News

Christmas Appeal
Mon, Dec 21 2009

It’s hard to believe that a young person in their 20’s, with their life ahead of them, or a man in his 40’s with a wife and kids, could end up in a nursing home. But that’s what happens to approximately 70 people under the age of 50 each year in Victoria. Many have suffered a serious brain injury from an accident or stroke and require months of rehabilitation simply to eat, move and talk again; others have a degenerative illness like multiple sclerosis and can no longer be cared for at home. In many cases, they will never go home again. Just think about what it would be like- the long painful months of hospital and rehabilitation, the strain on family, relationships and finances, and the prospect they may never recover. Because of the high level of care they need 24 hours a day, many people can’t ever go home. And because there is nowhere else to go, many of these young people end up in nursing homes for the aged. Nursing homes are designed to care for the needs and routines of people in their 70’s, 80’s or 90’s. For a young person used to socialising with family and friends, and used to the freedom of being active, fit and energetic, this aggravates an already devastating situation. Nursing homes just aren’t designed to cope with young people who need rehabilitation and support, but there is simply no where else for them to go. Your donation can help to change this. The statistics are frightening. Did you know that: 82% of young people in nursing homes hardly ever see their friends. 47% never go shopping, or participate in leisure activities. 13% never even go outside. Scary, isn’t it? Living in a nursing home can mean losing contact with friends and family who can’t travel long distances to visit, or can’t fit in with rigid visiting hours. It means losing the ability to choose how you spend your day – your meals, bedtime, visiting hours and even your TV programs are dictated by someone else. Imagine life for a young person without this basic choice and independence – something the rest of us take for granted. No wonder these young people feel abandoned and forgotten by the community. When Mark was in his early 20’s, he prided himself on being independent – living and working and planning for the future. Then, one day, his life changed forever following a car accident. In the accident, Mark suffered a serious brain injury. Suddenly, Mark was fully dependent on those around him. He is unable to speak or smile, and struggles with his motor skills – his body is slow to react. He walks slowly and finds it hard to use his hands to grip things. But things are much better than they used to be. In the years following his accident, Mark lived in an institution. Though caring for his physical needs, the facility couldn’t provide Mark with individual care and attention. He was unable to pursue interests, go out in the community, and had limited interaction with family and friends. There was little improvement in Mark’s condition. Through perseverance from his family, luck and with the support of the EW Tipping Foundation, Mark found a permanent place to live in a home specially designed for young people with an acquired brain injury. Able to get the care and support he needed, he now enjoys basketball and soccer in the backyard, plays pinball in his own unit and goes to concerts with his support worker. Mark knows he is lucky to live in a place he can really call home. If you send a donation today, we can get young people out of nursing homes and into real homes. In 2010, we are constructing specially designed homes in Victoria for young people affected by brain injury or illnesses who are living in, or at risk of living in, nursing homes. By joining me and giving today, you can help to build these homes. Your donation will help to build a future for young people with an acquired brain injury or progressive illness. Your gift, sent today, will give real hope. Please, don’t let our young people be forgotten.