Ageing mum in fear for son’s future

Alex de Vos
For more than 40 years, Portarlington’s Barbara Higgins has cared for disabled son Neil.
But, at 73, she’s finding the full-time job tougher than when she was in her 30s.
Every day Ms Higgins, who suffered a heart attack seven years ago, lays out Neil’s clothes and assists with his personal grooming.
His random fits of aggression and possessive behaviour only make the job harder.
“Once I used to cope with it but as you get older you can’t cope mentally and physically,” Ms Higgins said.
“At times you feel okay but at other times it’s really difficult.
“The mental stress seems to undo you as you get older.”
Neil has an intellectual disability, epilepsy and asthma as well as limited use of his right hand.
“It’s like looking after a very young child, you’ve got to be there the whole time,” Ms Higgins said.
“But we’re getting older and it’s a real problem.”
With mounting concern about their ability to care for Neil, the Higgins family is struggling to find suitable and permanent accommodation for their son despite desperate pleas for help.
Neil has been waiting more than seven years to be placed in disability accommodation.
Ms Higgins said the situation was frightening.
“I want something settled before I die,” she said.
The Higgins’ are not alone.
A recent parliamentary report has revealed the Barwon-South West region has the most people waiting for disability accommodation in country Victoria.
“I’m not the only parent in Geelong – we’re definitely not alone,” she said.
“There are some parents in their 80s. At this stage you could get in (a nursing home) quicker than your kids.
“They’re all out there and they’re all desperate.”