Synapse - reconnecting lives

Concern over Young People in Nursing Homes - Survey

Age-appropriate accommodation is the main concern Australians have for young people with disabilities, a survey has found.

According to a survey conducted by Empirica Research in conjunction with the Summer Foundation, 85 per cent of Australians believed there should be age-appropriate housing and support for people with disabilities.

The study also found that those with a disability were perceived to be the second most disadvantaged group in Australia, behind the homeless.

The survey of 800 Australians was conducted last November. A previous online survey was conducted in November 2012.

An estimated 3500 people under 60 currently live in nursing homes around the country, as there is no where else for them, according to the Summer Foundation.

They also said the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was a critical part of the solution to this issue and it would provide funding for the support that people with disability need to live in the community.

Dr Di Winkler, founder and CEO of the Summer Foundation, said accommodation was the key issue.

"Young people with disability need somewhere to live. This study reiterates our extensive research showing that nursing homes are inappropriate," she said.

"The Summer Foundation is collaborating with others to build housing demonstration projects, where young people in nursing homes can begin to rebuild their lives and become part of the community again."

The study also found that 90 per cent of Australians believed it was imperative that the issue was addressed by government.

As a young person living in a nursing home, Kirrily, 26, has been confronted with this issue for the past 18 months.

"Young people living in nursing homes is totally unacceptable. My personal strength and resilience is tested each and every day," she said.