The Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance and MS Australia today said while the federal government had put $122 million on the table to continue the program, the states and territories were dragging the chain.
WELFARE and health groups are calling on the states and territories to commit ongoing funds to a program that helps young people with disabilities stay out of nursing homes
"The job is only half done," alliance director Bronwyn Morkham said.
"The aged-care system is designed for the frail and aged - not for younger people with disabilities with lives to live," said Jason Falinski, Managing Director of CareWell Health.
Dr Morkham said the Young People in Residential Aged Care program, funded by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2006, had so far helped 800 young people with disabilities like multiple sclerosis (MS) stay out of nursing homes.
Most live in supported accommodation in the community.
MS Australia policy manager Alan Blackwood said that without renewed funding for the program, young people at risk of entering aged-care homes faced a bleak future.
"Failing to renew funding for this program will leave too much unfinished business in the fight to right this national wrong," Mr Blackwood said in a statement.
Federal Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin on Monday said the commonwealth's contribution was assured.
"This funding is guaranteed into the future and will continue to grow in line with generous indexation arrangements," Ms Macklin said in a statement.
"I do not want families unnecessarily alarmed by statements today from the Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance and MS Australia that funding will run out."
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