In the city of Melbourne, looking for appropriate accommodation can be pretty challenging, especially for those persons with disabilities. The sheer number of options to choose from, and the intricacies involved, make the situation very complex.
The implications of picking the accommodation that must be corrected can be severe. The most adverse scenarios may involve decreased living standards, loss of autonomy, and even concerns regarding personal safety.
Fortunately, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides various suitable housing solutions to address these challenges. Familiarising oneself with the different types of NDIS accommodation available in the Melbourne skyline, along with important considerations, will assist in securing a living arrangement that enhances independence and well-being.
What is NDIS housing?
Accommodation support is the primary benefit of NDIS housing. As such, it is meant to enable persons with disabilities to live freely and in their preferred environment. The NDIS can assist with housing support in several ways, including in-home modification or specially designed housing.
The scope of NDIS housing support is customised to each participant. It takes into account:
- The level of care required
- Accessibility needs
- Location preferences
- Individual goals and lifestyle choices
What are the different types of NDIS housing?
There are various housing options within the NDIS in the Melbourne region. Each category is intended to provide assistance and independence in varying degrees:
1. Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Supported Independent Living is also called SIL and is designed for individuals who require partial or full support in their daily activities. In this set-up, the participants reside in shared accommodation with similar individuals requiring similar support.
The staff would be on hand to assist in areas such as:
- Personal care (such as bathing, dressing, and grooming)
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Household chores (cleaning, laundry, etc.)
- Community access and social activities
- Medication management
- Transport assistance
2. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Nearly all categories of Specified Disability Accommodation (SDA) housing are purpose-built dwellings primarily designed for people with significant functional impairment or very high support/health needs. These homes are designed to promote independence and reduce the need for personal assistance.
They may include:
- Wider doorways and hallways for wheelchair access
- Ceiling hoists for easy transfers
- Assistive technology (such as smart home systems)
- Specially designed bathrooms with roll-in showers
- Accessible kitchens with lowered benches
- Emergency call systems
- Robust construction for durability
3. Short-term accommodation
This alternative enables people with disabilities to have short periods of accommodation. It may be used for respite, emergency purposes, or testing different living situations.
Short-term accommodation can be in different forms, such as:
- Group homes
- Holiday houses
- Respite centres
- Specialised short-term accommodation facilities
4. In-home support
For the people inclined to stay in their premises, the NDIS can fund support workers to help in the house. Depending on the person’s needs, this could be just a few hours a week or even 24/7.
In-home support may involve:
- Personal care assistance
- Domestic help (cleaning, laundry, etc.)
- Meal preparation
- Support with daily activities
- Assistance with community participation
- Overnight support, if required
5. Home modifications
The NDIS can support alterations to an existing residence to improve its accessibility.
This might include:
- Installing ramps for wheelchair access
- Widening doorways to accommodate mobility aids
- Modifying bathrooms (e.g., installing grab rails, shower seats)
- Kitchen modifications (lowered benches, accessible appliances)
- Installing automatic doors or sliding doors
- Improving lighting or adding visual aids for those with vision impairments
- Installing specialised climate control systems for temperature regulation
Key Factors in Choosing NDIS Accommodation
1. Location
- Proximity to family, friends, and support networks
- Access to public transport and essential services
- Community involvement opportunities
2. Level of support
- Daily assistance requirements
- Specific support services essential for your well-being
- Potential changes in support needs over time
3. Independence goals
- Skills you want to develop
- Desired level of privacy and autonomy
- How the accommodation supports your personal growth
4. Accessibility requirements
- Wheelchair accessibility needs
- Necessary home modifications
- Specialised equipment requirements
5. Social preferences
- Living alone vs shared accommodation
- Desired level of social interaction
- Comfort with different living arrangements
6. Funding and affordability
- Housing support in your NDIS plan
- Potential out-of-pocket expenses
- Impact on other NDIS supports
7. Future needs
- Long-term suitability of the accommodation
- Flexibility for changing needs
- Potential for increased independence
Taking the Next Step: How Nexa Care Can Help
In Melbourne, it is significant to carefully note two issues – the services offered in different centres and the type of accommodation one prefers. One of the most significant priorities in a situation like this is identifying all the relevant factors, such as location, level of support, goals for independence, and anticipated future changes, to determine an appropriate accommodation arrangement that meets such needs and desires later.
Nexa Care appreciates the impact of resolving these issues and affirms its commitment to addressing them. We are one of the most reliable NDIS service provider in Melbourne, and we can provide advice and assistance during your accommodation search. This includes navigating the range of available NDIS housing options, understanding the person’s entitlements, and sourcing appropriate housing that meets the person’s aims and aspirations.
We help you to navigate the process of selecting NDIS accommodation without any fears. They work in partnership with you to ensure that your housing caters to your needs now and provides for your future independence and stability. Don’t be intimidated by the NDIS housing options – contact us and get ready to find your perfect accommodation in Melbourne.
The appropriate NDIS accommodation can go a long way in enhancing one’s self-sufficiency, possible engagement with the community and personal development.
Author Nexa Care
