A housewarming with a difference |
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Wednesday, August 18 marks a life-changing milestone; the start of a brighter future for ten young people with Acquired Brain Injury and their families. The official opening of Austin Street, Victoria’s first purpose-specific residence for young people with high level complex care needs who are at risk of, or are currently living in nursing homes, will be a housewarming with a difference.
It will be a proud moment for not-for-profit aged and disability services provider Villa Maria, which has contributed $3.65 million of its own funds towards the construction of the home, developed under the government’s ‘my future my choice’ initiative. For the families of the young people who will call it home, it is a long-awaited day.
Special attendees including Professor David de Kretser, AC Governor of Victoria, and Mrs Jan de Kretser, Patrons-in-Chief of Villa Maria, The Hon Lisa Neville, MP Minister for Mental Health, Senior Victorians and Community Services, and The Hon Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, will join residents and families at the launch, and a release of balloons symbolising the start of a new era.
The day will also highlight the urgent need and importance for appropriate disability funding to ensure that other young people with acquired brain injury can access the accommodation, care and support they require.
Villa Maria’s years of experience and expertise in aged care and disability services has led to a unique model of care being developed at Austin Street – one that blends nursing care with rehabilitation and community inclusion.
The home also features state of the art technology to increase the amount of control and choice each resident has over their environment. Importantly, the home reflects each individual’s needs, aspirations and life goals with private, personalised living spaces and kitchenettes; a place where family and friends also feel welcome and at home.
Villa Maria’s Chief Executive Officer Ms Valerie Lyons said the organisation was “extremely proud” to be pioneers of a home where young people are cared for in a holistic manner by family, friends and a strong professional network of people.
Ms Lyons urged the wider community to help welcome new residents of Austin Street by sending a housewarming eCard.
Not only will the gesture be a show of support for the young people and their families, it will also send a vital message to politicians that more funding is desperately needed to see similar homes come to fruition.
Andrew Macready-Bryan, who will give a speech at the opening, said he felt “privileged” that his son James, 23, now called Austin Street home.
“Ultimately we just want to give James more security. We want to make him as happy and comfortable as possible for the rest of his life.”
To send an eCard to the new Austin Street residents, visit Villa Maria’s Facebook fan page:
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