The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety turns its attention this week to hearings focused on younger people with disabilities living in residential aged care facilities.

Around 6000 Australians aged under 65 live in aged care, and numbers have only changed slightly in the last decade.

Young people most commonly enter aged care after acquiring a disability. This means they need support in everyday activities, as well as specialised equipment, home modifications or accessible housing.

Nursing homes are no place for young people who want to be independent or live with their family or peers, but who lack affordable and accessible housing options and co-ordinated support to do so. Aged care is distressing for these people and their families.