Tom’s Story
“We are worried about what will happen to Tom when we die” – Helen (Tom’s Mum)
28,000 Australians With Disabilities, Like Tom, Need A Place To Call Home. Donate today to enable young people with high care needs to live with choice, independence, and dignity in Youngcare homes, and help ease their families’ concerns.
The COVID-19 pandemic around the world has left a large majority of our community exposed and incredibly vulnerable. The reality of young people living in hospitals, aged care or relying on ageing parents for care, is now creating an incredibly dangerous reality for many individuals that we advocate for. It shouldn’t take a global pandemic to shine a light on this issue.
Tom, a typical teenage, country boy was only 16 when his life changed in a matter of moments. Nothing could have prepared his family for his sudden accident, or the events that followed.
“Tom’s horse bucked, knocking him to the ground unconscious. He spent two years away from the farm and family while they tried to get him stable enough to return home.” Peter (Tom’s Dad).
For the last 20 years since Tom has been home, Helen and Peter have been his primary carers. But they are older now, and are exhausted. They are wondering what will happen when they are no longer around. This fear has only been amplified by the current pandemic.
“We are getting older and we need to have him settled before anything bad happens so that he has only got our deaths to deal with, not moving as well.” – Helen (Tom’s Mum).
Tom had a happy childhood – he was a keen sportsman, debater and social butterfly! That is, until the mustering accident when he was just 16…
In 2020, Tom is living rurally in a supported disability house about 40 minutes away from his parents. Living in a remote area, Tom cannot access appropriate support services for his rehabilitation.
Thanks to the support of Youngcare followers, Tom has been offered a place in the Youngcare apartments at North Lakes!
Tom’s parents are beyond grateful that their son will have a home close to support services, family and friends once the North Lakes home is complete.
“We reached out to Youngcare because we have heard such great stories about it. The kind of people that are working there are committed to making sure that vulnerable people can live with dignified care.” – Peter (Tom’s Dad).
However, Tom’s parents are also aware that Tom is one of the lucky ones. There are 28,000 others, just like Tom, who are isolated and still need a home.
YOU CAN HELP OTHER FAMILIES IN THIS SITUATION