A vital project for our future

With the shift away from large institutions, people with disabilities in Queensland have increasingly been

1. Supported to remain at home cared for by their families (66%)

OR

2. Housed in group homes / small institutions (31%)

OR

3. Able to live independently in their community (3%)

Did you know?

• Approximately 2.6 million carers in Australia provided unpaid assistance to people with disabilities and the aged in 2003
• Approximately 20% of these are the primary carer and 40% of these (200,000 carers) have a disability themselves

The issue facing us in Australia is aging carers…. given the majority of people with disabilities are supported in their own home with family members as primary carers, we need long term accommodation solutions that are economical & sustainable…

Independent Living Training Centres build capacity for increased independence in all aspects of life through Planned & Assessed Educational Programmes delivered in a supported accommodation setting.

There are 3 tiers of operation -

1. Short term – live-in for up to 1 month

2. Medium term – live-in for up to 3 months

3. Permanent integration to community housing

How does the ILT Centre operate?

Tier 1.

Up to 8 clients can apply to reserve accommodation for a period of up to one month at the ILT Centre. A survey will be completed prior to assess the clients capacity to function independently in an accommodation setting. Staff will design, deliver and assess planned educational programmes to build capacity in independent living including

• personal care & grooming . personal safety . food preparation
• basic household chores . financial management . public transport
• social skills . recreation . entertaining . conflict resolution etc

Clients will manage all household chores under the supervision and training of the staff.  Staff will assess the clients progress and compile a report & recommendations to the primary carer.  Based on these recommendations, the client may either resume living at home with increased independence, re-enrol in Tier one, or apply to Tier two.

Tier 2.

Up to 8 clients can apply to reserve accommodation for a period of up to three months at the ILT Centre. A survey will be completed prior to assess the clients capacity to function independently in an accommodation setting. Staff will design, deliver and assess planned educational programmes to build capacity in independent living including

• personal care & grooming . personal safety . food preparation
• basic household chores . financial management . public transport
• social skills . recreation . entertaining . conflict resolution etc

Clients will manage all household chores under the supervision of the staff – training will be highly ‘discovery’ oriented. Staff will assess the clients progress and compile a report & recommendations to the client & primary carer. Based on these recommendations, the client may either resume living at home with increased independence, re-enrol in Tier two, or apply to Tier three… Community Living.

Tier 3.

The client will be assisted to review choices for community living. The options will include single or shared accommodation. A Case Manager will support the client in locating a suitable home. The Case Manager will assist in the transition to that accommodation. A non live-in SupportWorker will monitor the arrangement on a daily basis for one month and report to the Case Manager. The client will be able to access the Support Worker or Case Manager as required. The SupportWorker will assist the client for up to 3 months to build links, relationships and support in the community. The Case Manager will continue to monitor the arrangement on a weekly basis indefinitely and develop further training where deemed necessary.