Louise and Dean, pictured right, and
Dean at VMCH, opposite page.
As Louise drops Dean off at
Lilydale short-term accommodation
for three days, they both look
comfortable and relaxed as
they say goodbye to each other.
Dean gives mum a peck on the
cheek before she leaves.
During the next few days, Louise
plans to recharge and spend some
“Short-term accommodation options outside the
home are crucial for many families to continue to
be able to support their child with disability.”
quality time with her husband.
Meanwhile, Dean will be given the
chance to enjoy different activities.
Disability support staff will also work
with him on goals determined by his
parents. He will be expected to do
him step-by-step instructions as they five years. It is still unclear what
get the job done together. impact the NDIS will have on short-
Louise said that this is typical of
how staff treat each child.
“They grasp very early on that this
term disability accommodation.
Kristy hopes to see more short-
term accommodation options for
many things independently or with is an opportunity to teach children families in Victoria. She said VMCH
a bit of support. independence. They don’t just come would like to increase its own stock of
here and get away with no boundaries, short-term accommodation houses.
It has taken a long time to get
to this place, Louise admits.
no rules. Anything that I have asked Currently it runs five for children and
The Andersons live in an area them to work with Dean on – like his one for adults.
with few short-term accommodation toileting … his rewards program … facilities available. They chose they have just carried on seamlessly as a lifeline to many families
VMCH because it had an outdoor here. It’s great,” Louise said. who might otherwise feel so
“VMCH sees these services
area that included a playground and According to VMCH, about trampoline. She said the family stay 28,000 Australians with disability role that their only choice is to
with VMCH because of the staff. are expected to be supported relinquish their child,” she said.
Louise points to a staff member
by National Disability Insurance
overwhelmed in their caring
“Demand for short-term
who is helping a young boy Scheme (NDIS) funding for Specialist accommodation is increasing
struggling to zip up a jumper. The Disability Accommodation once for families juggling a child with
carer is slowly and methodically the scheme is fully rolled out. It disability, other children and their
working with him to complete the will create a $5 billion disability work commitments.”
task. She encourages him and gives housing industry boom in the next
linkonline.com.au
www.vmch.com.au
accommodation
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