Having a house is a basic need. A roof over and a safe place to stay- whether a simple one or fully furnished- is also crucial for a better quality of life. The factors include that contribute when choosing a place to live depends on factors such as proximity of your house with friends and family, distance from the child’s school, commute distance, the desired community of living, and accessing public spaces, activities and services. There are numerous housing options, like apartments, dorms, etc., for people. However, a well-designed house that is also constructed in the desired location can allow one to live happily, strengthening independence and community connection.
For normal or abled people making living arrangements may not be a daunting task; however, for disabled people finding their desired housing type can be intimidating. For people with disability living in Australia- A country with high living costs and managing funds for medicine and tests can contribute to worsening their daily lives. Thanks to NDIS funding and support services, people with disability can enjoy life.
NDIS: A Brief Description
National Disability Insurance Scheme(NDIS) is implemented by NDIA(National Disability Insurance Agency) in order to help people with a disability and old-aged people to have a better way of life. Also, every Australian has used some government-funded services which are not part of the NDIS. Such services are known as mainstream support. These mainstream supports are offered to everyone- abled or disabled.
NDIS aspires to offer different levels of support to individuals with different ranges of disabilities. Level 1 support is standard, Level 2 – is high-intensity, and Level 3 – is very high-intensity. Support coordinators are available to help you understand and use the NDIS plan and connect you with NDIS providers. They ensure to provide support, manage services and help NDIS candidates to enjoy a more independent life. To add more, NDIS Supports include daily personal activities(focused on assistance in daily tasks), transportation, mobility equipment, therapeutic supports, participation by skilled personnel, vehicle modifications, home modification design and home construction.
Housing and Support Under NDIS
Sometime before, housing and support services for people with disabilities were combined. Although some people found this to be effective, it limited people’s flexibility. When housing is included in the package of support, the NDIS participant can report some dissatisfaction; the NDIS participant may be ok with housing but unhappy with the other supports they are receiving. In such a condition, a person may have to live with unsuitable support and make compromises. A similar feeling can be with the person who is unhappy with their housing but good with other supports. Understanding this circumstance, NDIS treats and funds housing and other supports separately.
NDIS Housing and Community Infrastructure System
Most of the certified NDIS providers also function as house providers and offer housing options such as Specialist Disability Accommodations (SDAs), Supported Independent Living (SIL), Individualised Living Options (ILO), Group Homes, Public housing, Community Housing, and Assisted Boarding Houses in specific locations. Let’s dive into the details of these available housing systems.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a kind of support provided to people with disability to live in their homes. SIL provides daily assistance to those with disabilities, mostly in a shared home facility. In addition, SIL also enables you to live more independently as possible while developing skills. SIL is helpful if a person with a disability needs more assistance than their informal support system, such as a friend. To add more, the SIL provider has to provide a dedicated person to help residents of the home with daily duties.
Those who opt for SIL in their NDIS plan can get 24-hour day-to-day support with:
- Assistance with household works: cooking meals
- Accessing the community and social activities
- Personal care like bathing
- Travelling appointments
One must be clear that SIL doesn’t cover their expenses for rent, utility costs like gas and electricity, groceries, and transport.
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
Individualised living option (ILO) is an NDIS housing support model that helps disabled people to live the way that suits them. The goal is to build a sustainable plan with a strong focus on getting family and friends. ILO can change over time as your needs evolve. ILO does not cover the cost of a home, but you can look at other living arrangements. You can live in your own home with roommates or in the residence of a host.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Another housing option by NDIS is Specialist disability accommodation (SDA). SDA is a specialised building/ housing designed for individuals who have an extreme functional impairment or massive support needs. Remember, only 6 per cent of NDIS participants receive SDA in their NDIS plans. This implies that not all people with disability can get SDA housing responses for their accommodation needs.
Those who opt for SDA housing can stay more independently and enjoy other services for safer living. Thanks to the SDA Design Standard, a participant can have access to premium home models. Furthermore, the SDA design offers higher physical support, increased liveability, and robust, full accessibility.
Who are eligible participants for SDA?
- Participants must have a functional impairment or very high support needs.
- Participants must meet the requirement of specialist disability and accommodation needs.
- Participants must fulfil NDIS funding criteria.
- Social housing: Social housing is a type of housing assistance provided in Australia. These are managed by the government or a community organisation.
- Public housing is a long-duration rental accommodation managed by the department on behalf of the Director of Housing as appointed as per law.
- Community housing: Community housing is long term rental housing managed by NGOs for special needs people.
- A group home is a shared living accommodation where a small group of people can live in a warm and welcoming environment.
- Assisted Boarding Houses: These are boarding houses that accommodate 2 or more “persons with additional needs” for a fee or reward.
The housing and community infrastructure system includes social housing authorities, government agencies( for affordable housing and homelessness), local councils and other governments involved in town and city planning. You can consult your NDIS provider to choose the best right housing option for you.
What are the accommodation types offered by NDIS?
NDIS Accommodation services support you to live a better life. Further, NDIS Accommodation is offered in 3 terms: short, medium, and long. Let’s look at the details of each accommodation type.
Short Term Accommodation (STA)
Like its name Short Term Accommodation (STA) is funded ‘short stay away from home’; such stay is generally for 14 days at a time.
STA covers the cost of a participant’s care in another place. Respite care can be useful for the participant’s spouse, friend, parent, child etc., who need a break from taking care of the prolonged sick state of a family member. STA includes a group or shared living arrangement, food, personal care, and activities in addition to the cost of accommodation.
Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)
NDIS provides Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) which allows an NDIS participant to have a safe, appropriate temporary housing solution for up to 3 long months(precisely 90 days) and even longer if the situation demands. MTA funding is only allowed to be used for the cost of accommodation.
Long Term Accommodation
Long term accommodation is also provided to people with disability to become a part of the community. In general, long term accommodation usually refers to rental housing for a year or more. Furthermore, long term accommodation is provided by companies that are familiar with the standards for accessibility and the various demands of the candidate with a disability. While you are waiting for a long term housing solution, you can opt for Medium term accommodation.
Benefits of NDIS Long Term Accommodation Services
You can have Customised Support.
With NDIS long term accommodation, you can get a good place to stay, have a strong sense of safety and enjoy bespoke facilities. Long term accommodation by NDIS enables people with disabilities to live independently.
Cost-Effective Services
As per propertyupdate, the median house price in Australia’s combined capital cities is $849,666. This means that housing costs in Australia are high. Paying for a house at such a skyrocketed price can be hard for people with disability. Thus, long term accommodation of NDIS will certainly be a cost-effective solution.
Improved Independence
With NDIS long-term accommodation option available, an eligible participant can live independently and pursue their goals. In addition to this service, they can apply for additional assistance and supervision with daily tasks.
Access to Quality Services
NDIS can support a person with a disability to live independently and access quality services that fulfil individual needs. In fact, the NDIS support providers ensure to provide the best possible care and support.
Peace of Mind
Best of all, with this long term accommodation facility, a person with a disability can have peace of mind for themselves and their families.
What about the NDIS Home Modification facility?
Home modifications are some changes that can be made to your house for easier access and utilisation of your house space. Home modification can be minor or complex.
Minor modifications can be of two categories:
- Category A: modifications cost under $10,000.
- Category B: modifications cost from $10,000 and $20,000, or minor modifications to a bathroom floor.
NDIS Services at Advance Care
Advanced Care Agency is a leading NDIS provider in Australia devoted to offering top-notch services to people with disability and senior citizens. At Advance Care, we offer NDIS services such as Assistance with Personal Activities, Life Stage And Transitions, Transportation, Household Tasks, Accommodation / Tenancy, Community Nursing Care, Innov Community Participation, Development of Life Skills, Daily Tasks/Shared Living, Group/Centre Activities, and Dementia Care. The team at Advance Care is compassionate, flexible, and responsive to your care and well-being.
To know more about our Accommodation services for NDIS participants, please contact us.
