Finding appropriate accommodation for people living with disability can be challenging. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers several housing support options to help participants live as independently as possible while receiving the care they need. My Way Disability Services specialises in providing high-quality supported accommodation that prioritises participant choice, family involvement, and comprehensive communication.
The Three Types of NDIS Supported Housing
1. Individualised Living Options (ILO)
ILO is designed for participants who can live independently with minimal support. This option allows participants to live in their own homes, private rentals, or government housing with drop-in supports. Participants maintain their independence and freedom while receiving the necessary assistance at scheduled times.
2. Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SIL caters to participants with more complex needs who might not be able to live entirely on their own. In this arrangement, two or three participants share accommodation with structured NDIS funding to ensure continuous support. Housing arrangements are typically described as “one-to-two” or “one-to-three,” indicating how many other participants a person will share their home with.
3. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA is purpose-built housing for participants with very complex needs. These homes are either custom-designed based on specific participant requirements or carefully selected to match particular needs. For example:
- Participants with autism may have sensory devices built into their homes
- Those with mobility issues benefit from wider doorways and appropriate transfer equipment
How My Way Supports Housing Choices
At My Way, we believe that participant choice is paramount when finding suitable housing. Our approach focuses on several key factors:
Location Preferences
We recognise that many participants prefer to live near family and familiar surroundings. Whether someone has grown up in North Perth or Rockingham, we strive to find accommodation that keeps them close and connected to their local community and support networks.
Careful Housemate Matching
Finding compatible housemates is crucial for a harmonious living environment. Our thorough matching process includes:
- Initial meet-and-greet sessions
- Identifying common interests and potential friendship areas
- Assessing potential triggers or trauma considerations
- Evaluating care needs, functionality, age group, and gender preferences
- Considering disability types (e.g., whether participants have physical, intellectual, or psychosocial disabilities)
This careful matching from the beginning helps ensure long-term compatibility and a positive living experience.
House Coordination and Communication
What sets My Way apart is our house coordinator system. In each SIL or SDA home, we appoint a dedicated coordinator who:
- Oversees day-to-day operations
- Serves as the primary communication point for all involved parties
- Ensures continuity of care despite changing support worker shifts
- Collects and implements feedback from families and participants
- Coordinate visiting therapists who work to implement individual goals
- Manages updates to care plans from clinical professionals
- Oversees medication management and changes
- Maintains training records for support staff
- Communicates critical information to families, guardians, and support coordinators
This comprehensive coordination significantly reduces communication gaps that often occur in supported living environments.
Balancing Privacy and Family Involvement
We establish clear protocols for:
- Family and friend visits
- Sharing common areas
- Resolving potential conflicts
- Managing household responsibilities
- Communicating upcoming visits and special occasions
Managing Complex Relationships
When guardianship is involved, communication becomes even more critical. Our house coordinators help manage sometimes complex family dynamics by:
- Ensuring all visits are properly authorised
- Coordinating special occasions like birthdays
- Communicating clearly between guardians, family members, and support staff
- Reducing frustration through transparent processes
Why Families Choose My Way
Over the past three years, My Way has established an excellent reputation for our supported accommodation services. Families consistently express satisfaction with our approach because:
- We maintain comprehensive communication with all interested parties
- Support coordinators and guardians can easily check on participant well-being
- Our structured support system reduces family stress and worry
- We prioritise participant choice while ensuring safety and quality care
For anyone seeking Supported Independent Living, Specialist Disability Accommodation, or support in their own home, My Way provides structured support with a key person coordinating care. This approach creates a smoother experience for everyone involved and allows participants to live with dignity and appropriate support.
If you would like to learn more about NDIS housing options or My Way’s approach to supported living, please contact us to discuss how we can help.
