When a younger person with a disability is at risk of requiring either permanent or respite care in a residential aged care facility, Disability Services will determine the best way to meet that person's individual support needs.
Identifying the support a person requires will take place through a planning process that involves the person and their family or carer.
The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) is responsible for assessing older people in order to facilitate access to care services appropriate to their needs. In some instances, ACAS can be asked to assess younger people with a disability for approval for residential aged care. This is when they have high or complex needs.
If, following the exploration of all other support options, an ACAS assessment and approval for residential aged care does occur, then appropriate supports are to be planned to ensure the best possible quality of life for the younger person.
Appropriate links must also be maintained to ensure that pathways to more suitable care are identified wherever appropriate into the future.
This protocol identifies shared practice principles and clear processes in relation to people under 65 years who have a disability and who may require placement. Or, they may already be residing in a residential aged care facility. For more information, see Related resources.