An Adelaide couple have faced unexpected challenges in their search for a new home in a retirement village, all because of their 38-year-old son, Michael, who lives with them. Despite Michael’s condition and reliance on his parents for care, the couple has been denied entry to multiple retirement villages, as their son is deemed too young under existing regulations.
Michael, who has cerebral palsy and hemiplegia, sustained a brain injury before birth and cannot live independently. Although he has been able to work through a supported employment service, Orana, and is somewhat self-sufficient, Michael still requires daily assistance.
Michael’s father, Paul, who has his own health struggles, worries about leaving his wife to manage their son’s care alone in the event of his death. This is what prompted the family to consider downsizing and moving into a retirement village, but their inquiries have been consistently met with rejection.
Paul expressed his frustration, explaining that as soon as retirement village operators learned of their situation, they were immediately turned away. According to Paul, the operators cited regulations within the act that governs retirement villages, which suggest there is an age restriction of 55 years or older for residents.
In an interview with ABC Radio Adelaide, Paul explained: “As soon as they heard we had Michael… they said, ‘You can’t go into a retirement village because he’s 38, and we don’t cater for anyone that young.'”
However, South Australia’s Minister for Human Services, Seniors and Ageing Well, Nat Cook, has pointed out that the act itself does not strictly stipulate an age requirement for residents.
Rather, village operators are expected to exercise discretion and make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Ms Cook highlighted that some villages allow younger residents, including spouses or children, and that the situation with Paul and Michael may have been a misinterpretation of the rules.
She further stated, “Sometimes if you’re approaching places and you’re pushed back and you’re given some sort of excuse, I’m not sure it’s the place I’d want to live.” Ms Cook added that she is open to meeting with Paul to discuss the issue further and potentially find a solution.
The couple has sought help from their local member of parliament, Blair Boyer, but the situation remains unresolved. Meanwhile, amendments to the Retirement Villages Act are currently being reviewed in the South Australian Parliament, with reforms aimed at improving transparency and protections for consumers.
For Paul and his wife, the ongoing uncertainty leaves them at a crossroads. As they look to the future, they hope for a change in the system that will accommodate families like theirs, where adult children with disabilities remain dependent on parental care well beyond childhood.
I was evicted from morven manor retirement Village in Mornington (1994) because I was deemed as too young and despite the fact that my mother had left it to me in her will.
I had moved into the unit to look after my mother who was ill with cancer. She died 6 months after I moved in to the unit
The retirement village act needs a comprehensive overhaul.