THERE was no other choice for Declan Lennon when he grew older and became more prone to violent episodes.
The 20-year-old from Werribee, who has an autism spectrum disorder, had to move to a part-time supported accommodation unit at Altona Meadows four years ago.
“When he can’t express himself or if he is in pain, he can get violent,” his father, Steven Lennon, says.
“We could handle that when he was younger, but then as he got older he began hurting us and his sisters.”
It wasn’t an easy move for his heartbroken family, or for Declan, who also suffers separation anxiety when he’s away from his mum and dad.
But it’s about to get even tougher, as the state government quietly moves to impose massive fee increases for people like Declan who are living in supported government care.
Last week, the Lennons were among 2500 families who received a letter from Department of Human Services saying board and lodging fees would soon increase by 50 per cent – consuming 75 per cent of the disability support pension.
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Mr Lennon estimated his son would be almost $6000 in the red after a year – after taxi fares to and from his education program, course fees, camps and excursions, gym and other costs were factored in.
“He is high-functioning; he can read, write, comprehend and play piano, so he has a lot of activities,” Mr Lennon said.
“The things he enjoys now he won’t be able to access without the family supplementing him, but some of the people in these houses don’t have families. Their parents have died or are in their 80s on pensions.
“What do we do? Do we bring Declan home because we can’t afford him being there and take the risk of being injured if he loses his temper?”
Mr Lennon said the fee hike would strip people with disabilities of disposable income and prevent them from engaging in activities they enjoyed.
“They won’t be able to have a life and enjoy it. They may as well open big institutions and psych hospitals and lock them up, where they won’t have access to outside activities.’’
FEE INCREASE ‘IN LINE’
THE state government says increased fees for state-run disability accommodation will ensure Victoria is on par with other states and in line with accommodation run by the community sector.
Government spokesman Michael Moore said the average cost of supporting a resident in DHS accommodation was $128,000 a year.
‘‘The new fees will bring the average contribution per resident for supported accommodation to approximately $17,500 per annum,’’ he said.
He said residents unable to meet their basic daily living expenses could access the DHS hardship policy. ‘‘Families or carers are not expected to meet expenses . . . if a resident is unable to afford them,’’ he said.
According to budget papers, the increase will save $44 million over four years, with the money funnelled back into support packages for people waiting for respite or accommodation.
Mr Lennon said the funding diversion was “robbing the poor to pay the poor”.
Altona Labor MP Jill Hennessy said support packages should be expanded, “but instead of funding it properly [the government] is slugging people already engaged in supported accommodation.’’
“Many people who were hoping to stay in supported accommodation, or were hoping to apply for supported accommodation in the future, simply won’t be able to afford it.”
