Perspectives of Australian professionals who support younger people in residential aged care without access to individualised funding.

Abstract\nPoints of interestPrevious research demonstrates that living in residential aged care (RAC) has negative effects on the wellbeing of younger people (<65 years). This research reports on the barriers and enablers to avoiding or leaving RAC for younger people in Australia who do not have access to individualised disability funding packages. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 18 staff who worked in an Australia-wide Program supporting younger people, and 24 stakeholders. Participants reported barriers to avoiding or leaving RAC that included a lack of funding, lack of appropriate housing, lack of transitional and rehabilitation services, and the preferences of family members. Enablers included having help to navigate alternative options, and effective collaboration across services. Participants reported that some younger people wanted to remain in RAC because they had no other option, were hesitant of change, or felt safe there. Funding and housing are required, as well as long-term, complex case management.Barriers for younger people who do not have access to individualised funding packages leaving or avoiding residential aged care include lack of funding for services (including palliative care), as well as lack of housing and assistance to help with the move to community living. The preferences of family members can also present a barrier.Enablers to leaving or avoiding residential aged care include having help to navigate alternative options, and effective collaboration across services.Without change to policy and practice in Australia, younger people who do not have access to individualised funding packages will continue to face a poorly funded and complicated service system, leaving them with little hope of living outside of residential aged care.Funding and housing are required, as well as long-term, complex case management to support younger people to avoid or move out of residential aged care.Barriers for younger people who do not have access to individualised funding packages leaving or avoiding residential aged care include lack of funding for services (including palliative care), as well as lack of housing and assistance to help with the move to community living. The preferences of family members can also present a barrier.Enablers to leaving or avoiding residential aged care include having help to navigate alternative options, and effective collaboration across services.Without change to policy and practice in Australia, younger people who do not have access to individualised funding packages will continue to face a poorly funded and complicated service system, leaving them with little hope of living outside of residential aged care.Funding and housing are required, as well as long-term, complex case management to support younger people to avoid or move out of residential aged care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]