Ventilator Accommodation Support Service

Our Ventilator Accommodation Support Service (VASS) is a state-wide service that provides accommodation and high-level 24-hour support for people who are chronically dependent on mechanical ventilation.

Located in Thornbury, Yooralla’s VASS features three long-term residential houses, and one house for people who require either planned or emergency respite support.

When you are a resident of VASS, whether for respite or long-term accommodation, you are encouraged to treat it as your home. This means that, in conjunction with your fellow residents, you decide who visits and when.

As a resident of VASS, you will be surrounded by gardens and a large BBQ area, providing the perfect setting to accommodate your friends and family.

Our trained staff can support you to live independently in the community, while also assisting with the management of complex health needs. To make sure that you receive quality care day and night, a registered nurse is available on site at all times.

The service is overseen by a steering committee, chaired by the Australian Ventilator Users Network, who works with Yooralla to ensure the support being delivered is in accordance with your personal wishes and needs.

Eligibility

To access VASS you must be eligible to receive services from DHS, be over 18 years of age and be chronically dependent on ventilation.

Others who are eligble include people who have motor neurone disease (MND) and have been prescribed ventilation.

Resources