Bridging the gap between disability and ageing

An innovative project that will create a purpose-built community where ageing people with an intellectual disability can live with their ageing carers has been given the green light following a funding allocation from the NSW Government.

The ‘Pathways through Partnerships’ proposal, submitted by IRT through a collaboration with Greenacres Disability Services, Community Options Illawarra and Interchange Illawarra, will receive $2.9 million from the government.

IRT said the collaboration was the first of its kind in NSW and would bridge the critical gap between disability and aged care.

IRT chief executive Nieves Murray said the funding allocation was an acknowledgement that there was a severe lack of suitable living environments where ageing people with intellectual disability and their ageing parent or carer could reside and age together.

“In 2008 there were 1,449 people with a disability in NSW being cared for by an ageing carer. In 2013 that figure has reached more than 3,000,” Ms Murray said.

“Since the State Government called for expressions of interest for the Illawarra Infrastructure Fund in June, our team at IRT has worked around the clock to ensure we were in the best position possible to proceed with this great proposal.”

IRT said it would aim to develop the community by late 2014 on land adjacent to IRT William Beach Gardens at Kanahooka, which is near community and public transport services and a range of community facilities.

Ms Murray said the IRT proposal presented an opportunity for the Illawarra to demonstrate leadership in social innovation that would benefit families in the Wingecarribee, Shoalhaven and Illawarra areas.

IRT was the second aged services provider to receive funds from the Illawarra Infrastructure Fund. As AAA reported last week, Warrigal received a $17 million allocation to build a residential care home and community hub for older people at the Shell Cove Marina.

For more information on the IRT project, watch this video: