Finding suitable housing that meets the unique needs of individuals with disabilities is a crucial aspect of promoting independence, choice, control, and community inclusion. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, various types of housing options are available to cater to diverse support requirements and preferences.
From Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) designed for those with high support needs to Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements fostering independence, the landscape of NDIS housing encompasses a range of innovative solutions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of NDIS housing, highlighting their key features and benefits to empower individuals with disabilities in achieving their housing goals.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) goes beyond traditional housing solutions by offering purpose-built homes specifically tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of residents. These residences are equipped with features designed to enhance accessibility, durability, and safety, ensuring individuals can live with independence and dignity.
SDA funding is distinct from other NDIS supports, focusing specifically on the physical infrastructure of the home rather than the support services provided within it. This funding facilitates the construction or modification of properties to meet the stringent criteria necessary for SDA classification.
There are four main categories of SDA, each catering to different levels of support needs and functional impairments:
- High Physical Support: Designed for individuals with profound physical disabilities requiring round-the-clock support and specialized equipment, these residences offer features like hoists, adjustable benches, and reinforced structures to accommodate complex care needs.
- Robust: This category is suitable for individuals with behaviours of concern or challenging physical needs that may require durable housing solutions. Robust SDA properties are built with sturdy materials and layouts that can withstand intensive use and minimize damage.
- Fully Accessible: Tailored for individuals with mobility impairments, these homes prioritize accessibility features such as wide doorways, ramp access, and adaptable living spaces to promote independent living and mobility.
- Improved Liveability: Aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life for residents, Improved Liveability SDA properties incorporate features like sensory rooms, smart home technology and high contrast walls.
Through partnerships with housing providers and ongoing investment in innovative design and technology, SDA continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of the disability community.
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)
Medium Term Accommodation is for when your current or future permanent housing isn’t available. There could be a range of reasons why it’s not ready, like renovations, modifications, or construction taking longer than expected. MTA is usually funded for a maximum of 90 days but can be extended past this in some circumstances. The NDIS usually covers MTA as a once-off, as once you move into your permanent housing, you won’t need it again.
Medium-term accommodation could be anywhere that’s suitable for you while you wait for your permanent housing, it’s a temporary added cost due to your disability support needs. Specialist Disability Accommodation can sometimes be used as MTA, as features of the build help you to live independently. The funding for medium-term accommodation only covers the building you’re renting; it doesn’t cover your supports in the home, food, or utilities like electricity.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Supported Independent Living (SIL) covers the people who come and help you live independently at your own home. This support is tailored for those requiring substantial aid seven days a week, sometimes including overnight assistance.
SIL funding can be integrated into your NDIS plan whether you’re living with other participants or alone, giving you autonomy in choosing your living arrangements and support companions.
Services under Supported Independent Living encompass various aspects, including assistance with personal care tasks, support with meal preparation and cooking, maintaining cleanliness, adhering to routines, implementing behaviour support plans, fostering social skills, ensuring supervision, personal safety, security, facilitating medical appointments and promoting community engagement. It’s important to remember that Supported Independent Living excludes assistance unrelated to your disability, such as holiday expenses.
Personal Care Supports
Personal care supports relate to assistance with daily personal activities including personal hygiene, toileting, eating, attending appointments and more. Personal care supports are tailored to maximize independence and functional skills while considering the participant’s age and circumstances. These supports are designed to cater to individuals across various settings, be it their own homes, familial environments, or recreational and educational pursuits. They can be human help or innovative solutions like assistive technologies and home medications.
When assessing personal care needs, several factors come into play. The primary aim is to maximize the individual’s independence and functional skills. Another factor is exploring whether there are other similar supports available which are better suited for the participant and finally, do they align with the participant’s goals.
For children with disabilities, personal care supports are not intended to replace parental care. The focus is on providing additional assistance where necessary, acknowledging that some children with a disability may require support beyond what is typical for their age group.
Support allocation for personal care supports is capped at a maximum of six hours per day. This allocation is based on various factors, including hygiene routines, eating assistance, mobility aid, and specific toileting needs. However, exceptions may be made for individuals with exceptional care requirements.
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
Individualised living options is the supports to help you find out who you want to live with, where and how you want to live. ILO gives you the option to share with friends, housemates or even living with a host family. There are two stages in the ILO process:
1) The first step is working out how and who you want to live with, along with the supports you’ll need to live independently.
2) The second stage helps you to get set up in your chosen living arrangement.
The biggest part of ILO is working out your primary and supplementary supports, which could be a range of people like your housemates, a mentor, your family or a support worker.
To qualify for individualised living options in your NDIS plan, you’ll need to be over 18, need outside help in your home for at least 6 hours a day (but less than 24) and have the time to work together with your supports to make it happen! If you’d like to read more about Individualised living options you can use this link!
Short Term Accommodation
In the realm of disability support services, Short Term Accommodation (STA) or respite, stands out as a crucial resource for individuals and their caregivers. At its core, Short Term Accommodation serves as a reprieve for both individuals and their caregivers. It offers caregivers the opportunity to take a well-deserved break from their demanding roles, knowing that their loved ones are receiving professional care in a supportive environment. For individuals, it presents an avenue for exploration and socialization, enabling them to try new activities, forge friendships, and develop valuable skills in a safe setting.
Whether it’s a brief respite for a weekend getaway or a longer stay to delve into immersive activities, the funding can be utilized in various ways to enhance the overall experience. For those navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Short Term Accommodation is an essential component of the support ecosystem. Individuals can utilize their Core budget to access this service, aligning their support with their overarching goals outlined in their NDIS plan.
Conclusion
Each type of NDIS housing support offers unique advantages and considerations, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to housing options that align with their needs, preferences, and goals. By understanding these options, participants and their support networks can make informed decisions to facilitate independence, inclusion, and well-being within the community.