Austin Street - my future my choice |
 |
 |
Austin Street: an alternative for young people in nursing homes – my future my choiceBackgroundThe Council of Australian Governments (COAG) announced an agreement on 10 February 2006 to reduce the number of younger people with a disability living in residential aged care facilities. A bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and the State has been signed that commits $60.2 million in joint funding for Victoria over five years. The COAG commitment acknowledges the increasing demand from younger people with a disability for specialist age-appropriate services to meet their ongoing needs and aspirations. The aim is to reduce the number of young people in nursing homes. Today there are around 6,500 young people in nursing homes, all under 60 years of age. These facilities are designed to provide accommodation and care to frail older people in their final years. They are not designed or adequately resourced to provide support or activities to younger people with high clinical needs, nor can they support these people's social lives within the community. Villa Maria was successful in tendering for the establishment of a purpose-built home in Austin Street, Alphington to accommodate and support 10 young people who have high and complex medical and physical support needs as a result of a significant acquired brain injury. Villa Maria contributed $3.75 million to the project (including the site valued at $1.85 million). The Department of Human Services provided $1.3 million and to date over $740,000 has been raised through philanthropic trusts and community donations. Villa Maria's exciting 'my future my choice' initiative assisting young people in nursing homesVilla Maria provides a wide range of services to individuals and families across the ‘whole of life' continuum. Our services are flexible and creative and recognise the uniqueness and diversity of all individuals. The intensive support provided to each person living at Austin Street responds to the individual's health care, rehabilitation and personal care needs in an enriched environment. This model of support is built on the philosophy of doing things with people rather than to, or for, people and recognises the importance of family, friends, social connections and community inclusion. Construction of the Alphington residence was completed in May 2010 and the first young person to call Austin Street home moved in during July 2010. An official opening of the home will be held on 18 August 2010. We welcome donations for this initiative which will make a tremendous difference to the lives of the young people living at Austin Street. To make a donation please click the button below.
Austin Street resident's and families tell their story
|
