who live in nursing homes.
"Services available through the in reach packages will include recreational activities, diversional and occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, better equipment, individual and group outings as well as other opportunities to socialise with peers," Ms Keneally said.
"Up to 52 of the packages will be rolled out from July this year, with the remaining 50 rolled out over the length of the program."
Ms Keneally said the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care was working with each younger person in NSW who lives in a residential aged care facility.
"Just like everyone else, a person with a disability has individual preferences when it comes to their accommodation. Through talking to them, listening to their needs, and designing appropriate services we are working to improve the quality of their lives," Ms Keneally said.
"That’s why last year we began consulting with the 367 people with disabilities and their families who are under the age of 50 who live in residential aged care.
"Of the people who responded, around a third of the younger people told us they want more age-appropriate facilities, a third said that they want to remain in aged care with better support, and a third want to live in their family homes, live with a carer or live alone.
"In addition to the in reach packages, we have also recently closed an expression of interest requesting innovative new ways of accommodating people with disabilities, including providing accommodation for people who want to live with others their own age.
"There is more that we can do – and we are doing more. The Iemma Government is determined to improve the lives of younger people who live in aged care facilities."
Ms Keneally said that the in reach packages will be provided by New Horizons Enterprises Limited, The Ascent Group Australia Limited, the Wheelchair and Disabled Association of Australia and Northcott Disability Services.