Caring about Youngcare

She had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – a debilitating neurological disease that would gradually leave her in permanent need of round-the-clock care.

She was only in her early thirties when she had to start seriously considering her future options. At  35, she was a single mum, caring for her young son at the same time her own care needs were increasing.

“I had to try and work out: what am I going to do? Where is this going to take me? What happens when my health gets worse?”

In the search, Hazel made a startling discovery, “I may have to go into an aged care home because there is nothing out there.”

Because when it comes to care and housing for young people with full-time care needs, the options are extremely limited.

“I didn’t want to go there (to a nursing home),” Hazel said.

“I needed something else where I didn’t lose my individuality and I could be my own person. That’s where Youngcare came in.”

In 2007, Youngcare built the first ever Youngcare Apartments in Sinnamon Park, Brisbane, offering a vibrant home where a young person can live as they choose and receive the care they need in dignified and appropriate surrounds. This is where Hazel now lives.

“It’s changed my world,” she says.

“I know my Mum and Dad care extensively and it would have been extremely depressing for them to know that their little girl was in an aged care home while they were fighting fit.”

Hazel now has her own self-contained apartment, an adjoining guest room where her son Clayton can stay, and no restrictions on visiting hours.

“Clayton is welcome to stay whenever he likes. That would not be possible in an aged care home.”

While Hazel was given choice, thousands of Australians still face these limited alternatives. More than 6,500 young people are currently living in aged care around the country, while a further 700,000 are being cared for at home, often with limited support.

For those young people living in aged care, statistics suggest that 44% will receive a visit from friends less than once a year, 34% will almost never participate in community based activities such as shopping and only 21% will go outside the home less than once a month. (Di Winkler et al Winkler, D., L. Farnworth, et al. (2006). Australian Health Review)

Countless other studies have demonstrated increased incidences of depression brought about by the social isolation.

On top of such sobering facts, it is important to recognise that the family of a young person with 24/7 care needs also endures daily struggles.

Counsellors have advised that 70% of all relationships involving the care of a young person with full-time care needs will end in divorce and this in fact is where the greatest impact is felt.

In many cases it is not just the individual requiring care that is in crisis, it is the family and those around them under greatest pressure and strain. Further statistics reveal that 56% of carers are defined as moderately depressed, 40% of carers are found to be severely or extremely depressed and carers have the lowest level of wellbeing of any group in society (Dr Robert Cummings The Wellbeing of Australians – Carer Health and Wellbeing 2007).

Youngcare believes that every young person deserves to live a young life, regardless of their care needs.

Youngcare works to provide choice in care and housing options for all young Australians with full-time care needs.

As a charity, Youngcare’s work is only made possible through the combined support of the community, government and business.

Youngcare is currently building a second Apartment project on the Gold Coast that will be home to seven young Australians, just like Hazel.

The Apartments are due for completion in early 2012. For more information or to donate to Youngcare, please visit www.youngcare.com.au.