Quadruple amputee Jason Miller to move to respite care while he waits for suitable home
A quadruple amputee who has been stuck in hospital for the last four months waiting for a suitable new home has suffered another setback. The single dad’s only wish is to be able to live with his young daughter.
Manly
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A quadruple amputee who was well enough to leave hospital four months ago will have to move to a respite home in St Ives while he waits for more suitable accommodation to become available.
Jason Miller – also known as Buddy to his mates – will move into an adult respite care unit in St Ives in January, although a date has not been set yet.
Unfortunately, there is no space for the single dad’s daughter to stay over.
His wish had been to move into a two bed unit in Mona Vale, specially designed for someone like him with a severe disability, as it also has a second bedroom for his daughter Jhayda, 8, who he shares joint custody.
However, the newly built units – there are four – need to be sold to investors before they can be allocated.
“Santa may be late on his promise,” Mr Miller said on his dream of spending Christmas in his own home.
The 49-year-old former Manly ferry worker was struck down with two infections which led to sepsis in October last year and has been in hospital ever since.
He initially received lifesaving care at Northern Beaches Hospital before he moved to Mona Vale Hospital for rehab around nine months ago.
He said he was ready to leave Mona Vale four months ago but no accommodation was available on the peninsula.
“I’ve had great treatment at Mona Vale and have made great friendships with the staff,” he said.
“I know all about their lives and their ups and downs and they know mine.
“But I am taking up a space in rehab which should go to someone else.”
He said the St Ives accommodation was pleasant enough with a shared living room and kitchen, but was sadly not suitable for his daughter.
He said he was heading to Newcastle with his daughter for Christmas so they can stay with relatives and spend family time together.
“Getting in my own home for my daughter’s sake has been my priority the whole time,” Mr Miller said.
“I want to help look after her and help her do her homework and school projects.”
Mr Miller said he had been told he was a suitable candidate for one of the new Mona Vale units, said it was a waiting game.
Each unit is worth about $2m and has a guaranteed 4.8 per cent annual return.
Mr Miller said it was good value for anyone with money to invest.
Before his illness, Mr Miller was renting an apartment in Queenscliff. Due to his lengthy stay in hospital, he no longer rents that unit.