Townsville families embrace new disability housing

A $2 million innovative housing project is providing peace of mind for local elderly parents of adults with disability in Townsville.

Officially opened today by Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke, the housing project is providing better living arrangements for adults with disability and their elderly parent carers.

Mrs O’Rourke, who is also the Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Minister for Seniors, said the West End, Townsville project was an excellent example of what government and the non-government organisations like project partner Life Without Barriers could achieve by working together.

“This housing solution provides greater peace of mind for elderly parent carers who are faced with uncertainty when they can no longer care for their adult son or daughter,” she said.

Mr Brad Swan, Director of Operations for Life Without Barriers, said the accommodation support service was a real milestone for the disability sector and people with disability in Townsville.

“There has been a real demand for services that support adults with disability who have been supported by their elderly parents, to enjoy a more independent life as part of their local community,” he said.

“For older parent carers, and their adult sons and daughters with disability, the transition to independent living, after living together in the family home for a long time, needs to be well supported.

“That’s why we are working with families to make the transition as smooth as possible. Parents are able to live-in on a short term basis or visit overnight, if required, to make the transition occur smoothly.”

The project involved refurbishing an eight-unit facility to provide four units for people with disability, two units for carers and caretakers. Modifications to the building include new bathrooms, security cameras and door alarms.

Life Without Barriers will rent the remaining two units and the income will be reinvested to fund supports and care.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the modifications like high-speed broadband internet and the location would allow the people living in the units to be more involved in their community.

“The units are close to the city centre with easy access to services and amenities, they will be able to participate more fully in life in Townsville,” he said.

“High speed broadband also opens up opportunities for them for further education and training, as well as communication and engagement with their communities of interest.”

Mrs O’Rourke met the new residents and family members at today’s official opening.

“The move to more independent living will help families prepare for the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which is due to roll out in Queensland from July 2016,” she said.

For more information about NDIS, disability support and services including the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Trial, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Minister O’Rourke’s office 3719 7184