Since the mid 1980’s, disability advocacy and activism created a move away from institutionalised services to community-based services. This meant a relocation of people with physical disabilities away from nursing homes and hostels and into community housing.

The introduction of the NDIS has given people with a disability increased choice and say in their care, service providers and housing by allocating payments directly to the individual rather than their service providers. For individuals with a disability choosing how to live their lives is a huge step in the evolution of care and their independence. 

Types of Supported Independent Living

Living in an institution is now becoming a thing of the past, as is living in aged care because it is the only other option other than living with family. There are now living options for those with a disability other than living with supportive family that are better for the individuals care and wellbeing. Modern housing options support independence and inclusion, such as disability accommodation and group homes.  Group homes are currently the dominant housing option in Australia for those with a disability, and these need work with documented issues of violence and abuse. The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is giving the individual more choice on making changes if their living situation is not safe or comfortable.

The NDIS and its Specialist Disability Accommodation payments (SDA) have given people with a disability increased choice and say in their housing options by allocating housing payments direct to the individual rather than their service providers.

What support services provide to live your best life

Wherever an individual chooses to live, depending on their disability, they will need in home care to help maximise independence and live their lives to the fullest.

Support services are varied and depend on each individual’s needs but can go from a few hours per week through to 24-hour care. In home care can cover aspects of daily living including:

  • Household maintenance including cleaning
  • Independent travel training (where possible)
  • Social activities including maintaining existing friendships and making new ones
  • Recreational and leisure activities
  • Educational interests
  • Volunteer and work-related opportunities
  • Financial planning/budgeting and support to pay bills and claim benefits
  • Managing relationships and conflicts with co-tenants and neighbours
  • Management of tenancy

The future of supported independent living

The NDIS and how funds are allocated has opened up new avenues for the future living options for individuals with a disability. A key option being Concierge Supported Independent Living (SIL). Concierge model housing is often in an apartment style property with staff located in a separate space within the same building.

The concierge method of living allows the individual resident more control and choice over who provides day to day support and also provides the 24-hour presence of on-call support workers (concierge staff) regardless of level of disability or individual support needs.

If you would like to learn more about Concierge Support please click here.