About Youngcare
Youngcare is a nationally registered charity and non-profit organisation formed to help young Australians with high care needs. They are independent and non-denominational.
Through research, the Youngcare board was surprised to learn that young Australians with long term high care needs have few options. The only real alternatives being aged care nursing homes or part time support from community groups at home, with family taking on the remaining responsibility. In Australia today, there are 6,500 young people residing in aged care nursing homes. Clearly this is inappropriate.
Thousands more reside in hospitals or are isolated within their community, not through choice, but by living by themselves leading a lonely and vulnerable existence, without the necessary care for their needs.
What is the real impact of this? The following statistics tell the story.
- 44% of Young People in aged care homes will receive a visit from friends less than once a year
- 21% will go outside the home less than once a month
- 34% will almost never participate in community based activities such as shopping etc.
- Countless other studies have demonstrated increased incidence of depression brought about by the social isolation experienced by young people in aged care nursing homes
- It has been estimated that 70% of all relationships involving the care of a Young person withhigh care needs will end in divorce
The issue of caring for these people is broad and complex, which may partly explain why very little has been done in the past to address these issues.
Youngcare's aim is to raise awareness of the issue and through partnerships with Community, Business and Government representation seeks to develop viable, sustainable solutions that provide the care and dignity we all deserve. Youngcare collaborates with those who need care, their families.
The Apartments
Youngcare has elected to start fulfilling its purpose by building Australia's first apartments for young Australians with high care needs. These apartments will be like nothing ever seen or developed before.
A home designed from the ground up for young lives, where a young person can live and receive the care and love they need in dignified, spirited and appropriate surrounds.
Up until now there have been no solutions to this challenging and far reaching social issue, which is why Youngcare is wholly committed to ensuring this important change will be carried through and sustained for years to come.
Brisbane
The first Youngcare Apartments in Sinnamon Park Brisbane opened on 8 December 2007. The design consists of 14 large, one-bedroom self-contained apartments with courtyards and balconies, coupled with state of the art facilities.
There will be a media room to watch sports and movies, a treatment room where residents can receive a massage or pedicure, and a community building encouraging regular interaction between the residents and their families.
Gold Coast
Through a partnership with the Adam Scott Foundation, work has begun to construct a second set of apartments for young Australians with high care needs. In a practical way, Adam Scott's vision is for his foundation to assist young people who are disadvantaged. Through supporting Youngcare, this vision will become a reality. With the support of the Gold Coast community, the business sector and the continued support of both the Federal and State Governments, Youngcare hopes this second apartment complex will be completed by late 2008.
Other States
Youngcare is committed to working towards delivering appropriate accommodation in other key locations across Australia. However, this is only possible through the ongoing support of the communities, government & businesses in these areas.
