A young woman’s disability journey from residential aged care to independent living

A young woman’s disability journey from residential aged care to independent living  

Who: Kaitlyn (29 years old living with diagnosis of cerebral palsy)  
Stay type: NDIS-funded MTA to move out of residential aged care
Location: Inner eastern Sydney: Medium Term Accommodation Apartment

Introduction to Kaitlyn’s Journey

Moving out of residential aged care is a challenging yet transformative journey for a young person living with disabilities. MediStays, an organisation dedicated to providing accessible and affordable accommodation, play a pivotal role in supporting young Australians to transition to independent living with dignity and ease. Kaitlyn’s story is one such example of the positive impact MediStays plays for Australians under the age of 65 years.

Discovering MediStays

Meet Kaitlyn, a vibrant 29-year-old woman diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Due to the lack of appropriate housing options and support services, Kaitlyn found herself in a residential aged care facility. Although the staff provided excellent care, Kaitlyn longed for an environment where she could thrive among peers her own age, pursue her interests, and live more independently.

Advocacy for Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC)

Advocacy efforts like the Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) initiative have been crucial in highlighting the need for appropriate housing solutions for young individuals with disabilities. YPIRAC aims to reduce the number of young people in aged care facilities by promoting awareness and driving policy changes. These efforts ensure young people can access suitable accommodation and support services, paving the way for more organisations like MediStays to facilitate successful transitions.

Finding the Right Home

Following Kaitlyn’s referral to MediStays, the first step for Noele our Specialist Care Navigator was identifying suitable accommodation that could cater to Kaitlyn’s specific needs. MediStays’ extensive network of accessible housing options meant that Kaitlyn could choose a place that was not only physically accessible but also located near essential services and social opportunities. The team at MediStays worked closely with Kaitlyn, her referrer and disability support network to ensure the chosen property met all her requirements, from wheelchair accessibility to proximity to her medical team and community activities.

Comprehensive Support for Transition

Beyond finding the right home, MediStays provided comprehensive support to facilitate Kaitlyn’s move from residential aged care. This included coordinating with disability support services to ensure Kaitlyn received her choice and control of the necessary in-home care and assistance. Medistays also helped navigate the complexities of funding and paperwork, ensuring that Kaitlyn could access the financial support she was entitled to under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Emotional and Social Support

MediStays’ holistic approach extended to emotional and social support as well. Understanding the potential isolation and emotional strain of such a significant transition from aged care, MediStays ensured her Support Coordinator and team were connected with Kaitlyn and local community groups and recreational activities, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement in her new environment.

A Transformative Change

With MediStays’ support, Kaitlyn successfully moved out of aged care and into her new home. The change was transformative; Kaitlyn now enjoys a greater sense of autonomy, participates in community events, and pursues her passions in a way that was not possible in her previous living situation.

Kaitlyn’s story is a testament to the profound impact that tailored support and accessible accommodation can have on young people with disabilities. MediStays not only facilitated a smooth transition but also empowered Kaitlyn to live a fulfilling, independent life. For many like Kaitlyn, MediStays offers a beacon of hope and a pathway to a brighter, more inclusive future.

MediStays Availability Australia-wide 

If you are a Support Coordinator, or a hospital-based Social Worker or Occupational Therapist who is looking for a similar MTA environment to support your patients to successfully transition from hospital, please contact our Care Navigators.  

Our team find the best solutions for your participants and their individual needs.  

Make a request for MTA today using our MTA Rapid Request form or call our Care Navigators on 1300 085 036.