Young and disabled
Holly O'Connell
07May08
CATCH her in a candid moment and Cynthia Senderino will tell you exactly how life for her family has been for the past 15 years.
The East Bentleigh mother-of-five lost her left breast and lymph glands to breast cancer.
Shortly after surgery, her then 22-year-old daughter Arianna was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system.
While Mrs Senderino's cancer is in remission, Arianna's MS is worse than ever.
Electronic hoists have been installed in the family home to help the 33-year-old conduct day to day activities.
Days of "assisted transfers" where Arianna moves from the bed to a chair to the toilet with a walking frame are gone.
On a good day, Arianna can stay awake for a few hours. On a bad day, the exhaustion of the MS sees her back in bed within an hour. Seven carers rotate to cover three daily shifts providing care for Arianna.
While a nursing home would provide round-the-clock care, it's something Arianna and her mother say they would never consider.
"A nursing home is not the right place to have a 33-year-old," Mrs Senderino said.
"It's not fair on them. They've got no one to communicate with their own age."
Young People In Nursing Homes National Alliance national director Dr Bronwyn Morkham said independent living support was desperately needed for families to avoid aged care centres.
"If you've got family carers who are the only people there to help their loved one, eventually their health will suffer and there are two people needing medical support."
Dr Morkham said the Federal and State Government initiative; My Future My Choice helped only a small percentage of young people leave nursing homes.
Abridged
SOURCE: MoorabbinInGleneiraLeader
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This is an issue that must be looked at by State and Federal governments. It is unacceptable to have young, disabled people in Aged Cared Homes!
Firstly, as more people are predicted to go into Nursing Homes because of the growing number of people joining the seniors rank; the demand for places in nursing homes will no doubt be increased.
Secondly, it is inappropriate for the young disabled to be housed in aged care facilities. It is only logical that the young should be house with people in their own age groups, Not the elderly. Governments must therefore look into the funding and building of different care homes for the young-disabled people. This is as urgently needed. The community pleas must be heeded.
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