New home for young people currently in aged care

Construction has commenced today of a new home for four younger people currently living in aged care facilities in the ACT.

The ACT Minister for Disability and Community Services Mr John Hargreaves and the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Children's Services, Mr Bill Shorten have turned the first sod to mark the occasion.

The Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care initiative will see the Federal Government and states jointly contribute $244m over five years to move people under 50 out of aged care facilities.

The house is an initiative of a national program, aimed at reducing the number of younger people living in, or entering, residential aged care. It is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments and is a partnership between Housing ACT, Disability ACT and architects - Paul Barnett Design Group.

"The home is centrally located in Narrabundah, ensuring close access to a range of social and recreational opportunities, public transport, medical and community support services," Mr Hargreaves said.

"The design has taken advantage of the beautiful natural landscape and will be energy efficient and environmentally sensitive.

"The new service will not only provide future residents with a place to live, but also a home. The support model will enable each resident to live as independently as possible, while ensuring their often high basic care needs are met.

"The young people will be moving out of residential aged care and will be supported to reconnect with their community to live full and active lives," said Minister Hargreaves.

"The Rudd Government is committed to reducing the number of young people and providing alternative accommodation that is more suitable for their needs," Mr Shorten said.

"For many young people with serious disabilities, a nursing home is not the best option."

"This project will provide four young people with a home, and with the support they need to become involved in the broader community."

Expressions of Interest will be sent by mid November to people aged 55 years and under living in ACT residential aged care, who wish to explore moving back into the community.

If you would like further information about this program please contact Disability ACT on 02 6207 1086, or email disabilityact.@act.gov.au .