Michael was born on 11 August 1968 with Down syndrome, resulting in moderately severe intellectual impairment. Doctors had advised his parents that he was not expected to live past the age of 20. He was non-verbal and required assistance for all activities of daily living. From the age of seven, Michael attended Milparinka Development School two days a week.
When he turned 17, Michael began living at the Kingsbury Training Centre, a full-time care facility. After three years, he moved to a Specialist Disability Accommodation dwelling in Mill Park, where he resided until his death. This dwelling was enrolled under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and Michael received funded daily independent living support from a disability service provider. He enjoyed living there and was close with another resident. Michael’s medical history included epilepsy, gout, chronic conjunctivitis, and depression. In 2017, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia.
In April 2024, Michael was referred to a Palliative Care service following repeated hospital presentations with agitation, head banging, and a declining cognitive and physical state. It was decided that no further medical intervention would improve his quality of life. On 5 June 2025, Michael was admitted to the Northern Hospital Neurology Unit after experiencing two seizures in the context of Influenza B. His condition deteriorated, and in the early hours of 7 June 2025, the decision was made to transition him to end-of-life care.
Michael died at 4:06pm on 8 June 2025, aged 56. His identity was confirmed by a support worker. A Forensic Pathologist determined the medical cause of death to be Influenza B in a man with epilepsy, Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s dementia. I would be interested to understand how the system supported Michael's enjoyment of his community living arrangement, given his declining cognitive state and palliative care needs.