City North News | Sarah Keayes | 22 January 2015
A VOICE and iPad-operated $1.25 million home will be the catalyst for more young people with a disability to live within the community this year. Youngcare recently added the roof to its Wooloowin Share House, which is due to be completed by April. Chief Executive Officer Samantha Kennerley said the building was 30 per cent complete and would allow residents to live more independently. “The home has a voice and iPad-operated home automation system for the blinds, audio visual system and lights, plus automated doors to bedrooms and common areas,” she said. “It gives them independence and flexibility, rather than having to call for assistance from a carer.”
The home would allow four young people to live at the site, which would mean they won’t have to live in aged care homes. “There’s still over 7,000 young people with high-care needs living in aged care in Queensland,” Mrs Kennerley said. By living in the community, residents were living with people their own age and could travel more easily, she said. “The best bit is it’s a beautiful area with access to a train station and a nearby coffee shop and there are parks nearby,” she said. She said after the house was completed, four family homes would be constructed on-site, which could allow new residents and their families to stay together.