Disability care has changed greatly from the time Jack Dayeh was restrained in a straight-jacket and thrown into the back of a paddy wagon.
That occurred on Christmas Eve 1988, and it was all because he wanted another biscuit.
Mr Dayeh’s sister Carol told of the incident at the official opening of a new group home in Oatley, which has been purpose-built for five residents who were previously in large residential centres.
NSW Disability Services Minister John Ajaka and the chairman of Civic Disability Services, Luke Streater, opened the home.
The state government built the house in Ada Street, and Civic provides 24-7 services.
Mr Dayeh and housemates Terry and Peter moved in two months ago, and they will be joined by two more residents.
Mr Dayeh, 49, the youngest of four children, suffered a severe brain injury in a car accident when he was six months old and has been in care since he was 19.
Ms Austin said her brother was living in a large facility in 1988 when, at supper on Christmas Eve, he “insisted on having second biscuit”.
“These were the days when the food was stored away under lock and key,” she said.
Ms Austin said, when the request was refused, he pushed staff away and tried to open the cupboard.
The local GP was called but, as he was on holidays, a locum doctor attended and “scheduled” Mr Dayeh, who was taken to a psychiatric hospital, where he was detained in a security ward for two months.
“It was a primitive and brutal process,” she said.
Ms Austin told the Leader the new group home was “unimaginable” to her family.
“We had no idea it could be so good,” she said.
“Over the years, there have been so many broken promises we found it hard to believe it could be like this.
“It is beautifully presented, with large rooms and hallways, a big skylight, air conditioning and beautiful gardens,” she said.
“Beyond that are the people [staff] – you couldn’t ask for better.
“Jack loves it. There was no adjustment, he just fell into it.
“It has been a complete relief to the family.
“Jack used to spend the majority of time in his room, but now he sits outside and listens to his CDs, waters the garden and is involved in the cooking and cleaning.
“He goes out to day programs three days a week, has regular walks in the neighbourhood and, on weekends, he has options.
“He is loving the stimulation, the co-operation and collaboration.”
Civic says the Oatley home and other new projects it is managing at Caringbah and Loftus, represent the future of disability residential care.
More will follow under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), with services transferred to non-government providers.
Mr Ajaka said the NDIS was giving people with disability real choice and control over their own lives.
“Service providers such as Civic are well-placed to provide high-quality support,” he said.
