
Women Exiting the Corrections System
In 2018 Synapse partnered with the NSW Department of Justice and Guthrie House, a not-for-profit transitional service for women exiting the prison system, to support women who may have a brain injury.
Read moreSecure housing is the platform from which people can engage in employment, connect with their communities, and build a sense of belonging and identity in place. Synapse recognises the issues experienced by people with brain injury in relation to housing and accommodation, and we continue to work with individuals, communities and housing organizations to ensure the security of housing for people with disabilities.
Finding appropriate housing following brain injury can be challenging. Issues such as reduced income, costs associated with housing modifications, and considerations such as access to supports and services can limit housing options. Depending on financial resources and support needs people with brain injury can be unable to live independently, and may need to consider other options such as living with friends or family, supported housing options or residential care.
Housing can be especially challenging for people with high care needs. A lack of supported housing options means close to 6000 younger Australians (under 65) with disability are forced to live in residential aged care (AIHW, 2019). Aged care is not an appropriate option for younger people, and is an isolating and lonely environment. 53% per cent of young people in residential aged care receive a visit from a friend less than once a year, 82% seldom or never visit their friends, and 45% seldom or never participating in leisure activities in the community (Winkler et al., 2007).
People with brain injury can be at greater risk of losing housing tenancy if rental payments are missed due to financial pressures and/or inability to organise or memory difficulties, which increases risks of homelessness. For homeless people with brain injury associated chronic illness, mental health, and/or addiction problems create highly complex support needs (Burra, Stergiopoulos, & Rourke, 2009). Poor understandings about brain injury and a lack of assessment tools mean that homeless services can struggle to effectively support people with brain injury and complex co-occurring conditions.
Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS] (2016). Census of Population and Housing: Estimating homelessness, 2016. Cat 2049.0 www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2049.0
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019. Pathways of younger people entering permanent residential aged care. Cat. no. AGE 89. Canberra: AIHW.
Burra, T.A., Stergiopoulos, V. and Rourke, S.B. (2009). A systematic review of cognitive deficits in homeless adults: Implications for service delivery. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 54, 123-133.
Winkler, D., Sloan, S., & Callaway, L. (2007). Younger people in residential aged care: Support needs, preferences and future directions. Melbourne: Summer Foundation Ltd.
In 2018 Synapse partnered with the NSW Department of Justice and Guthrie House, a not-for-profit transitional service for women exiting the prison system, to support women who may have a brain injury.
Read moreCairns Community Living is a safe place of belonging for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples with a disability.
Read moreInformation and practical housing support options to help you or someone you support live in the home and community of their choice.
Read morePractical assessments to identify how a brain injury is affecting your daily life and planning to ensure appropriate support.
Read moreTailored personal support across aspects of daily living, enabling you or someone you support to participate in desired community, vocational and educational activities.
Read moreUnique, specialised training to help you and your team better understand the needs of people impacted by brain injury.
Read moreSynapse offers culturally appropriate Support Coordination services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Read moreWe have resources designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to start conversations about the NDIS and provide examples of some of the types of supports and services available.
Read moreIf you’ve got questions or need advice, support or further information, get in touch with us today. We’d love to help