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Finding the Right NDIS Housing: A Guide for People with Disabilities and Their Carers

a man in a wheelchair looks out the window of his apartment

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Having the right place to live affects your wellbeing. With a disability, you may face special considerations. Within certain limitations, the NDIS can support participants with housing options.

The NDIS supports include:

  • Assistance with Daily Living.
  • Home modifications.
  • Individualised Living Options (ILO).
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL).
  • Assistive technology.
  • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

Understanding NDIS Housing

Most NDIS participants will live in housing in the private market, either through renting or their own home, or in public and community housing. The level of support you can get through the NDIS varies. If you have very high support needs, you’ll get more support.

Assistance with Daily Living

This helps people with disability get the support they need within their own home, such as personal care and cleaning.

Home Modifications

Sometimes all you need to improve their living situation is home modifications to make their home more accessible.

home modifications for people with a disability

Individualised Living Options (ILO)

ILO supports people with disability to live in either community housing or a home of their choosing.

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

SIL is like ILO, but for people with higher support needs.

Assistive technology

This is one-off purchases that enable a participant to build their independence.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

SDA is housing designed for people with very high needs or extreme medical condition or functional impairment.

Assessing Your Needs

The first step to get housing included in your plan is to consider things like:

  • What types of care do you need?
  • What access does your home need to have?
  • Where does your home need to be located?

Discuss these things with your NDIS planner and care team.

Researching Providers

Once you have appropriate funding included in your NDIS plan, you want to find the right provider. Few providers can provide all of the services you may need. For example, at the SALT Foundation, we provide assistance with daily living, but we are not an SDA.

Visiting Potential Homes

If you’re looking at moving into specialist housing, go and check out the place before you move in. Tour the spaces. Meet the residents and staff. Get a sense of what life will be like.

You want to leave the inspection having had this question asked: does the accommodation give me the access personal care and supports I need to improve my quality of life?

a person with a walker uses a ramp to enter their home

Considering Your Options

Weigh up the different providers and consider the pros and cons of each. You can use the following table as an example of how to do this.

PROVIDERPROSCONSCOMMENTS FROM SELF, FAMILY & CARE TEAM

Making Your Decision

Remember, the purpose of the NDIS is to assist and empower participants to live independently. Ultimately, the choice about where you live is up to you.

Consider all the factors and make your choice. Then sign the paperwork and confirm the timeline. When will you move into your new accommodation?

happy residents socialising in disability-friendly housing

Conclusion

For most people on the NDIS, you’ll live in homes owned by you or your family, rental properties, or public and community housing. But for some people, these options are not enough.

If your disability means you have particular needs from your accommodation or the supports you need to live in your home, the NDIS may be able to contact you to help.

Discuss your needs with your care team and friends and bring your conclusions to your NDIS planning meeting.

Action Steps

  • Make a list of your accessibility needs and care requirements to determine what type of housing is best for you. Consider things like physical accessibility, location, and level of support needed.
  • Research NDIS registered housing providers in your area. Look at their websites, brochures, and reviews to get a sense of their services, costs, policies, and culture.
  • Tour potential homes and meet staff and residents. Evaluate how well the housing matches your needs and preferences. Ask questions.
  • Have discussions with your NDIS planner, family members, friends, and care team. Get their input as you weigh the pros and cons of your options.
  • Compare costs across housing providers. Factor in rent, utilities, meals, support services, and other fees. Be clear about what your NDIS funding will cover. Know your budget and don’t let money become a problem.
  • Ask providers about availability and timelines. Apply to your top choice housing early. Some have waitlists.
  • Once you’ve chosen housing, begin the transition process. Work with the provider on an arrival date, meet your support staff, and pack up your belongings.
  • After moving in, give feedback to the provider if you need any changes to improve your comfort and quality of life. Advocate for your needs.

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