Residential facility shortage in Vic
The Age newspaper has reported the story of Gayle Dunlop, who has been in a Victorian hospital for 11 weeks, even though she’s not sick, in an article on adults with disabilities in care.
But Miss Dunlop, who was born with cerebral palsy, can not leave her bed at the Western Hospital because there’s nowhere for her to go.
Since her birth 52 years ago, Miss Dunlop’s parents, Matthew and Dawn, cared for her around the clock until she was admitted to hospital almost three months ago, when the Dunlops – both in their late 70s – realised they simply could not look after her any more.
The Dunlops, who have both suffered heart attacks, said they couldn’t provide the support their daughter needs. Nor, it appears, can the Department of Human Services, which has failed to find Miss Dunlop a place in a residential facility.
