Source: The Conversation – Dr Di Winkler
The Federal Government is unlikely to meet its target of getting every younger person out of aged care by next year.
In an article for The Conversation, Summer Foundation CEO Dr Di Winkler welcomed the 31% decrease in the numbers of younger people in aged care but said it was largely due to people dying or ageing out of the YPIRAC cohort. She explores the issues behind the numbers.
Five years ago, the target seemed achievable. The policy change is a hollow victory for the hundreds of younger people in aged care and families who have told their stories to Senate inquiries, the Disability Royal Commission, and the media to advocate for change.
The design flaws in the NDIS urgently need to be fixed to incentivise the delivery of high quality and cost-effective housing and living supports.
Better is possible and affordable by leveraging a range of technology to enhance or replace paid workers and foster greater independence and social and community connection.
Hopefully the amendments to the NDIS legislation which will support the introduction of ‘flexible budgets’ will be a positive first step in building a scheme that drives innovation and delivers better outcomes for YPIRAC and other people who need access to 24/7 support.