What to do if your Specialised Disability Accommodation needs change over time

When you apply for and get an SDA, you are offered one that is the most suitable for you based on your disability. However, if you condition changes, this may also leads to changing SDA needs.  This means that you may find your living needs (depending on your disability) change with time. What this means is that the living environment that was once provided for you you may no longer be able to support you. In Australia, there is something we all call Specialized Disability Accommodation (SDA). 

This is a special housing facility that is designed to offer tailored living arrangements to people who have disabilities. However, with time, these people may experience changes in their health, mobility, or personal conditions, which can affect whether their current SDA remains suitable to provide the necessary care and support. This is why it is always important to adapt to these changes in order for you to continue to enjoy the comfort, safety, and independence that comes with the ideal SDA. In this post, we will take you on a deep dive on what you should do when your SDA needs change. We will guide you through several concepts and steps needed for you to reassess your living situation, modify where you currently stay, or help you go out to explore new housing options to match your disability requirements. 

Understanding how your needs might change over time as an SDA participant 

In Australia, people who have applied for and are living in ndis specialist disability accommodation perth (SDAs), may see their needs change after some time. What this means is that the requirements of a person with a disability may change after some time. When this happens, it will affect their ability to live comfortably and safely in their current SDA. Changing needs among people with disabilities can affect different parts of their life. The following are examples of what it means to undergo changing needs as a person living with a disability:

• A change in their health and physical condition: This means that your mobility, strength, or overall health may improve or worsen over time. If this is the case, then you will need a new type of of accessibility or care in your current SDA. In that case, you will be forced to look for a new SDA or make modifications to your current housing facility. For example, If your needs change, you may need additional support features in your home like ramps, wider doorways, or specialized bathroom fixtures and components if your mobility decreases. One thing about having a disability is that it is usually a condition that progresses in a person to cause a fluctuation in the state of their health. This is why you see that a person living with a disability will have a change in their mobility or physical conditions. If this is the case, then it means that there have to be some sort of adjustments to their living environments so as to ensure accessibility and safety. One popular example in Australia is someone who was once able to use the stairs with their wheelchair. However, as their needs changes, they ended later needing a home with all living spaces on one level. Others needed the installation of additional mobility aids such as lifts, ramps, and so on. 
• A change in your care/support needs: If your needs as a disabled person changes, it means that the type of care or support services that you need can change too. In this case, you may need more intensive support from support workers. Alternatively, this could mean installing additional technology devices in your house to ensure that you remain independent.

In practical circumstances, we have seen a scenario whereby a person needed in-home support services. Other people with disability may require a more specialized medical equipment, or technology-enabled care. In this case, it is more than likely that the SDA where they reside may need some structural upgrades so as to accommodate the additional requirements like more support workers, new assistive technologies, or specialized equipment.

• A change in your lifestyle needs: As your needs as a disabled person changes, this can affect your lifestyle. For example, it could mean that you want more independence. We have seen may cases where people with disabilities have more need for privacy as they get older. When people with disabilities age, this causes their housing needs to change dramatically. This is why it is evident that older NDIS participants may need and apply for new SDAs that cater to both aging and disability. 

The NDIS usually ensure that such homes are modified to have improved safety features, easy access to health services, as well as being very close to their families or support networks in the community. This is also the same way when there is a change in their family situation. If people with disability want a lifestyle of less support and more independence, then it means that there will be changes to the SDA. This is usually the case when some NDIS participants tend to want more independent living arrangements due to the fact that they have gained some life skills and have become more confident. If such a thing happen, then they could easily move from living in shared accommodations to houses where they will be more independent. In such cases, they may require less direct support but will function optimally if smart devices like assistive technologies or environmental controls have been installed in the facility.

• A change in the society or the environment: It also possible for your needs as a disabled person to change due to environmental or societal circumstances.  These factors are very important as they can affect the decisions of a person living with disability. In this case, it is possible for the person to want to move closer to their family.

For example, some SDA residents have had the need to live closer to their family after witnessing a severe storm or weather condition. Another example is the need to want more privacy. Some disabled people may want to participate in volunteer works in the community and may need specific housing that allows them to interact more with people in their community. In some other cases, they may request an SDA located in quieter environment – all of which can affect their housing needs.

There is a certain responsibility that comes with changing needs in people living in SDAs. If such a person see their needs change, this means that they may be needing some adjustments or modifications to their living arrangement. This need can be met with simple upgrades of their current SDA or they can choose to apply for a new type of SDA that better suits their new requirements.

Have your specialised disability accommodation needs changed? This is what you should d0

As time progresses, you may find out that your current SDA facility no longer meets your changes. In this case, you will have to contact the NDIS to commence the process. According to the rules of the programme, there is a validated way of addressing evolving NDIS housing needs. The following steps will guide you on how to go about this process to ensure that your living arrangement continues to meet your requirements:

1. This may be the best time to totally review your NDIS plan:

Your SDA offers you full accommodation and support services that are funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In this case, if you notice that your needs have changed, you might want to request a plan review. Ensure your document has a detailed description of how your needs have changed. Be sure to also discuss all your new needs with your NDIS support coordinator.

2. Apply for a plan review with the NDIS:

The next stage in the process is to apply for a plan review through the NDIS. This is needed so as they can adjust and approved your funding and services based on your new needs. In this scenario, you are free to request for a review at anytime if you notice that your disability needs have changed.

3. Speak to your support coordinator:

Never ignore your support coordinator at this crucial time because this is where they come in handy. It is their job to always help you as you cater to the new changes to your physical condition. In addition, your support coordinator also has what it takes to connect you with suitable housing services to ensure that you handle this process smoothly. They perform a wide range of support services at such times and can even help you explore other SDA options or support services.

4. Reassess what SDA you are now eligible for:

In the case that your physical condition has changed, you may no longer be eligible for your current SDA category. At this point, you may be eligible for a different SDA category, such as improved accessibility or higher levels of personal support/care. If your eligibility changes, you can reassess this during the plan review process.

5. Try other SDA options:

If you have changing needs, this could mean that your current accommodation no longer meets your needs. In this case, you may need to explore other SDA options. You can find other properties that come with more accessible features or a higher levels of care and support.

6. Consider using some modifications to your SDA:

In some cases, you may need to carry out unique modifications to your existing SDA to make sure that it caters to your new needs. At this point, you may want to contact the NDIS planner to check if your current home can be meant to meet your new requirements based on your changing physical conditions.

7. Be sure to contact the necessary health professionals:

If you discover that you need to change your SDA, you may need signed reports and assessments from medical experts. For example, you may need a detailed report from your occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or other specialists so as to support your plan to change your SDA. Medical experts can provide you with the needed documentation to confirm the modifications or the new requirements for your living arrangement.

8. Exploring other housing options in your community:

Sometimes, the change could be much that you may not need an SDA facility. If you find out that your SDA is no longer suitable, perhaps, it is time for you to explore other housing options in your community. One good example is to approach social housing providers for this. When it comes to housing options in the community, you may get various offers that come with different levels of accessibility and support services.

9. Planning for the big change:

If it has been confirmed that your SDA needs to change, you should plan for this big change to ensure that you get a smooth transition. For example, you may want to get temporary supports, ensure that your new accommodation is ready, and plan the move from your SDA to the new housing facility.

These steps will ensure that your SDA continues to meet your needs as they evolve over time, helping you maintain a comfortable and supportive living environment.

Your SDA needs have changed? Here is how to modify your house

Sometimes, people who live in SDAs do not know when to reassess disability accommodation. It is important that you know when to review your disability needs as it applies to your SDA. According to the NDIS, it is important to modify or upgrade your Specialized Disability Accommodation (SDA) housing if your needs change. This is the only way that you can ensure that your home continues to provide the right level of comfort, accessibility, and support that you need. The NDIS allow participants to be able to carry out various home modifications to help them adapt their house to cater for changing requirements regarding their physical conditions, mobility, or health. These modifications can be simple/minor changes such as installing grab rails, to complex building renovations like constructing fully accessible bathrooms or installing smart home technology. Below are steps on how to modify your SDA housing effectively:

1. Evaluate your needs:

If you want to modify your SDA, the first step is to evaluate how your needs have changed. Think about all the fixtures in your home that are no longer suitable or that may need some improvement. If these needs change, some common reasons for you to want to make some modifications include:

• There is a decreased mobility and you want to find it easier to move around your home.
• There is a need for you to install specialized equipment, such as hoists or lift systems.
• You want to enhancing the safety features in your house. In this case, examples of safety installations could be slip-resistant floors, accessible doorways, and so on.
• You want to increase the comfort and enhance your ability to be independent by installing smart home technology.

2. Remember to consult with medical professionals:

If your SDA needs change, you will need to make some changes. However, before you take this plunge and make any modifications, you want to get expert advice from healthcare professionals. There are no special medical experts in this regards but it depends on your disability. However, most commonly consulted medical experts in this regard are occupational therapists or physiotherapists. 

They are experts and have the knowledge to assess your home environment and recommend specific changes that will improve your daily life according to your new SDA needs. There is usually a report that contains all the assessments of the new changes that you need to make. The reports and assessments from licensed health professionals will also be helpful in supporting your request for NDIS funding for modifications.

3. Who is your NDIS support coordinator?

If you have applied and received an SDA through the NDIS, you will be appointed a support coordinator. This is the right time to consult them about your changing SDA needs. The support coordinator will be beneficial in helping you to plan and execute many home modifications. Most importantly, they play a huge role when it comes to assisting you in navigating the NDIS application process plus they ensure that any changes made to your SDA will certainly cater to your new needs. 

And if need be, the NDIS support coordinator can help you with finding suitable service providers to help you with the renovation/modification in your SDA. They are a useful resource when it comes to finding the most suitable builders and contractors that have extensive experienced with constructing housing units for people living with disabilities. In this case, you are sure of getting elaborate disability-specific modifications based on your new needs. 

4. Apply for funding with the NDIS:

If you want to carry out the planned modifications to your SDA, you will need to apply for funding through the NDIS. This process usually comes with a plan review, where you will have to explain to them about how your needs have changed and why you need to make these modifications to your SDA. 

Now will be the right time to submit the reports and assessments that you received from the healthcare professionals. In addition, at this point, you should have received detailed quotes for the total modification project from your SDA builders/contractors. You will need all of these items to support your application. If they are satisfied with the plan review, the NDIS may cover the cost of all the modifications to your SDA only under the condition that they are essential for your functional needs.

5. Working with approved SDA builders and contractors:

Modifying SDA housing is comes with a lot of moving parts as there are so many building codes and standards to be met. While you have to ensure that the modifications cater to your needs, you will have to also consider NDIS SDA standards, local Australian building codes, and all other requirements. This is why it is important to choose builders and contractors that are very familiar with construction of SDAs according to the requirements of the NDIS. 

If you choose the right SDA contractors, they know how to design and execute all the modifications so as to meet the necessary safety and regulatory standards. You want to make sure that the SDA modifications are done in a way so as to maximize the accessibility and comfort of your house. If you are curious, there are some common modifications that you may be needing as your needs and priorities change. These include:

• Adjustments to your bathroom: When it comes to changing needs, there are so many modifications that you can do to your bathroom. These could be whether you want to installing roll-in showers, grab bars, or you need the counter-tops lowered a bit so as to make your bathroom more accessible.
• Widening of doorways: In this case, you may be forced to increase the width of specific doorways in your house in order to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices that could help you move a lot better. 
• Smart Home Technology: These changes could be installing smart home devices in your home. There are many automated systems that are approved by the NDIS to be installed in your SDA. Examples of these include smart lighting, doors, and climate control that can be operated by voice or remote. Many of these smart devices help improve independence and your ability to move about in the SDA without the need for a support worker.
• You many need to install components to help you move about: See your needs have changed, this can mean that you may need to install additional components to help you get around the house safely. For example, you may need to build ramps and install rails around your house to help you to easily get around your house safer. Be sure that these new components meet your new needs as they have changed.
• Changes to your flooring: There are cases where your changing needs could mean that you will need to replacing carpets in your home. Sometimes, you could have uneven flooring due to different rooms been used for different purposes. In this case, you will need to install slip-resistant materials on such surfaces to ensure safer movement.

6. You should be around as the modifications are being done: 

Since you are getting your house modified due to your new demands, you should be around during this process. This is important because you will have to try out the new changes to see if they meet your new needs. This is why you should be working closely to the building contractor to ensure that he executes this modification project in a way that supports your new needs. 

Also, as the work is being done, it is important to always keep the right people updated about the project. As the new changes are made to your house, be sure to send out updates and whether these changes meet your needs. Be sure to check that the new changes are made according to the acceptable standards. 

7. You should plan for another temporary accommodation (If this is necessary): 

Some modification projects can be so complex that you may not be able to use the SDA facility at this point in time. Depending on the scale of modifications on your SDA, you may have to arrange for a temporary accommodation while your current SDA housing is being renovated. If you need one, you can get your support coordinator to help you plan for this change – which ensures that you continue to receive the needed support services during this time.

8. Performing a final inspection: 

If the contractor tells you that the project has been completed, you should be sure to perform the final inspection as quickly as possible. This is to make sure that the new components work according to your new needs. You want to make sure that you are satisfied with the modifications. It is good to invite your healthcare professional at this point. They will check if the new addition to your house has been made to cater to your new needs. Then again, during this inspection process, if you feel that there are still some work to be done, then the contractor will have to do this before the project is completed. 

Modifying your SDA according to your changing needs

It is important to modify your SDA housing so as to ensure that your living environment continues to meet your needs as they change. To ensure a successful modification project, you will need to work closely with the right healthcare professionals, your support coordinator from the NDIS, and experienced SDA builders. Bringing all of these people together will help ensure that you can make the right modifications to help improve accessibility, safety, and comfort. Whether your SDA needs a minor update or a major renovation, the goal here is to create a home that supports your independence and enhances your quality of life.

How to update your SDA services

Not too many people know all about updating SDA services when their needs change but we will break this down. It is important to make sure that you change your SDA as your needs change. It is the job of the NDIS to provide you with the needed support to make sure that you are comfortable in your housing facility. It is also their role to ensure that you can live alone without the need to use any support worker in the house. It is important to update your SDA services whenever you feel that your requirements have changed. This will ensure that you get the needed level of support to live the way that you want. If you are updating the services that you are getting in your SDA, these are what you should do:

1. Know that you need a change: 

To start changing your SDA services according to your new needs, you will be able to tell yourself that you need a change. This means that you will be getting a new SDA to be able to meet your changing needs. There are several reasons why you may want to make changes to your current housing facility. You may discover one day that your housing unit is no longer as supportive or comfortable as it used to be. In this case, you should think about making changes to the facility to meet your new needs. 

2. Ask for the NDIS to review your plan: 

If you make up your mind that your housing needs have changes, the next step is for you to contact the NDIS. They should help you review your plan. As the process is going on, you will be able to discuss how these new changes will affect your condition plus how your housing facility can be changed. It is important to always ask for a review because this is how you will get the money and resources needed to make the changes to your housing facility.

Be sure to update your SDA services when the need arises

It is important that you follow the guidelines above to ensure that your housing facility continues to support you in your quest to live a quality life. Whether you plan moving to a new property, modifying your existing SDA, or increasing your support/care, it is important that you prioritize flexibility and responsiveness to your changing conditions as this is very important in maintaining a high quality of life.