Better care for young people with disability
Over 190 young people with disability were moved out of, or were diverted from entering residential aged care facilities between June 2006 and December 2008, according to a report released by the Minister for Community Services, Jenny Macklin, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten.
The Mid Term Evaluation of the Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) program which aims to reduce the number of people under the age of 65 living in aged care accommodation showed that between December 2008 and June 2009, the numbers moved or diverted rose to 302.
The evaluation found the program was having a positive impact on a large number of younger people living in, or at risk of admission to, residential aged care and that it was on track to reduce the total numbers of young people in nursing homes by up to 689 people by 2011.
To ensure the program meets the different needs of clients and their families, the Australian Government is providing $500,000 over two years to June 2011 to the Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance.
The Alliance will consult young people and their families, as well as state and territory governments, the health sector and other stakeholders to develop policy options and service pathways for this group. It will report back to the Government on the future direction and possible improvements to the program.
A copy of the report can be found at http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/disability
