As part of Kiama Council's plan to redevelop the Kiama Hospital site, a wing will be added specifically for non-elderly patients who need a high level of care so they can be around those their own age.

The wing would include a common area for the patients to socialise.

Gerringong's Angela Newman, who raised two daughters with disabilities, campaigned to have a respite service 14 years ago where patients would stay for six weeks to give their carers a rest.

The idea had political support, but the financial backing fell through.

"It's a shame to dwell on disability because there's so many things they can do and I think (Kiama Council's proposal) is a very good idea," she said.

Mrs Newman, who also visits the Mayflower Village to provide company to its residents, said younger people with a debilitating condition faced a "desperate" battle.

"You have a disease you know is going to kill you, but you don't know how long the fuse is," she said.

"If you can imagine being mentally alert and able to have a perfectly reasonable conversation but you can't feed yourself or toilet yourself and you're around older people who won't live very long - it would be better for them to have their own ward where they have more ability to have a conversation with someone."

Kiama Council general manager Michael Forsyth said Blue Haven's nursing home had cared for two younger people with special needs in recent years and said they needed to be around people of a similar age.

"Even though they were provided with good care, there was the issue of being surrounded by people who were a lot older," he said.

Mr Forsyth said the wing would need high-care beds and an application for licences has been lodged.

He said the allocation would depend on the need.

"When people come in, they need low care and over time, they need high care as their condition worsens," he said.

The council was still waiting for a response from Minister for Health Jillian Skinner on whether discussions can continue.