Help for young Queenslanders with disabilities
More than 100 young Queenslanders living with disabilities had been diverted from aged care, the Disability Services Minister, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said in Parliament today.
Ms Palaszczuk said Ellen Buckley Place, in Brisbane’s south-west, would house eight young people who could live there independently among people of their own age. She said this would provide them with independence and choice.
“After listening to the stories of the future residents of Ellen Buckley Place, it is clear to me that this program is not only essential; it is life changing,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I spoke with one man, David Johnson, who is only 47 years old. After
suffering multiple strokes that left him in a wheelchair, David had been residing in aged care since 2007. Now, thanks to this program, he has the opportunity to move into Ellen Buckley Place, live among people his own age and receive appropriate support and care. His life has improved immeasurably.”
Ms Palaszczuk said getting young people with disabilities out of aged care and into supported accommodation was one of her top priorities. She said this would also free up beds in aged care facilities for people who needed them.
Ellen Buckley Place, which cost $1.8 million to build, is named after Ellen Buckley, who lived in Queensland with Huntington’s Disease and chose to live at home rather than in aged care.