Senior Australians who have disabilities need to be assured that they won’t fall through the cracks with the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Vision Australia supports concerns that people over the age of 65 and ineligible for NDIS supports should have their needs recognised by government.
More than 80 per cent of people believe it is unfair to cap the age at 65 for eligibility under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). [According to research conducted by the Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA)].
The majority of people who get services from Vision Australia’s are over 65.
“Our clients have told us that they are concerned they won’t be able to get the services they need,” said Maryanne Diamond, Vision Australia General Manager International and Stakeholder Relations.
“As one client from regional NSW said at a recent forum; “We are all over 65 in this group. We are worried that we won’t be able to go to Vision Australia in a few years’ time. Will it [the NDIS] change like that?”
Vision Australia is a strong supporter of the NDIS, but is keen to hear from government that there will be funding available for people senior Australians outside the scheme.
“We know blindness impacts seniors at higher rates than their younger peers,” said Ms Diamond.
“According to official government figures, the incidence of blindness and low vision increases with age. The older you are, the more likely you are to be affected. And the number will grow as the population ages and lives longer.”
“Vision Australia’s client numbers speak for themselves with more than 65 per cent of our clients aged over 65,” Ms Diamond said.
Vision Australia wants to ensure that seniors with blindness or low vision are able to get the support they need to feel physically and emotionally safe; remain connected to and engaged with their local communities, families, and friends; and remain living in their own homes for as long as possible doing their own everyday tasks.
“We urge the Government to publicly acknowledge the need to address this issue,” Ms Diamond said.
“We need disability services for senior Australians.”