A PEOPLE focussed approach and better coordination between government agencies is needed to ensure younger Australians with disabilities are kept out of unsuitable aged care accommodation, according to West Australian Senator Linda Reynolds.

Senator Reynolds said a Senate Inquiry had revealed many younger Australians with complex support needs often exist in a bureaucratic ‘no-mans-land’ between the aged care, disability, health, housing and community services sectors because of a lack of coordination between agencies.

“These agencies work in silos resulting in a fragmented and ineffective coordination, allocation of funding and resources to where it is needed most,” Senator Reynolds said.

Senator Reynolds initiated the Community Affairs inquiry into the adequacy of existing residential care arrangements for younger Australians with physical, mental and intellectual disabilities last November after hearing the stories of younger people living in aged care.

“Federal, State and local governments must also find a way to work together at the grass roots level to ensure young people with disabilities are seen as the people they are and receive tailored support,” she said.

“The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a testament to how a rethink focussed on the needs of the individual can change lives in a meaningful way, but this is only part of the picture.”

Summer Foundation CEO Di Winkler said the Senate Inquiry was timely given the current reform of the disability sector through the introduction of the NDIS.

Ms Winkler agreed the NDIS was an important part of the solution but the scheme alone would not stop the inappropriate placement of younger Australians into nursing homes.

“A coordinated approach between the health, housing and aged care sectors is needed rather than just looking to the NDIS to solve the issue alone,” Ms Winkler said.

“We are looking to the federal government to provide strong leadership so young people in nursing homes do not fall through the gaps.”

–END–

Media contact: Jessica Hayes 0427333147 

Fast facts: 

The next hearing is scheduled for March 11, in Melbourne following hearings in Perth and Sydney last month. An additional hearing is scheduled for March 31 in Darwin.

Nearly 6500 younger Australians aged 18-65 live in nursing