PARENT/CARERS of adult disabled children would not have to worry if the governments, and those in positions to change things, would listen, and start to build complexes - similar to those for the over-55s, and retirees - for disabled residents of all ages.
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Currently this demographic of the population is overlooked.
It would be far more cost effective if the government would build this type of accommodation similar to public housing, where a percentage of pensions covers rent and other costs.
This would encourage more people with disabilities to seek to live semi-independently in their own units with access to 24-hour on-site carers when needed.
These complexes could also have cleaning and other things available on site, when needed, with a common room set up, including section for library books and other activities, so they can mingle if they wish.
It would also be safer, and less isolating, especially when their other service groups shut for holidays, and weekends, and they’re not available at night if problems arise, or when sick, etc.
Majority of these young adults don’t have family upport network to take up the slack, and of course, their parents will not be around forever.
Group homes are not suitable for all, nor are there enough, and the majority of the semi-independent are not suited.
It’s time for a new approach for disability housing to evolve.
I put forward a complex idea, and the feedback over NSW from different groups was it’s what many aging carers wanted for their loved ones, and would give them peace, knowing when they’re gone, these young adults are being looked after, and still living semi-independently, in their own units, safe and where they have company when needed and are confused, etc.
If complexes and villages can be built for so-called normal people along these lines, they should be able to build similar for all those who don’t fit conventional renting/group homes, nor government housing, where many end up, thrown in with others, causing many safety issues, are left vulnerable and alone and with shortages of services or none when needed.
They are left to fend for themselves.
We call these young adults, the forgotten semi-independents, but they still have many problems in normal daily life, trying to understand and cope with the unexpected, like people knocking on doors, strangers, accidents, etc.
Many things we all take for granted.
All it would take is those with foresight and or finances, and perhaps in hand with the governments, all to work in together to make these places a reality. But they would only be for the semi-disabled.
There are many places and a lot of help out there for the severely disabled, and these complexes would be a way of the future’s disability housing and for future generations coming up.
Once one is built - would be lovely if Port was the first - then others can spring up in other towns across Australia.
If overseas can build these type of complexes, so Australia should be able to, for a better way of living for our loved ones, people power is needed to start lobbying for change, and making it clear that these are the type of places that need to be built.
It’s what the young adults also say they want and need.
R Davidson, Port Macquarie
