34 year old in rest home care

Published 23 September 2009, Posted in National

Story by By KIM THOMAS - The Press

Robyn Rainey is aged 34 and lives in a Christchurch rest home.

She is one of nearly 1000 young people around the country who are forced to live with the elderly because there is no appropriate accommodation for them elsewhere.

Rainey, who has Down syndrome and breathing difficulties, has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal over the lack of appropriate facilities for young people with ongoing medical needs.

She moved into the rest home in May after her breathing difficulties worsened and the supported facility where she was flatting could not meet her medical needs.

“I don’t take any medication. I have a bit of oxygen or drops when I feel faint to help my breathing. This doesn’t happen very often. It’s crazy, but this is why I am in a hospital,” Rainey said in an open letter to The Press and the Canterbury District Health Board.

Read the full story here or watch the interview on Close Up.