In Victoria, approximately 70 people under 50 are admitted to aged care each year. Young people live in aged care because the current disability service system in Australia has largely developed around the needs of people with congenital disabilities. Improvements in medical technology over the past twenty years has led to a new population of people with more severe disabilities who have survived catastrophic brain injuries and live longer with degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Young people in aged care have a diverse range of capabilities and support needs. A range of creative and innovative solutions is vital to be able to meet these needs and enable people to actively participate in the community and have a real choice about where they live.

There needs to be systemic change and a dramatic increase in the number of supported housing options to stem the flow of young people into aged care.