Clive and Pam Farnell at home with daughter Micheline.
By Paul Dunlop
PEOPLE with a disability are facing an accommodation crisis that is driving carers to despair.
A severe shortage of suitable housing exists in Cardinia Shire, and authorities say the problem is rapidly getting worse.
As the population ages, many parents of people with a disability are getting too old to provide proper care.
The chronic lack of alternative accommodation has added further uncertainty and stress to an already difficult situation.
Pam and Clive Farnell, aged 73 and 80, care for their daughter Micheline, 50, at their home in Avonsleigh.
Micheline was six years old when she was struck by a car coming home from school.
She was left with severe physical injuries and brain damage.
Her parents are concerned about what lies ahead.
“It’s very difficult to plan for Micheline’s future when there are so few choices,” Mrs Farnell said.
“To know she lived close by and was well caredfor would be wonderful, but there really isn’t anything.”
It is a similar story for the Hermans family of Nar Nar Goon.
John Hermans is 54 years old, has an intellectual disability and was recently diagnosed with dementia.
He lives with parents Ricky, 79, and Harry, 80.
John’s mother Ricky, who is recovering from a recent stroke, said her illness emphasised the problems facing her family – and many others.
“It highlighted how few choices in accommodation there are for John, it has been a real struggle,” Mrs Hermans said.
Community services manager for Pakenhambased disability service provider Outlook Anne McCormick said there was a considerable need for quality, affordable and accessible housing for people with a disability in the Cardinia Shire.
In an attempt to gain a greater understanding of the accommodation shortage, Outlook and Cardinia Shire Council have formed a partnership to address both the existing and future need for suitable accommodation.
Mrs McCormick said there was little or no available housing for people with a disability in the shire provided through the Department of Human Services, the private sector or any other source.
“This situation is compounded by the fact that the percentage of the population with a recorded disability in Cardinia is significantly higher than the state average – 30 per cent compared with 19 per cent,” she said.
“Further to this, the population is ageing and the percentage of people with a disability is also increasing.”
Mrs McCormick said community help was needed for the accommodation needs survey, which will be undertaken by Outlook and the council.
