Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Fund launched

People with a disability who have ageing parents will have access to innovative housing solutions, through a partnership between Community finance lender Foresters Community Finance and the Queensland Government.

Speaking at the launch of the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Fund in Brisbane, Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis said the partnership was a unique funding model for providing disability accommodation in Queensland.

“The $15 million Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Trial is about providing accommodation options for people with a disability, once their elderly parents are unable to look after them at home, something the former Labor Government failed to address,” Ms Davis said.  

“As part of the Trial, Foresters will receive $1 million from the Newman Government, along with $2 million from social investors to create a $3 million fund.

“Through this model we are delivering on our election promise to revitalise frontline services for families and helping address the unmet need for housing adults with a disability, who are currently being cared for by their parents.”

Ms Davis said this was another step toward getting ready for the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Queensland. 

Chief Executive of Foresters Belinda Drew said she was excited the fund had been launched and looked forward to connecting investors and disability housing providers.

“Providing innovative financial solutions for people and communities is at the very core of what we do,” Ms Drew said.

“There are many families out there looking for disability housing providers to assist them in achieving long term sustainable outcomes for their adult child.

“Foresters is keen to help make that outcome a reality.”

Ms Davis said the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Trial provided grants between $50,000 and $1 million to organisations to develop innovative housing and support models to assist adults with a disability with ageing parents.

For more information on the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation trial visit www.disability.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 27 February 2014

Media Contact Katherine Fraser 0417 172 480 (Minister Davis)

                        Alyce Maschio 3851 8006 (Foresters)