The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare  (AIHW) has published a report of the findings of a program aimed at reducing the number of younger people with a disability in residential aged care.

 

The Younger People with disability in aged care: 2010-11 report found that an estimated 1,432 people had been assisted by the program.

 

The report shows the number of service users increased steadily over the five years of the Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) program.

 

“Of these, an estimated 250 achieved the first YPIRAC objective—to move out of residential aged care and into more appropriate accommodation,” said AIHW spokesperson Nigel Harding.

 

A further 244 people achieved the second objective, and were diverted away from residential aged care, while another 456 people achieved the third YPIRAC objective—receiving enhanced services within residential aged care, when this was an available, suitable accommodation option.

 

The remaining program participants received YPIRAC assessment and/or monitoring.

 

Over the life of the YPIRAC program, the total number of permanent residents of residential aged care aged under 65 fell.

 

“In particular, there has been a 35% drop in the number of people under 50 living in permanent aged care since 2005–06,” Mr Harding said.

 

More information can be found here