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NDISP Relationship Managers – Making Sure People are Happy to Call Our Place Home

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That’s Their Whole Role

Make sure people are happy to call our places home.  That’s it.  Not rent, not repairs or maintenance, not talking to investors.

SDA Done Differently

NDISP does Specialist Disability Accommodation differently.  We are not a property business, we are a people business.

For any given property we have:

  1. A Relationship Manager – Making Sure People are Happy to Call our Places Home
  2. A Project Manager – Making sure repairs and maintenance are done promptly and correctly
  3. An In House Accountant – Making sure the financial side is looked after
  4. An Asset Manager – Communicating with the investor that owns the property

That’s a really important difference.  If the person looking after the people who are happy to call our places home also had to look after maintenance, finance etc then they would get pulled in all directions.

Our Relationship Managers have one simple but vital role for our Specialist Disability Accommodation properties, making sure people are happy to call them home.  This involves:

  1. Finding people who want to live there;
  2. Working with participants, support co-ordinators, support workers and participants’ loved ones;
  3. Making sure the right mix of people are moving in together in share house, or in the separate apartments or duplexes;
  4. Making regular contact to ensure that people are still happy to call our places home.

 

townsville

Townsville SDA – Mt Louisa & Ooonoonba

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The NDISP Team were in Townsville for the last few days with our SDA properties in Mt Louisa and Oonoonba.

There is one room left in a Mt Louisa SDA house and 2 x 2 Bedroom SDA houses in Oonoonba are 3 weeks from being available.

 

 

ipswich

Real High Physical Support SDA Ipswich

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Next Round of Real SDA Property in Ipswich

NDISP has the next round of Real SDA Property getting ready to start in Ipswich.  With houses and also the first of our Freedom 4’s , which are 4 x 2 Bedroom HPS unit for one participant.

HPS SDA Units in Ipswich

We have Real SDA HPS Units,  blocks for 4 x 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom units for one High Physical Support Participant in each. We are always happy to take someone who is approved for SDA  Apartment 1 Bedroom 1 Resident into our 2 Bedroom Units

We have units coming in:

  • Ipswich Central (near the University)
  • Silkstone (near Booval Fair Shopping Centre)

HPS SDA Houses in Ipswich

We have Real SDA HPS Houses starting in:

  • Ipswich Central
  • Silkstone
  • Yamanto

A Thought for Those Newly Unemployed People as Job Keeper Ends

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Being Able to Employ People is a Great Privilege

Next to helping people out of inappropriate accommodation and into places people are happy to call home, being able to employ people is a great privilege

A lot of businesses start as a dream, someone identifies a problem and then comes up with a solution.  As you turn that business into a reality, then you get to bring people along to share your dream.  Being able to develop a business that provides sufficient revenue to give someone not only their financial livelihood but to give them something meaningful work wise is a great privilege.   No matter what the role or the aspirations, with the right team it is a wonderful thing.

NDISP Hasn’t Had To Let Anyone Go, Plenty Close to Us Have

We are really luck in that NDISP has not had to let anyone go, nor have the Yellow Card Companies that we work with.  Actually, they have all grown and employed more people.  But, many of the other businesses that we work with, are friends with or have some involvement with have had to let people go.  It’s very hard to have to let some go to save the rest.  Building a great team and culture takes time and you work so hard together and share that dream, and then something like Covid comes along and it changes everything.

To Those Who Jobkeeper Ending Means the End of Your Job

We are sorry for your job losses, we are sorry for the business owners that have had to let you go for the sake of others, or the businesses themselves.

It remains to be seen as to whether the entire economy is going to crash with the withdrawal of government support, or if we are going to be able to trade our way through the massive loss of productivity and the massive debt.  We hope that this is the worst and you go on to bigger and better things.

Disability Services is a Great Career

If you are out of work today have you considered disability services.  It is by far the most rewarding work we have ever done.  And the roll out of the NDIS has meant this is booming.

Hospitality Staff Make Great Disability Staff

I know that Yellow Card Helpers actively look for hospitality staff to work as cleaners, gardeners and handymen.  The great people skills you acquired in your hospitality career will place you well in disability services.

 

 

Cairns SDA HPS Bathroom

Smithfield (Cairns) SDA Real HPS Bathroom

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Sneak Peak at One of Our New Bathrooms in Cairns Real HPS SDA

Here’s a little sneak peak of one our real High Physical Support Bathrooms in a Specialist Disability Accommodation House in Cairns.

If it wasn’t for the temporing valve that council made us put in (behind the door that will be painted to match in) and the ceiling rail you wouldn’t even know.

Note that shelving, grab rails etc are installed to suit the individual.

Some of the key points:

Sink Clearance

Grabs Built into Sink

Ceiling Rail Across Bed and Into Bathroom

Colour Contrasting Wall Behind Toilet

Shower Large Enough for Assisted Showering

 

front facade of Real HPS SDA

Cairns Real HPS SDA – Front Facade Needs to Suit Street

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If You Can Tell It’s SDA From The Street We’ve Failed

One of the key parts of designing a range of homes for people living with a disability spread throughout the community is that you can’t really tell that it is SDA.

It means you need to be very selective about location, sloping blocks etc where you have to use ramps for access are a dead give away.

Blending In Trumps Style Preferences

Being in the tropical far north, we would love to have tropically designed properties. BUT if we built a lightweight tropical looking place in this street then we may as well put a flashing neon sign out the front that lets everyone know it’s “The Disabled House”.

Best Maintained House in The Street

The only way you could tell one of NDISP’s houses is that it is the best maintained and kept in the street.

afr

SDA Investment ‘En Vogue” for Family Offices, Impact, Ethical and Socially Conscious Investors

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Australian Financial Revue Article on SDA Investment

The AFR article commenting on investments from various funds and family offices is great.  But NDISP is also greatly concerned that if these funds flow in to terrible products with terrible outcomes then there will not be the funding needed to help all those NDIS participants that are needing somewhere to call home.

NDISP has Constant Contact from Funds and Family Offices

We have a constant stream of people contacting us wanting to invest in SDA.  The first investment fund we worked with had over $100m to invest in our properties.  This set us on our way to be able to help more than 3,000 NDIS participants find places they are happy to call home.  We are currently looking to increase our pipeline so that we can help closer to 5,000 people and continue to work with funds, family offices and private investors accordingly.

Risk of Poor Investment

With so much money pouring into this space and with all the complex nuances there is a real risk that the significant money is being poured into poor designs or run by providers  poorly so they have a significant vacancy risk.  At the beginning only the worst of designs will not have tenants.  But NDISP is constantly inside other provider’s products meeting with their tenants who are about to become ours.  The need to get this right is important.

Can’t Reduce Rent for Poor Product

It costs the participant the same to live in a dodgy little one bedroom shoebox that are so commonly being developed inside a tower, as it does to live in one of our 100m2 internal units.  Or to live in large 3 bedroom share house with ensuites, all the AT people need in great locations, versus the 4 or 5 bedroom places on the cheapest land in new estates away from everything. You just can’t reduce the rent and compensate for bad design, inferior location etc.

Returns are Awesome – Build Awesome

The returns in this space are great.  There is simply no need to build or buy rubbish.  When you get over $900 a sqm in rent for a 100m2 apartment, building or buying 60m2 ones that just about work will end up leading the apartment to go back to a non SDA.  There is plenty of returns that leads to great outcomes for SDA participants without having to cut corners like so many do.

“Experts” Are Often Too Detached & Deliver Terrible Properties

Like the stories of the nurses moving into the brand new hospital on the first day and finding out their ward isn’t suitable for them or their patients, far too many “experts” in the Specialist Disability Accommodation space are too detached from the people living and working in them.

A lot of the old school providers unfortunately just don’t consult with the people who live in SDA properties, or even their staff that work in them.  This has lead to new providers consulting with the “experts”.  NDISP spent years working with the people who live and help those who live with a disability.  With some of the designs around, or the “experts” we’ve talked to you wonder if they have ever even met a person living with a disability.  Don’t get us wrong, there are old school providers who are doing it well, ditching tenancy management and exclusive SIL agreements and embracing choice and control, as well as funding great properties.

Great Investment Outcomes Needed – We Don’t Want Bad Properties & Bad Outcomes

For these funds to continue to flow then they need to be directed to properties that actually work.  People with disability need a lot of housing, but housing that works.  And so they need great investment outcomes for the investment funds to continue to flow.

We just hope that the rush to invest in this space to end up with a flood of rubbish product with vacancy issues because it just isn’t fit for purpose and so investors stop the flow of funds.

Institutionally Capitalised Buyer Looking for 300 Units on East Coast – Real Estate Agent Video

Institutionally Capitalised Buyer Looking for 300 Units on East Coast – Real Estate Agent Video

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Ray White Agent You Tube Video

Institutional Investors or Managed Funds Common

NDISP gets contacted by funds and institutional investors often.  There are many looking around.  The largest we have dealt with had a $120m to spend, the one above is much bigger.

Money Doesn’t Mean Bad Outcomes or Great Outcomes

We have seen groups with lots of money that get it so right and have the best outcomes for tenants (which means best long term returns for investors) and then have seen those that area all about theoretical $$$ and won’t have tenants in a few years.  Hopefully these guys are the former rather than the latter.  We need great outcomes for tenant.

 

NDIS & Aged Care – Combined into One System? Or Just Combined Compliance

NDIS & Aged Care – Combined into One System? Or Just Combined Compliance

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Minister Seeks Single Model Across Care – Disability,  Veteran’s Affairs & Aged Care

Minister Roberts has asked in an interview

How do we have single worker screening model, a single worker banning model, a single worker registration framework, a single audit framework, a single compliance framework as much as possible, to ease the burden (on service providers).

 

We’ll Know in the Budget

“The government will have more to say on this in the budget, including how we bring regulatory harmonisation across the care industry.”

Massive Shakeup of Aged Care

Following the Aged Care Royal Commission , a massive shakeup of the Aged Care sector is coming, too late for many.

News Article Here 

 

NDIS Transformation – The End of Plan Management? The End of Unregistered Providers?

NDIS Transformation – The End of Plan Management? The End of Unregistered Providers?

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Services Australia Digitalisation = 100% of NDIS Paid Directly

Minister Roberts has said that once implemented all invoices will be paid to providers directly by Services Australia.

He said that self managed people will still have choice and control and will choose and book their own supports but then an invoiced gets raised in the NDIA portal and then the NDIS pays the provider directly.

Is this the End of Plan Managers?

Both in this article and previous announcements there has been no mention of plan managers.  Given the tender and the way things have been discussed there doesn’t look there is any role for plan managers at all.

BUT this is pure speculation, we have no information either way. It would be great to hear if anyone has more information.

Is this the End of Unregistered Providers?

At present, only NDIS Registered providers are able to be paid by agency managed participants.

If the NDIA is going to pay everyone directly, does that mean everyone will need to be registered.

Again, we don’t know.  But looking forward to finding out.

 

Read the Article Here

 

aitkenvale HPS unit render

Aitkenvale Real High Physical Support SDA Units – 2 Mins Roll to Everything

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5 x 2 Bedroom Real HPS Unit Aitkenvale (Townsville)

These REAL HPS units are over 100m2 internal and are Real High Physical Support

  • 1200mm door
  • 1500mm hallways
  • massive bedrooms (do donuts in your power chair on 3 sides of the Queen Sized Bed)
  • massive ensuites
  • Auto Blinds, lights, fans, A/C & more
  • Auto doors
  • True touchless entry  (secure yet no hands -tag on your chair, button, phone, tablet – you choose)  gate opens, foyer door opens, lift gets called, lift opens, your front door of your apartment opens.

 

Location Location Location

map showing units so close to Aitkenvale shops

Sorry, couldn’t resist the cheesy headline….. Our North QLD SDA Units are getting hard to beat for location,  2 mins to Smithfield Shopping Centre in Cairns, 2 mins to Earlville Shopping Centre in Cairns and now 2 minutes to Aitkenvale shopping centre in Townsville.

On a quiet street in this picture is where construction will be completed for a move in well before Christmas this year.

Live Alone, With Your Spouse etc You Choose

NDISP are more than happy to have people live in our 2 Bedroom units even if only approved for 1 Bed 1 Res under SDA funding.  If you want to live with your family, your spouse etc then we believe 100% you have as much right to live with whoever you want – sometimes the SDA rules get in the way but we will advocate for your right to do so.

Complete Choice and Control

NDISP don’t install SIL or support workers.  You choose.  Bring your own, share overnights with others in the OOA.  Don’t share, use the 2nd bedroom for your support workers.  Whatever you choice, it’s up to you.

bathroom tiles and ceiling rail in SDA Bathroom

Cairns Real High Physical Support SDA House – Construction Pics

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Real HPS Bathroom and Kitchen Construction Pics

Here are a few pics from inside one of NDISP’s Real High Physical Support houses in Cairns.

Accessible Ensuite

You can see the ceiling rail in the bathroom picture.  Notice also that there are grey tiles for behind the toilet.  This lets us use a white toilet that looks just like a luxury toilet.  No blue or grey seats needed here.

bathroom tiles and ceiling rail in SDA Bathroom

Large OOA for Carers

This little kitchenette is inside the large OOA (carers room). It’s tucked into a corner next to the two bathroom, but away from the door.  The OOA is big enough for a desk and a queensize bed as well.  We love carers and think that happy carers mean happy participants so we always look after them.SDA OOA Kitchenette

Kitchenettes in HPS Bedrooms

These little kitchenettes with sinks, microwave and bar fridge are really popular.  For participants that require peg feeding this is great for carers to use.  But also it means that people sharing with others can keep some of their things in their room.

cairns HPS SDA kitchenette in bedroom

High Physical Support Kitchen

This is the kitchen going into the home.  The low appliances and space under sinks are more to comply with regulations then for the participants in this particular home.  In a HPS SDA house it is extremely rare that a participant would able to use their arms to a sufficient extent to be able to cook or help with meal preparation and clean up.  In those places were participants can do so we put in large under bench spaces, adustable benches where the sink, cooktop and bench space height can all be adjusted.

cairns SDA HPS Kitchen

SDA pool 2

Cairns Swimming Pool Construction – Cairns HPS SDA

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Another Accessible Swimming Pool in NDISP’s Specialist Disability Accommodation

Great to see the excavation finished and the steelwork going in for the concrete pour for another SDA swimming pool.  This is one is a great little pool with a ramp and a hoist.

Hoist & Ramp

The ramps are great and often used by carers guiding people down in chairs.  Alternatively a hoist is used and the ramp just makes for an easy exit for the carer.

Real High Physical Support SDA

This pool is in one of NDISP’s real HPS SDA property in Earlville in Cairns.

sda pool

Brisbane SDA $5m Sale – 8% Cap Rate

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While NDISP is always all about participants, we love our investors as they are the ones who fund our awesome places. We often get asked what are the re-sale prices for properties but it’s vary rare that we can give answers because most people don’t sell.

Newly Completed 4 Unit SDA HPS – $5m Sale

A newly completed 4 x 2 bedroom unit building in Brisbane has achieved a $5m sale before tenants move in. Although tenants have been found for the building.  This represents an 8% gross yield.

Price Expected to Increase as Market Matures

As investors get used to SDA and the low vacancy for Real SDA  and low turnover of tenants in fit for purpose properties, given that there is no arrears with income paid by government, we would expect the yield percentage to determine prices will decrease.  We have seen 6.5% in Adelaide and would expect that yields will drop to 5 -6% in future.

Royal Commission into Aged Care – Recommendation for Young People With a Disability in Aged Care

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Recommendation 74

Recommendation 74: No younger people in residential aged care

The Australian Government should immediately put in place the means to achieve,

and to monitor and report on progress towards, the commitments announced by

the Australian Prime Minister on 25 November 2019 to ensure that:

a. no person under the age of 65 years enters residential aged care from 1 January 2022

b. no person under the age of 45 years lives in residential aged care from1 January 2022

c. no person under the age of 65 years lives in residential aged care from 1 January 2025

by:

d. referring for assessment by the agency most appropriate for the assessment of the person concerned, such as the National Disability I InsuranceAgency, and not an Aged Care Assessment Team or Aged Care Assessment Service, any younger person who is at risk of enteringr residentialaged care

e. developing hospital discharge protocols with State and Territory Governments to prevent discharge into residential aged care of any younger person

f. developing, funding and implementing with State and Territory Governments programs for short-term and long-term accommodationa and care options for any younger person who is:

i. living in or at risk of entering residential aged care and

ii. not eligible to be a participant in the National Disability Insurance Scheme

g. requiring the National Disability Insurance Agency to publish an annual Specialist Disability Accommodation National Plan setting out, among other things, priority locations and proposed responses to thin or underdeveloped markets

h. providing directly for, where appropriate and necessary, accommodation in the Specialist Disability Accommodation market, particularly in thin or underdeveloped markets

i. funding dedicated and individualised advocacy services for younger people who are living in, or at risk of entering, residential aged care

j. collecting data on an ongoing basis, and publishing up-to-date collected data each quarter, on, for each State and Territory, the number of younger people living in residential aged care and, among other things:

i. their age ranges

ii. the average length of time in residential aged care

iii. the numbers of admissions into and discharges from residential aged care, and

iv. the reasons for younger people exiting from residential aged care,such as death, turning 65 years or moving into the community

k. having the responsible Minister report to the Parliament every six months about progress towards achieving the announced commitments, and

l. ensuring that a younger person will only ever live in residential aged care if it is in the demonstrable best interests of the particular person (and is independently certified to be such by someone with suitable skills, experience, training and knowledge of the person) in limited and exceptional circumstances such as, for instance, where:

i. the person will turn 65 years within a short period of time, being no more than three months, after entering into residential aged care

ii. the person’s close relatives over 65 years live in a residential aged care facility and the person would suffer serious hardship on being separated from those relatives

iii. an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person between the age of 50 and 64 years elects to live in residential aged care.

 

Read here

 

NDIA Interpretation & Operational Guidelines Aren’t Always Correct – Recent AAT Decisions

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The NDIA Interpretations Aren’t Always Correct

The decisions the NDIA make have to be based on the various Acts of Parliament and Regulations that relate to the scheme.  While the NDIA interprets these they are not always correct. Also some of the policies that we hear from NDIA and LAC staff seem to be localised policies that seem to not have a basis in law.  This is no fault of the staff or anyone in the organisations, this is a complex space with broad legislation and people need to develop policies and procedures to make the scheme operate.  If a decision is not favourable it is worth checking its basis.

Rejection of Access to the NDIS

Schwartz and National Disability Insurance Agency [2021] AATA 311 (19 February 2021)

The AAT over ruled the Agency and Ms Schwartz was found to meet the disability requirements under the Act.

NDIA’s Processes are Unduly Complicated and Confusing

Holland and National Disability Insurance Agency [2021] AATA 92 (2 February 2021)

The AAT found that the Agency’s processes are unduly complicated and c0nfusing for all concerned and should be addressed in the interests of good public administration.  The AAT also stated that cases because of this are far too common.

Rejection of Assistance Dog as Reasonable and Necessary

TYKL and National Disability Insurance Agency [2021] AATA 135 (2 February 2021)

The AAT found that an assistance dog was a reasonable and necessary support.

The NDIA argued that it can’t provide a support if that support doesn’t yet exist (as in the dog hadn’t been identified).  The AAT found that no such limitation exists.

a pile of clocks

Young People with a Disability in Aged Care – Support to Get Them Out

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In 2019 Government Committed to Deadlines to Get Young People Out of Aged Care

  1. No Young Person to Enter Aged Care by 2022
  2. No Person Under 45 in Aged Care by 2022
  3. No Person Under 65 in Aged Care by 2025

https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/programmes-services/for-people-with-disability/younger-people-with-disability-in-residential-aged-care-initiative

NDIA Has 40 FTE Staff in Geelong Focused On Getting People Out and Stopping People Going In

The NDIA recruited a team to do just this task.  The will support local NDIA Staff and LAC’s to stop this happening.

Sometimes Information Does Filter to NDIA Staff or NDIS LAC/ Planners etc

We come across planners or LAC/s at a local level who are not aware of the urgency of getting people out nor of the support they have to get people out.   Letting them know about the team in Geelong can help.

MTA (Medium Term Accommodation) Can Help

Medium Term Accommodation funding is available to those living in Aged Care to help them get out quicker.  This is definitely worth discussing with the planners.

 

SDA Payments are Extremely Generous – There is No Need to Build Cheap Rubbish SDA Yet They are Everywhere

SDA Payments are Extremely Generous – There is No Need to Build Cheap Rubbish SDA Yet They are Everywhere

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SDA Funding is Generous

A Fully Accessible Room in a 3 bedroom house is almost $30k a year, a High Physical Support is over $40k. Yes that is per room, not for the whole house. With the Reasonable Rent Contribution adding an additional $8k or so per room so that an FA house is getting gross income of over $110k a year, or $2,192 a week and HPS over $140k a year or $2,769 per week.

Sometimes Good Intentions, Sometimes All About $$$

We are nice people, we only work with nice people.  NDISP tends to have a very optimistic culture where we think the best of people.  In a lot of instance we see good intentions in SDA but people just not having access to the right information to allow them to build the right product.  But in some cases it just has to be profteering.  Investors should be thinking what extra can I put into my property to make it the best that it can be for particpants, not what %return they are getting (all of the returns from a full SDA are great, no need to chase massive ones)

Cheap SDA

Cheap SDA Property Example 1-4

Where I am at the moment there are several SDA’s by one company in this city and you would think they had engaged a Buyer’s agent with instructions to find the 2 cheapest blocks of land in the 2 worst possible places in town.   Sites that flood and you need to build the place up to have ramps p to have ramps and may as well put a flashing sign on the place that says disabled housing. Not to mention being in the highest crime spot, especially with juvenile troublemakers.  Then they have built what looks like dongas (mining camp places).  Now inside these places may be OK and they may have some good attributes.  It looks like they work better than most.  But the point remains that there is no need to have built them on such terrible cheap sites and with such cheap construction materials.  Especially as there is more than one SDA on each site, the investor/owner there is absolutely raking it (one of the sites alone would have gross income of $240k if full).

Cheap SDA Property Example 5

In the back of an outer new land estate sits a 5 bedroom 2 bathroom home.  Supposedly 5 high physical support participants are supposed to share 2 bathrooms.  Transport costs to anyway would be insane.  And this place would bring in over $200k a year if full.

Cheap SDA Property Example 6

In an outer northern land estate sits a 3 bed 3 ensuite plus OOA (well oversized broom cupboard) that is a registered as a 3 participant HPS house.  It has enough room in the lounge room for 1 power chair and a carer, then it’s full.  There is no solar or battery (a computer type UPS is used for power back up). The tenants can’t afford to run the airconditioner (a single ducted system for the whole house).  This house cost and land package cost under $600k and would get over $140k a year if full.

Cheap SDA Property Example 7-14

In a regional city sits 8 approved and enrolled SDA properties.  Mostly Robust category share houses.  These properties are not actually that cheap and have been built using decent materials and are not bad sizes,  these places are just built wrong.  Robust participants, except in exceptional cases, do not share.  There are shower screens in bathrooms and ceiling fans etc.  Yes they meet the Robust standard, but they are not fit for purpose for robust participants.  While I could calculate the returns on these if full, they never have been and never will be, not with SDA participants anyway.

If Full – That’s a Big If, Especially as Supply Increases

Fortunately NDIS participants have full choice and control and it costs them no difference to live in an ordinary place as it does in a great one.  This means that the places will be empty or only have tenants until something better comes along.

At the moment there is not enough stock and people will move in to cheap places because they are better then where they live now.

How do We Know? – People Living in These Places are Moving Into Ours

We have been inside some of these places to meet the tenants living there to sort out the paperwork so they can move into one of our properties.  Or we have met with their support co-ordinators or loved ones to discuss how we can help move them out of these places.

Cheap SDA is Bad for Everyone

We don’t want to be seeing all this rubbish.  We don’t want to be talking to people moving out of these and into ours.  There is so much need for people to have great places to live in that are fit for purpose.

Bad for Participants

Obviously it is bad for participants that they have to live in places that are not fit for purpose, even if they are better than where they were.  It’s potentially worse for those not currently living in SDA, bad stories about SDA vacancy rates just makes it harder to build more SDA.

Bad for Future Investors

Banks and financial institutions are already wary of SDA and many don’t believe there is any demand. People building cheap rubbish with high (or total) vacancy rates just reinforces this.  That makes it harder for future investors to get funding. SDA relies on private money to fund the builds. Without them there will be no places for people to live.

 Investing in SDA is All About Participants Not the Numbers

The numbers in SDA even when someone spends way over the top on a property are still great.  It’s not about the numbers on the paper.  It’s about the participants.  Happy Particpants means full SDA and real numbers.  Build Real SDA not Cheap Rubbish that is either vacant now or will be.

Cairns sda

Cairns HPS SDA. Construction Photos. Real High Physical Support

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Cairns Real High Physical Support SDA

One of our real High Physical Support houses is painted and ready for tiling.  April move in date.

We only do real HPS

  • 1200mm doors (automatic)
  • 1500 hallways
  • Massive ensuites
  • 1500m around queen sized beds
  • Automated doors, blinds, air con, lights and fans
  • Solar and battery system
  • Per participant electricity billing
  • Ceiling rails across bed through shower and in front of toilet

Properties Look Same as Next Door

Our properties fit into their surrounds. If you can tell it’s the “disabled house” then we have failed.  The flat entry is there if you look really hard but otherwise we don’t have ramps or signs or anything else that makes the property stand out.

Flood Free Flat Blocks in Great Areas

All our properties are built on flat blocks without the need for ramps.  They are flood free and located in lovely suburbs close to amenities.

Units, Houses and Duplexes Completed this Year

We have a range of properties spread throughout the community that are available this year.

These properties are someone’s home so we don’t have grand openings etc.

SDA Properties with Pools

2 of our Cairns properties have pools with ramps and hoists.

Construction Photos Below

 

 

Cairns sda

You Can Get SDA in Your NDIS Plan WITHOUT Having an SDA to Move to!

You Can Get SDA in Your NDIS Plan WITHOUT Having an SDA to Move to!

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Apply for SDA in Your NDIS Without an Address to Move Into

While originally you did need an address to move to before applying for SDA, that rule changed almost 2 years ago.  You can apply to have NDIS in Your Plan based on you your needs and where you want to live.

How to Get Started

The NDIS does have information on how to start.  You can also use a specialist housing report writer like Greg at SDA Services.  

The key things:

  1. an Occupational Therapist Report that EXPLICITLY identifies your needs, written using the correct wording so it aligns with eligibility criteria;
  2. a Housing Needs Report based on the OT report and the SDA rules.

Don’t Wait to Find Somewhere

Good places fill quickly.  It is much better if you have your SDA approval in place, or at least in motion before you find somewhere to live.

Some Planners Still Need Educating

We found out this week that the LAC in a particular area didn’t realise about the rule change and was telling participants they couldn’t apply for SDA until they had an approved dwelling identified.  While this rule did change 2 years ago not all planners can be across everything.

Need Help

Feel free to call us or email inbox@ndisp.com.au  and we will get in contact.

SDA property access control

Easy Access Control for SDA Property

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NDISP installs enterprise grade access control on every property.  This is installed to the front door and the individual rooms.

No Lost Keys

For carers and participants these means no lost keys.  The NDIS participant can change carers overnight and we can cancel all codes and access cards and wristbands remotely and issue new ones.

Touchless Entry

For our real HPS SDA and real FA SDA properties we can install fully touchless secure entry.

Different Carers ? Different Rooms

Because we code by the door, NDIS participants can have different carers  and the carers don’t have access to their rooms with their cards (emergency access is available)

Data Logging

Worried that someone is always late, or the wrong person is accessing.  Our secure logs can identify that person and the time accessed (we need to log into secure server and log reason as to why accesssing so privacy is maintained)

Townsville SDA Access Control Pictures

Here’s some pictures of the Access Control for one of our Specialist Disability Accommodation Townsville properties that Yellow Card Electrical installed yesterday.

This is on a 3 bedroom plus OOA High Physical Support SDA property in Mount Louisa

robust rear

SDA Robust Villas – Robust in Toowoomba, Ipswich, Logan, Sunshine Coast & Townsville

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Robust Villas

Robust is an SDA Design Category that provides for some resilient building materials and a slightly different approach.

Not Every Villa is the Same, Not All of the Things Here are in Every Villa

The Robust category still allows for many variations, but one of the most common is that dwellings are rarely shared, that is 1 resident in a villa with support is the norm.   But we do have up to 3 people sharing where the participants and their loved ones have requested that and designed it that way from the beginning (these 3 participants are long term co-habiters) .

Robust Villas for 1 Resident plus OOA

This is the most common layout a one bedroom villa with an OOA attached so it looks like a 2 bedroom, then a firewall with another OOA then another 1 bedroom Villa.  An example of this is below

 

Some Features

Note that some of these are environmental restrictive practices and can only be used with the correct protocol, behaviour support plans etc.

Below is a list of things in our current batch, not all robust properties have to have all of below, all builds can simply mean all of our current builds.  Also the current round is for some higher level behaviours eg, not all robust builds require such protective emergency measures for the OOA which effectively turn it into a safe room.

All Builds

  • Large lots -acreage lots preferred but at least 10m separation between the edge of villa and neighbour
  • Walls that are impact resistant
  • tv recessed into wall with impact resistant cover
  • Laminated windows
  • No Shower Screens
  • No Ceiling Fans
  • 3m High Ceilings
  • Ducted Air Conditioning instead of Split Systems
  • 2 separated exits from participants bedroom/bathroom
  • 3 exits from villa into OOA
  • 1200 doors
  • 1500 hallways
  • non climbable and non see through fences around villa and between OOA’s and neighbouring villas

Some builds

  • Solid Core Doors into OOA with emergency/remotely activated deadbolts
  • Roller Shutters over external patio door with emergency activation
  • water valves that can be shut off by support workers using our automation system (either manually or timer) to shower, vanity and laundry (restrictive practice)
  • roller shutter hidden inside cabinetry that closes off the kitchen (restrictive practice)
  • secure door to kitchen (restrictive practice)
  • locked laundry (restrictive practice)

All Full. More Coming

The current round of 11 sets of villas (22 people) are all full.

Suggestions

We’d always love to hear what people are looking for in Robust for their loved ones or their clients.

 

 

solar

Every NDISP SDA Property Has Solar & Cheaper Electricity

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Every NDISP Property that we Design has Solar Power System

NDISP has 82 properties (houses, units and duplexes) starting construction between now and the end of March.  Every one has a Solar system on the roof. All HPS places have a battery system as well.

Don’t Settle for Cheap SDA Property – It Costs You Money

Without solar your electricity bills will be so much higher.  Our dearest place is under $300 a quarter for a share house with 3 participants who run the air con all the time.

 

IMG-7671

Townsville SDA Open Homes- Ever Wondered What an SDA Property Looks Like – Come See Our Open Homes

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Fully Accessible SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) Houses Open for Preview in Townsville

NDISP’s first Specialist Disability Accommodation in Townsville are almost completed and we are happy to show you through our places while they are being programmed for automation.

 

3 Bed plus OOA Fully Accessible SDA House – Yumba Circuit, Mt Louisa – 25 February

Open Home – Booking Essential 

This beautiful fully accessible 3 bed plus OOA home in Mt Louisa is almost ready to occupy.

2 Bed plus OOA Fully Accessible SDA Houses – Leggett Crescent Oonoonba  – 26 February

Open Home – Booking Essential 

Two by 2 Bed plus Study plus OOA Fully Accessible SDA Houses in Oonoonba almost ready to Occupy.

Render of SDA Tasmania Building in Hobart

SDA in Tasmania – 5 HPS 2 Bed Units & 5 IL Units- SDA in Hobart CBD

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NDISP’s First Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in Tasmania is Starting Construction

We are really excited to have construction start next month in Hobart’s CBD.  We have massive 2 Bedroom High Physical Support Units and 2 Bedroom Improved Liveability Units about to start construction.

Hobart’s Premier Specialist Disability Accommodation

The 10 units plus OOA are part of a 60 plus unit complex a block from the Royal Hobart Hospital right in the heart of the CBD.  Massive luxury units in an awesome location.

2 Bedrooms  – Available for People Approved for 1 Bedroom

All of NDISP’s SDA Units throughout the Country are 2 Bedroom and are able to be leased by people who only have one bedroom approval in their SDA plan.  We know extra space helps and we don’t limit it to only those approved for 2 Bed 1 Res.

Tasmania’s First Real High Physical Support SDA Units – Touchless Entry to Building, Lift and Your Unit

Our 5 Real HPS SDA 2bedroom Units allow you to come and go without needing someone to help press a button.  Our touchless entry involves a tag on your chair that opens gates, foyer doors, calls lifts and opens the door to your unit as well.

Over 105m2 of internal space with our biggest bedroom ever. 2 bedroom 2 bathroom units.

Ceiling rail across bed and through ensuite.

Of course you can also control your lights, fans, blinds, Air conditioning and doors with your voice, phone, tablet, buttons or any other AT we can integrate with our system.

Improved Liveability SDA Units in Heart of Hobart CBD

Our 5 x 2bedroom 1 Bathroom Improved Liveability Units are over 70m2 internally.

OOA Unit Onsite – Use it or Don’t – 2nd Bedroom in Every Unit can be Used  by Your Support Workers

We have a great 1 bedroom Onsite Overnight Assistance Unit that is connected to every unit should you want to use it.

True Choice and Control

All of our Tasmanian SDA Units are 2 bedrooms.  This means you can use your 2nd Bedroom for your support workers for overnight assistance, or you can use it for your things, or your partner.  However you want to work is up to you.

 

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Should Have Solar – Costs Everyone Money if It Doesn’t

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Should Have Solar – Costs Everyone Money if It Doesn’t

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ALL Investors/Providers Can Afford to Put Solar on EVERY SDA

The returns on SDA, even at Improved Liveability are substantial.  Solar systems cost the investors very little as part of a build.

Solar Means Never Having to Worry About Electricity Bills

NDISP has properties all of the place with Solar systems on the roof and we can see what our participants use.  Our dearest electricity bill is a 3 participant place that doesn’t turn of the air conditioners and still comes in at under $300 a quarter for the whole place.  Most of our places have bills of under $100 a quarter.

Solar Means Being Able to Run Your Air Con Whenever You need to

NDISP were inside another providers’ house recently that didn’t have solar.  We were literally dripping with sweat but the participant in there (who is moving to one of our places) and they were worried about the cost of air con and not using it.

Investors Who Don’t Install Solar Will Lose More Money

On a 3 bed share house at Improved Liveability level it only takes 4-6 weeks of rent to pay for a solar system, or 4-6 weeks of vacancy to wish you had installed one.

Flexible work is old news to NDISP

Flexible Work the New Norm? – Not New for NDISP – Zero Facetime Since Inception

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For the NDISP Executive Team It’s Always Been Results Not Facetime

Facetime is an old phrase Darryl stole from the legal profession (and used in others I’m sure).  Facetime is what young lawyers do, that is they make sure they are in the office before their seniors and still there when their seniors leave.  Gives the appearance that someone is committed and working long hours.

NDISP has always had a Zero Facetime policy.  That means unless someone needs to be in one of our offices for a reason (eg the front desk receptionist) our team have:

  1. no set hours
  2. no set holidays
  3. no set location (desk or office to work from if they wish).

For us it has always made sense (and was in place in our founder’s previous businesses for more than a decade).

One person could spend 12 hours in an office and not acheive what another could in 2 hours.  Results matter, where and when you work often doesn’t.

Trust & Delegation – Or Treat Everyone Like a Grown Up

We have both worked in places where people, even very high achievers would get a serve for coming in late or leaving early.  Yet they might have done 60 hours in the office, but just not the 9-5 minimum that was expected.  It’s crazy.

We trust our team to do their work.  We love what we do and try to find staff that also love it.  People want to achieve success and what hours they do often has zero influence.

NDISP Key Work Values

  1. We are Nice People, We only Work with Nice People
  2. We are a People Business, Not a Property Business
  3. Employ people that are smarter than your and/or better at their role then you would be;
  4. Trust people to want to achieve, give them support they need and then get out of their way and let them get on with it
  5. Family First, Always. No one ever wishes they worked more on their deathbed.  Make sure you get to the sports carnival, dance recital, award ceremony, reading group etc.

The New Norm Has Always Been Normal to Us

We were slightly bemused when there was all the conjecture about whether remote or flexible or whatever type of work could work due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  It’s always worked for us.  Not only do people get their work done when you trust them to, they tend to go above and beyond in thanking you for that trust.

New Team Members Needed

Our mission is to get as many people out of inappropriate accommodation and into places they are happy to call home as possible.  We need a lot of people to help us achieve that.

NDISP employed over 20 FTE new team members in 2020.  In 2021 we will employ even more.

This year we will need (not all today, but by Christmas):

  1. Relationship Managers – Our most rewarding role – their whole role is to make sure people are happy to call our places home;
  2. Project Manager – assisting our current Project Manager in scheduling or our maintenance and compliance;
  3.  Junior Accountant – assisting our current 2 person team (CFO and Accountant) to deal with the volume of financial transactions in accounts payable and receivable;
  4. Architects – Join our existing 3 person team to design, check designs and advise to make sure we are maintaining our high standards (82 new buildings due to start between today and March 31 alone);
  5. Building Certifiers/ SDA Assessors – To inspect the builds that are happening and ensure quality control as well as compliance.
  6. Chief Operating Officer – We try and keep a really flat management structure and deploy as much of our resources in helping people to find places they are happy to call home.  We are close to the point where our joint CEO’s (Darryl & Jon) are becoming the bottleneck that is slowing that process down.  Before we do affect how many people we can help then we will employ a COO to allow as to help more people.
  7. Asset Managers – These are the people who look after our property owners and investors.  Investors and owners are the ones who fund the properties that we create for people to call home.
  8. Chief Compliance & Legal Officer – The SDA and NDIS space has an enormous amount of compliance.  While Darryl and his legal team currently handle this, we are not far from needing to hand it to someone to drive it.
  9. Chief Technology Office – NDISP puts over $60k of technology and automation in most properties we build.  This makes people’s lives a little easier by using technology help their independence and freedom.  Our existing tech team is growing and needs a visionary to drive this.
  10. Technology Team – Someone who drives a chair with their chin can roll up to one of our places, the gate opens, the foyer door opens, the lift gets called, takes them to their floor, their front door opens.  That’s all without touching a button or doing anything – just by tagging their chair.  Once inside they can control internal doors, blinds, fans, a/c, tv’s and more just with their voice, phone, tablet, switches or a whole range of AT.  On top of that our participants have hundreds of support workers coming into their places each week.  We have enterprise grade access control systems, so their are pin numbers, tags and smart apps to issue/delete/change.  This gear all needs programming when someone moves in – we need more tech people to not only implement what we have but to develop and improve to help people even further.
  11. Design/Marketing/Information/Social Media Person – Unfortunately there is still much education needed in the SDA space.  We need someone to make sure they can put our information together in formats that participants of all abilities can access.

 

inbox@ndisp.com.au  if you want to join us on our mission

Dodgy SDA Properties

We Visited another SDA Provider’s 3 Bed plus OOA HPS House in Griffin Today & We Were Disgusted

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This SDA House Was Terrible From The Instant We Approved It

We were visiting one of our future tenants who is moving out of the property.

Zig Zag Ramped Entry

As we drove up the street we didn’t have to look hard, the entire front yard was taken up by a big zig zag ramp.  You may as well put a great big flashing light out the front that says people who use wheel chairs live here.

Cameras in Bedrooms Pointed at Beds

No we are not kidding.  Who on earth thinks that having a camera system on someone’s bed is OK.  This is not been done at the request of the participant (there could be a reason for monitoring if that is what suits the participants needs – eg regular fitting)

No Solar or Battery System

We were sweating buckets inside because the residents couldn’t afford to have the air-conditioning on.  Instead of using a solar and battery system, the provider put in a UPS like you’d use to back up a computer.

Tiny Lounge – Big Enough for One Person

The lounge room was rectangular. Lounge, 2 seater TV and one power chair is all that fitted.

No Access Control etc

There was no access control, or other systems for helping with compliance.

Basically the Cheapest Build Possible

This place was cheapest build possible trying to get the best return.  But the SDA payment rates don’t amount to much when your place is vacant.

SDA Rates Allow Awesome Properties

The SDA Payment rates are super generous.  You can afford to spend huge sums building what is needed.  There is no need to cut corners, it’s short sighted profiteering.

 

SDA Units Southport

SDA Units Gold Coast – Near Harbour Town – Sloping Site Gives Elevator Free SDA Units.

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DA for NDISP’s SDA Units Near Harbour Town

Development Approval has now been granted for our HPS Units in Southport near Harbour Town Shopping Centre

These SDA Units are in mixed accessibility unit complex that is close to everything.

Construction will not quite be done for Christmas but early next year.

The sloping site has been made use of so that there is a floor of lift free SDA units.

Townsville-region

Townsville Specialist Disability Accommodation – HPS, FA & IL Houses & Units

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NDISP’s First Townsville SDA Properties are Almost Ready

With NDISP on track to deliver more than 60 dwellings across Cairns and Townsville before Christmas it is exciting to see that our first Townsville properties are almost ready.

Mount Louisa Fully Accessible 3 Bedroom plus OOA House for 2 Participants

The first one finishes this month (photos above) is an SDA FA House for 2 Resident with OOA and a 3rd Bedroom in Mt Louisa

2 x Oonoonba Fully Accessible 2 Bedroom+ Study plus OOA Houses

Closely followed by 2 x Fully Accessible 2 Bedroom plus Study plus OOA Houses finishing in Oonoonba in early March.

HPS Units & Houses, Robust Villas and IL Units and Houses

We have a whole swag of these category properties coming for move in before Christmas this year.

 

What is a “Real” High Physical Support (HPS) SDA Property

What is a “Real” High Physical Support (HPS) SDA Property

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NDISP HPS SDA Properties are “REAL” High Physical Support – That is They are Fit for Purpose on Day One

That means that they can really be used by participants with High Physical Support Needs as soon as they are complete.  No having to wait for an assistive technology application to be completed and more equipment to be put in.  No small doors or bad turning circles that just fit.

SDA Design Guidelines are ABSOLUTE MINIMUM

Just because a property meets the SDA Design Guidelines doesn’t mean it is fit for purpose, it’s the minimum.  Yes sure it might meet the needs a few but it’s the minimum standards.

NDISP REAL HPS Properties

  • Real ceiling rails across the bed through the shower and in front of the toilet
  • Real wide doors – 1200mm wide
  • Real easy to navigate hallways – 1500mm wide
  • Real automated doors – you can open them with a tag on your chair, a button, your phone, your tablet, voice or any other device we can get to interact
  • Real automated blinds
  • Real automated lights
  • Real automated fans
  • Real automated air con
  • Real wide spaces around beds

 

ACC & NDIS QSC on Behaviour

ACCC, NDIA and NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission – Some NDIS Providers Not Meeting their Obligations

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Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, National Disability Insurance Agency & NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Joint Statement Reminding Providers to Comply

The statement is attached in one page images.

It is highlighting how the 3 parties have had complaints about non compliant NDIS providers.

 

NDISP is not surprised, we see this all the time.  Particularly with third line forcing in SIL/SDA agreements.

 

 

SIL/ SDA Agreements & Third Line Forcing

SIL/ SDA Agreements & Third Line Forcing

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Summer Foundation Identifies SIL Agreements & Third Line Forcing (Competition Law) Issues

It was really refreshing to see Summer Foundation call out some SIL agreements and also old school providers as practising third line forcing.  This is an unlawful anticompetitive behaviour where the use of a service or product by one party, forces the second party to use the services of a third party.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has a simple explanation .

What Can I Do if I’m Being Forced or Pressured to Use a Provider

Firstly this is a breach of the NDIS Act and various rules.  Report it to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Choice and Control is enshrined in the NDIS.  Make use of this powerful regulatory body.

Secondly, especially if they are large providers involved, report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

They may still prosecute smaller providers, the offending needs to lesson or be likely to lesson competition.

Thirdly, take private action.  A Law Firm like Certus Legal does a lot of NDIS work, and also does a lot of Pro Bono (free of charge) work in the NDIS space.

Note that one of our founders Darryl Richards remains involved in this law firm and may be conflicted out from acting in some circumstances.

 

NDISP is Passionate about Choice and Control

NDISP wouldn’t enter into and such agreement regardless of the lawfulness of it.  We are passionate about participants having full choice and control.  Our founders will not even be involved in another business that provided personal care or support work.  We are adamant that housing and support/personal care should be fully separate and really like the proposed 20 20 20 rule, that is a provider of support can not have more than 20 percent of the same staff, 20 percent of the same board or 20 percent of the same ownership as the housing provider.  So companies can’t just separate out.  This should extend to spouses also.  There is simply no need to try and do it all, do what you do and do it well.

 

NDISP has multiple shared properties where there is more than one SIL provider supporting the residents that live in them.  That is a great example of choice and control.

Nothing in this post constitutes legal advice.  Please obtain your own legal advice from a suitably experienced solicitor.

SDA explainer

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Explainer by Summer Foundation – Some Key Points

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The Summer Foundation with the support of JBWere have developed this resource for investors.  Released in December 2020, NDISP is having a look at some of the data and related information contained within it.

Number of Anticipated Participants Not Updated

We are not sure why the number of anticipated participants has not been updated from the original 28,000 from the start of the scheme.  This was based on 6 % of NDIS participants yet both the number of total NDIS Participants and the percentage of participants being found eligible for SDA have both increased substantially.

Number of People with Real SDA Approvals are Still Very Low

It looks like only 3,000 or so individuals have real SDA in their plan (as opposed to the 12,000 or so that have legacy approval).  Legacy dwellings with 11 or more residents lose their funding in 2021, with 6 or more in 2026.

A Lot of Funding is Still Going to Old School Providers and this will Change Once Participants Get Asked what They Want

A lot of people with disabilities and their loved ones still have low expectations.  Once they are asked what they want or aware of what is available then the old school models will die out.  This aligns with NDISP sees with old school providers and groups pushing their traditional all encompassing models.  Terrible housing (even in new builds) and no choice and control.  This is why forced separation of housing and support needs to come sooner rather than later.

The SDA Sector Remains Ripe for Investment

Although there has been a significant start to development of SDA, there is still a gross undersupply.  NDISP also sees that so much of the supply is just not fit for purpose.  We believe that a lot of the currently developed stock will either:

  1. be downgraded in category (eg HPS to FA or IL)
  2. be returned to the normal rental market.

So many builders and developers are building HPS or Robust properties that are too small, or just don’t work.  Quality will reign as the market matures. One bedroom units and 4 people plus share houses are in real trouble.

Most Particpants who are Eligible for SDA are not even Aware of what SDA is

The report explains that many of those with SDA in their plans don’t even know they have it, it has been put in because they are living in legacy group homes whose funding runs out in 2021 or 2026.  It also says that many more participants are still not aware what SDA even is, even those who are eligible.  Prior to Corona NDISP used to run weekly information sessions on what SDA is and how to get SDA in your plan.  We are currently revisiting this as it is evident more education is still required.

4700 Participants Who are Eligible for SDA Live with Their Parents

NDISP would have parents come to our information session looking for a place for their adult children or worried about what will happen.  This group of participants will create a substantial pressure on SDA supply in future.

One and Two Participant Dwellings Fastest Growing

These types of dwellings has grown by 160% and 90% respectively.  This aligns with what NDISP sees on the ground.  We anticipate that single participant (as opposed to resident) will be the largest sector in the future.

It Costs $6,000 – $16,000 to Find Each Participant

Even though there are established SDA property platforms (Nest and Housing Hub), matching SDA participants to SDA property is not as simple as listing on a platform.  It takes significant resources to get it right. NDISP employs Relationship Managers whose entire role is to make sure people are happy to call our places home.

Our large volume and reputation allows us to not charge investors any more than the 2 week let fee associated with residential properties.

Agreements with SIL’s is Third Line Forcing, as well as Removing Choice and Control

NDISP doesn’t enter into exlusive agreements with SIL’s or support providers period.  It is against our ethos.  Unfortunately we get approached to constantly and when we say no we then usually see a press release or announcement that the SIL has entered into an agreement with another SDA provider.  The paper outlines the illegality of this under competition law, as well as the choice and control issues.

NDIA Commits to Choice in Housing

As a signatory to the UN Charter of Person Living with a Disability they really didn’t have a choice.  One of the key tenants is that people with a disability have the right to choose where they live and who they live with.

Regardless, it is nice to see that the NDIA has committed to:

  1. Developing a Home and Living Policy
  2. Supporting Young People in Residential Aged Care to Live Elsewhere

Timely Approvals and Payments

The NDIA has committed to improve the speed of these items.

NDISP has owners waiting for payments from July 2020, primarily due to enrolment delays in being issued with dwelling numbers.  This appears to have been improved as we received numbers for all enrolments up to November in December 2020.  Still, none of those payments have flowed as yet.  Although back pay is coming, this delays the further investment of existing owners into more SDA property.

 

Robust SDA – Real Robust are Full Before Construction Starts

Robust SDA – Real Robust are Full Before Construction Starts

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Real Robust – Ones that Actually Work

A real robust property is not one that is shared.  Robust participants by their nature can’t share.  It’s also not located on small suburban blocks.  There are a whole heap of design elements also.

NDISP Real Robust properties are duplex style where participants live by themselves and are separated by the OOA.  No shared walls, fences etc.  Usually located on acreage within 30 minutes of relevant hospitals.

NDISP Can’t Build Enough

Our demand exceeds supply to such a degree that we have mental health services and care providers wanting to fill them before we even lay a slab down.

Land supply is becoming less of an issue.  At the moment we have more than 40 participants waiting in Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast alone.

upstairs slab

SDA Building Work This Week – QLD

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While many builders are still on holidays many of ours have returned are getting stuck in.  Here is just a small sample of what’s happening this week.

Arana Hills – 4 x 2 Bed High Physical Support Units

The main picture from this post shows the slab on the top floor being finished.  Block work for the last firewalls and lift start tomorrow and timber frame the day after Australia.  Roof is on by first week of February.  The view out the back is awesome and it is so close to shops.  We have 3 applications in we are assessing so get in quick.

Cairns – 6 x 2 Bed High Physical Support Units & 3 Bed Plus OOA High Physical Support House

The pool is being dug on one of our Cairns unit sites.

The inside walls of one of our 3 bed houses are being sheeted.

Hervey Bay – 3 Bed High Physical Support House

The house has passed fit out and is in final preparations for our automation team to start.

Logan- 2 Bed Improved Liveability House

Automation is complete and just minor tidy up ready for tenants

Morayfield – 4 x 3 Bed High Physical Support Houses

2 of the slabs are being poured this week, while the other 2 sites have their frames going up.

Shailer Park – 3 Bed High Physical Support House

Site preparation is completed and underslab work has started.

Toowoomba – 4 x 3 Bed High Physical Support Houses

Automation is going into one of the places.

Frames and roof on 2 others.

Fitting out on a 4th.

Townsville – 3 Bed Fully Accessible and 2 x 2 Bed Fully Accessible Houses

Handover is due in 2 weeks for the 3 Bed house so finishing touches are going on.

The 2 x 2 beds are sheeting the inside.

Walloon – 3 Bed High Physical Support

Site and underslab preparation is underway.

Yamanto – 3 Bed High Physical Support

Site preparation and underslab works are happening.

sda supply 20201

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Supply Report 2021

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The latest SDA Supply report from the Summer Foundation has been published.

Clear Move to Single Participant Dwellings

Of the future supply, almost 80% is for single resident dwellings.  This reflects the trend that NDISP identified 2 years ago and why we have moved to a majority of our places being duplexes or apartments.  There will always be a need for shared housing but anymore than 3 residents in a house is something that will become a rarity in our opinion.

More Robust Properties are Needed

Only 6.6% of properties scheduled are robust.  Unfortunately, most of the robust that NDISP sees is completely inappropriate and this means the supply is much smaller.  Robust clients can’t share, it needs to be a single resident dwelling with an OOA attached. Also needs to be on bigger blocks or acreage.  Yet we see 3 bed robust stuff on 400m2 blocks.  It just doesn’t work.

Small Number of Providers Developing

There were 57 providers who said they were going to develop property in the 2021 year. Just over 20 of these were private sector. There were only 3 providers (NDISP being one of them) with more than 50 properties in their pipeline for 2021.

NDISP will do more than 50 this quarter and more than 200 for the year making us at least in the top 3 providers by volume in the country.  Our drive is not for number of properties built but how many people can we help get out of inappropriate accommodation and into places they are happy to call home.

Survey Says No SDA Planned for Northern Territory

NDISP was a respondent to the survey but due the massive volume of our future developments we simply didn’t have the time to provide them with all of our properties.  There was only 2 other providers who appear to have similiar volume.  We expect that NDISP is not the only provider going to develop in the NT this year.

blocks going up

Builders Back at Work Early This Year – SDA Apartments Going Up

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With our massive development programme this year, combined with the general craziness of the building industry brought on by the federal government stimulus – many of our builders haven’t taken the usual long break.

Blocks Going Up in Brisbane SDA Apartments

The blockies have started at some of our apartment sites in Brisbane.

new paint 3

NDISP House – Anniversary Present – A New Paint Job

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January 1 is the Anniversary of NDISP House  Establishment

We created NDISP House so that we could have a hub for staff to meet, train and also for Community Activities for Participants to come to.  The gymnastics facility is finished and the dance facility will be complete this month.

Whilst our Priority is Always Creating Places People are Happy to Call Home,  We did take the Christmas New Year Break to Tidy up Our Home

We always priortise getting people out of inappropriate accommodation and into places they are happy to call home, that is what our entire team live and breathe by.

When we have had time in between creating awesome homes, we have done some pretty significant work on creating a happy place for our team, participants and the community.

 

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) – So Many Terrible Designs that Do Not Work

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) – So Many Terrible Designs that Do Not Work

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NDISP Says No to Managing so Many Properties

As the SDA market matures we are at a loss as to why there are still so many terrible properties being designed.  We have written about this before but it’s worth revisiting as we want good SDA stories, not so much rubbish being built as there is now.

NDISP’s mission is to get as many people out of inappropriate accommodation and into places they are happy to call home.  The SDA funding is sufficient to allow quality properties in all locations, there is no need to cut corners.

Unfortunately so many investors are going to have massive vacancy issues  as they are lured into advertising by builders and marketers who are building cheap inappropriate rubbish.  There are ads constantly on facebook and google by builders and marketeers that state they are SDA experts and yet you look at their designs and they just don’t work.

NDISP is often asked to take over these properties once they have been sitting empty or when the provider who was “advising” the builder or marketeer turns out to not be able to deliver.

Passing SDA or LHA Standards Doesn’t Make Fit for Purpose

Just like the other categories, just because something meets the standards doesn’t mean it is fit for purpose.

We were recently asked to manage houses on 400m2 blocks that met both HPS and Robust standards but that were fit for neither.  Wider doors and spaces, but not big enough for power chairs to get through and even most walkers, but low ceilings, shower screens and so much else wrong.

Below are the most common problems we see.

SDA Property Problems That Can’t Be Fixed:

High Physical Support SDA

  • Doors smaller than 1200mm
  • Hallways less than 1500mm
  • bathrooms not big enough to shower in shower bed
  • bathrooms not big enough for 2 support workers to shower someone
  • bathrooms not big enough to transfer someone in
  • bedrooms not beg enough to transfer someone
  • spaces around ends of bed that are not significantly larger than 1000m
  • Small Living areas in shared accommodation
  • Houses for > 3 people
  • corners in hallways and living areas

Robust SDA

  • shared accommodation (Robust SDA participants need to live alone)
  • small blocks of land – Robust SDA needs to be well separated from neighbours – acreage preferred
  • low ceilings
  • no exit – one way rooms that support workers can be cornered in

All SDA Categories

  • Shared bathrooms
  • small living areas
  • >3 people in one house
  • located in middle of no where in new estates on cheap land

SDA Property Problems that are More Expensive to Fix Later

High Physical Support SDA

  • no automated doors
  • automated doors that need a button to be pushed
  • being in a unit complex where the lift, foyer doors and gates aren’t automated (touchless)
  • toilets next to showers

Robust SDA

  • ceiling fans installed
  • spit system air conditioners
  • shower screens installed
  • lack of casual surveillance from OOA to entrances and exist

Robust Needs Large Blocks – Noise Separation

The majority of participants requiring Robust SDA need large blocks (acreage) for one or more of the following reasons:

  • triggered by noise from neighbours
  • make loud noise that upset neighbours
  • confrontational personalities that benefit from separation
  • being within walking distance to shops etc can increase likelihood of risky behaviours

How to Reduce the Likelihood of Developing a Terrible SDA

Firstly, If the property doesn’t exceed the SDA design guidelines then it is unlikely to be fit for purpose.  The guidelines are available online and they are set as an absolute minimum.  You could build an 80m2 house and meet the building guidelines, but would anyone want to live there.  This is especially the case for High Physical Support and Robust properties.

 

 

 

 

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Non SDA Property – NDISP Separating Tenancy from Care in Supported Independent Living for People Not Eligible for SDA

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NDISP’s N-SDA Property – Disability Housing for People Not Eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation

This week marks the start of something the NDISP team have been working on for a long time, people moving into the first of many Non-SDA Properties.  We have developed a model with multiple different support worker organisations where we can separate support work from tenancy management in Supported Independent Living (SIL) housing.

Although it is not yet separated funding wise, we believe that the NDIS will have to provide an accommodation support model out of the SIL funding provided.

Property Managed the Same as SDA Property

NDISP has long term (5 year minimum periods, usually 10 years) leases over the properties where we are responsible for all maintenance and repairs.  This gets things fixed fast and efficiently by our Yellow Card Helpers teams.

Our properties have access control and security cameras the same as our SDA Properties.

Benefits for NDIS Participants

  • New or near new properties
  • Maintained and repaired quickly
  • Fully airconditioned to each room
  • Choice and Control – tenancy is completely separate from support
  • Long Term leases – up to 10 years
  • Your contribution to the rent is similar to the RRC in SDA (providers make a further contribution on your behalf)
  • Electricity at discounted rates and paid proportionally and invoiced separately
  • Cheap fast Internet – paid proportionally and invoiced separately

Benefits for SIL Providers

  • Quality new or near new properties in great locations
  • Separation of tenancy management from support work – giving participants true choice and control
  • Removal of all the hassle, no need to look for properties, organise maintenance, enter into leases, enter into agreements with tenants, split up electricity and phone bills, organise maintenance etc.
  • Do what you do best, provide great support to people while we provide great properties.

 

Contact us to find out more

 

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Arana Hills 4 x 2 Bed True HPS Apartments – For 1 Resident (and spouse or friend etc) – Slab is Down

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Quiet Street – 2 Minute Roll to Arana Hills Shopping Centre

4 x 2 Bed 2 Bath High Physical Support Apartments in Arana Hills.

Live Alone or Share – Your Choice

Both bedrooms have large accessible bathrooms big enough for shower beds or for 2 support workers to assist with showering

True High Physical Support Apartments

  • Fully automated gate, doors, lift – come and go without needing a support worker – true independence
  • 1200 doors
  • 1500 hallways
  • massive bedrooms and bathrooms
  • automated doors, gates, lifts, blinds, fans, A/c, lights, tv’s etc  – control with voice, phone, tablet, tags on chairs, or good old fashioned buttons.

Ground Floor Slab is Done – Move in before June 2021

The ground floor slab is completed, the blockies are on site from January 4 and the place will be finished in 4 months.

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Bargara SDA Villas – Move In Day

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Purpose Built 2 x 2 Bed HPS Villas in Bargara

We were lucky enough to have the DB Construct and Renner’s Electrical teams work flat out to get people in here for Christmas.

Purpose built around the corner from one of the Resident’s families, these lovely villas have an OOA in the middle of the two.

Having gone from a community housing place without even ceiling fans to fully automated air con, doors, fans, lights and more, it will make a massive difference

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Bundaberg SDA Properties – Move in Day

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3 Bed plus OOA HPS House, 2 Auxillary Villas, Rec Room & Pool

When we met with 5 people who were living in a tiny little housing commission duplex in Bundaberg in June we were so amazed about what a happy house it was, considering the property was terrible.  As the bulk of these people had lived together for 20 years and they wanted to stay that way we came up with an innovative design.

Amazing Support Workers Make this Work

NDISP never thought we would develop something like this as anytime we had been to a place with more than 3 residents in one property it had been run like an institution.

But, the team made the terrible old property such a happy home that we were really happy to do something like this.

It’s a real credit to April, Grant, Kahli and the crew that the old place was such a happy home, now they have the space and facilities to make it even better.

Amazing Builder and Trades Made it Possible Before Christmas

The team from DB Construct and Renner’s Electrical worked tirelessly to build this expansive place with full automation in just 4 months.

Jon, Darryl and the NDISP team are truly grateful to all involved who got this place done by Christmas and made us be able to deliver on our promise.

 

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Sandstone Point Improved Liveability SDA

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It’s Move in Day for some of our SDA properties in Sandstone Point

These beautiful IL SDA properties on the marina at Sandstone Point have people moving in today. It’s why we do what we do and it is by far the best part of what we do.

Just over the bridge from Bribie Island and right near the iconic Sandstone Point Hotel, these places have proved extremely popular.

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Mornington Pennisula SDA Properties

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4 x 3 Bedroom 2 Resident SDA in Rosebud

Finally with the relaxation of the Covid-19 rules in Victoria we are able to move people into our SDA properties in the Beautiful Mornington Pennisula in Victoria.

This lovely building is in a great location and it’s been such a shame that the restrictive rules didn’t allow us to move people in sooner but at least we are free to do so.

It was a very busy few days have crews clean up a building that had been sitting empty for 6 months but it was well worth the effort.

Special thanks to our Victorian Relationship Manager Samm

Ms Samm has had a stressful time having worked hard on making the mix of future residents work but then having to wait for restrictions to lift to allow them to move in.  Samm is amazing with great connections to various health services and provider groups, but most of all she is just a lovely lady who really cares about the people she helps, we are so lucky to have her.

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Townsville Specialist Disability Accommodation

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We are in Townsville this week doing the best part of what we do, showing people through their new forever homes.

NDISP lives and breathes by our key philosophy  Creating Places People are Happy to Call Home.

Fully Accessible Specialist Disability Accommodation in Townsville

Mt Louisa SDA

NDISP has a 3 bed plus OOA Fully Accessible SDA for 2 residents finishing in Mt Louisa just after Christmas.  One of the bedrooms in this one is full, the other won’t be far behind.

We have another 2 x 3 bed plus OOA FA SDA in Mt Louisa finishing in February.

Oonoonba SDA

There are 2 x 2 bed plus OOA Fully Accessible SDA Houses in Oonoonba that will be finished in February.

Bushland Beach SDA

One 3 bed plus OOA and one 2 bed plus OOA Fully Accessible SDA houses are starting construction in Bushland Beach after Australia Day, finished for move in June.

South Townsville SDA

We have 2 blocks of High Physical Support SDA Apartments starting in the first quarter of 2021.

More than 20 Townsville SDA residents in by June 2021

NDISP key metric is how many people we get out of inappropriate accommodation and into places they are happy to call home.  With 20 Townsville SDA residents by June 2021 and plans for more than 50 by December 2021 we are really happy to have found a great development partner in Townsville to help as many people as we can.

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Cairns SDA Properties – IL, FA & HPS

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It was great being in Cairns this week, meeting more participants and finalising some other designs.

NDISP has the following under construction.

6 x 2 Bedroom High Physical Support SDA Apartments in Earlville with a therapy pool onsite – short roll to shops

5 x 2 Bedroom High Physical Support SDA Apartments in Smithfield with a therapy pool – short roll to shopping centre

3 x 3 bed plus OOA High Physical Support SDA Houses in Smithfield

1 x 3 Bed plus OOA High Physical Support SDA Houses in Earlville

Starting Construction in Early 2021

4 x 2 bed Fully Accessible SDA Villas in Trinity Beach

4 x 2 bed Fully Accessible SDA Villas in Trinity Beach

3 x 3 bed plus OOA Improved Liveability in Smithfield

Later in 2021

NDISP has a range of HPS Units in Gordonvale and Central Cairns, plus some FA, IL and our Step- Free Holiday units in Palm Cove and Trinity Beach

 

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How Lucky are We! NDIS SDA is Awesome

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We are so lucky to be able to do what we do.  I’m just driving back from Bundaberg where I just had the privlege of a roll through for 7 people, their carers and loved ones through the 5 different dwellings they are moving into in mid December.

There were so many tears of joy, and that was just from the big blokey tradies on site who were there to see how happy everyone was.

  • All of us at NDISP consider it a real privilege that we get to use our skills to not just build awesome places but places that make people happy

Walkthrough of 3 Bed HPS SDA house with pool and rec room

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This property is under construction and ready by Christmas.  The property has 3 massive ensuited bedrooms plus a rec room opening onto a pool.

It is completely full.  Email us at inbox@ndisp.com.au and we can see if we can help you find a place you are happy to call home.

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Video of Outside of High Physical Support Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Duplex Under Construction

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This is the outside of one of our High Physical Support 2 x 2 Bedroom Duplex (plus OOA)  SDA Property in Bagara, near Bundaberg QLD.

Please note that this property is full. But we are currently constructing 27 SDA places in Bundaberg and surrounds and have a couple of vacancies.  We also have several hundred other SDA properties in QLD, VIC and WA.  email inbox@ndisp.com.au for more info.

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Newtown (QLD) High Physical Support (Real HPS) SDA Construction Photos

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Construction Photos of a Real HPS SDA House in Leichardt QLD – As in HPS Participants can Live in

Here are some sneaky pics of a real HPS SDA House.  Why do we say it’s a real HPS, because so many HPS places we see being built are completely unusable by participants.  NDISP’s HPS SDA have

  1. touchless entry
  2. auto doors
  3. auto blinds
  4. auto lights
  5. auto fans
  6. auto a/c
  7. ensuites that fit shower beds in
  8. ensuites that 2 support workers can shower a participant in
  9. bedrooms that you can drive a power chair around in
  10. ceiling rails from bed through shower to toilet – with hoist
  11. 1200mm doorways
  12. 1500mm highways

We Really Wish People Would Build HPS that Can Be Used as HPS

Almost every day we are offered completed or near completed houses that were sold as being High Physical Support.  Unfortunately they are built to standard, not built large enough to use.  Most also don’t allow participants to transfer, enter doors, open blinds, turn on lights etc.

Some SDA HPS Pics

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Leichardt High Physical Support (Real HPS) SDA Construction Pics

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Construction Pics of a Real High Physical Support SDA House in Leichardt QLD – As in HPS Participants can Live in

Here are some sneaky pics of a real HPS SDA House.  Why do we say it’s a real HPS, because so many HPS places we see being built are completely unusable by participants.  NDISP’s HPS SDA have

  1. touchless entry
  2. auto doors
  3. auto blinds
  4. auto lights
  5. auto fans
  6. auto a/c
  7. ensuites that fit shower beds in
  8. ensuites that 2 support workers can shower a participant in
  9. bedrooms that you can drive a power chair around in
  10. ceiling rails from bed through shower to toilet – with hoist
  11. 1200mm doorways
  12. 1500mm highways

We Really Wish People Would Build HPS that Can Be Used as HPS

Some SDA HPS Pics

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QLD SDA Breakdown – Building Type, Classification and Geographical Area

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COAG Quarterly Report Shows Breakdown of SDA Property

Some Interesting Takeaways

  1. Brisbane West has no HPS Apartments at all
  2. Happy to see only 7 Group Homes QLD Wide – pity it isn’t closer to zero
  3. Sunshine Coast had only 1 SDA last Quarter (NDISP has added 7 to that number this quarter and many more next)
  4. There are no 2 Bed 2 Bath Apartments enrolled in QLD  (NDISP has dozens under development)

 

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SDA Construction Pics – Toowoomba 3 Bedroom Ensuited HPS + OOA SDA – For 2 Residents – 2 Weeks till Completion

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Some Sneaky Pics as Construction Almost Finished

The First of 7 SDA Houses Completing in Toowoomba

This is the first of 7 of NDISP’s SDA houses that are finishing in Toowoomba this month and next.

True High Physical Support Specialist Disability Accommodation

  • True touchless entry
  • automatic doors inside and out
  • automatic blinds
  • automatic lights
  • automatic fans
  • automatic air/con
  • voice, phone, tablet and button operation

Suits Large Power Chairs

With 1200mm doors, 1500mm hallways, oversized clearances around beds, massive ensuites for shower beds or 2 support workers to bath participant etc.  These HPS houses are some of the few fit for purpose HPS places around.

 

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Brisbane Care Expo – This Friday and Saturday 11 & 12 September – Come Visit US

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NDISP is at the Brisbane Care Expo this Friday & Saturday

You can come and visit us, see some of our 3d walk throughs, talk to us about living in one of our properties and more.

SDA Properties on Display

We will have photos and video flythroughs as well as 3d walkthrough of our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

42 Properties Starting this Month

Our SDA finishing for move in this month.

1. 3 bed 3 bath plus 00A Fully Accessible SDA House for 2 residents in Park Ridge

2. 2bed 2 bath Improved liveability SDA House in Crestmead

3. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Leichardt

4. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Newtown

5. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Middle Ridge

7-14. 9 X 2 & 3 Bed ensuited Improved Liveability SDA Apartments in Sandstone Point on the Marina ( in block of 60)

15-16. 2 x 3 Bed Improved Liveability holiday apartments in Sandstone Point on the Marina ( in block of 60)

Starting or Started this month

17. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Middle Ridge

18. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Middle Ridge

19. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Drayton

20. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Drayton

21. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Drayton

22. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Drayton

23. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Walkerville

24. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Walkerville

25. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Avenell Heights

26. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Middle Ridge

27. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Smithfield

28. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House Earlville

29-34 . 6 X 2 bed plus OOA High Physical Support SDA Apartments Earlville 1 resident.

35-39. 5x 2 bed plus OOA High Physical Support Apartments Smithfield 1 resident.

40. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Trinity Beach

41. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA
House in Smithfield

42. 3bed 3 Bath plus OOA High Physical Support SDA House in Proserpine

Coming in October
8 X robust SDA duplex 1 resident on Sunshine Coast
1 X robust duplex SDA in Salisbury
Plus loads of units and houses and duplexes.

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Earlville SDA – Construction Started

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Earlville SDA – 3 Bed High Physical Support

Our Earlville SDA started construction today.  A true high physical support house with automated everything installed at construction.  1500mm hallways, 1200mm doors.  Our truly smart home automation system allows:

  1. touchless entry and exit – if you can drive a chair by yourself then you can come and go;
  2. automated blinds
  3. automated lights
  4. automated fans
  5. automated air con
  6. and more and more and more

And by automated we don’t mean you have to use a button.  Control our system with your phone, your voice, or a dozen otherways to suit your needs.

6 x 2 Bed Units – 1 Resident Each Starts Soon

Our unit complex for 6 individuals to reside in their own 2 bed unit is going to start construction any day now. These High Physical Support Units are so close to Earlville shops.  The future tenants are more excited then we are, and rightly so.  We’d love to live in one of these units.

 

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SDA Proserpine, Cannonvale & Airlie Beach – Whitsundays Specialist Disability Accommodation & Holiday Accommodation

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Specialist Disability Accommodation Whitsundays

NDISP have spent the last few days looking at land with our builder up here in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Proserpine.

We are looking forward to construction starting on several houses, duplexes and apartments in the coming months.

It was great to be at an outstanding service provider in Propserpine, the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre, the HQ for Prosperpine and District Respite Inc.  They do have some great programs and are so client centred.

One of the Residential Aged Care Centres in Proserpine has 3 young people living with Disability and eligible for SDA living in them.  There are dozens more people in Proserpine, Airlie Beach and surrounds living in inappropriate accommodation because of a lack of supply.  We really look forward to helping them find places they are happy to call home.

Disability Holiday Accommodation

It was great standing on a million dollar beachfront block of land looking at what sort of units we can fit in there and build a great complex.

NDISP is working on a chain of holiday accommodation.  Airlie Beach is going to be an awesome location for some.

 

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Townsville SDA Property

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NDISP is in TOWNSVILLE SDA PROPERTIES

Townsville turned on some lovely weather for us while we are up here checking on our SDA properties and looking for more.

NDISP is also looking for space up here for our permanent base for the region.  We are looking to develop 100 SDA places in the region over the next 3 years.

We have some meetings and then off to Bowen.

Thanks Townsville PCYC

The team at the PCYC were great hosts for our seminar last night.

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Medium Term Accommodation – Operational Guidelines

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The NDIS has published updated Operational Guidelines for MTA – Medium Term Accommodation

see on the NDIS Site

Medium Term Accommodation

Medium term accommodation is a time limited, transitional disability accommodation support designed to meet a participant’s disability related housing needs whilst awaiting disability related supports which will enable them to move into their long term housing solution.

Medium term accommodation:

  • includes the accommodation component only;
  • is provided concurrently with the participant’s informal supports and NDIS funded supports, such as assistive technology, assistance with daily life, and community access supports;
  • is only funded where there is confirmation of a long term housing solution. For example, where a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) tenancy has been offered but the property is not yet available or where a participant is awaiting completion of home modifications to their privately owned home or rental property.

Medium term accommodation does not include:

  • everyday living costs.  Participants remain responsible for meeting their day-to-day living costs including groceries, utilities, telephone or internet costs.

When considering if MTA is a suitable support option, the NDIA must assess whether the support meets the requirements of section 34(1) of the NDIS Act 2013

Generally, the NDIS will fund medium term accommodation supports for participants who are awaiting disability related supports and:

  • are exiting hospital, rehabilitation, aged care or custodial settings, where transitional accommodation supports are required prior to their move into a confirmed long term housing solution; or
  • reside in other accommodation arrangements which are not sustainable due to the impact of their disability and where they have confirmation of a long term housing solution.

The NDIS will generally not fund medium term accommodation supports:

  • where a participant is on a waiting list for social or community housing. This excludes where there is confirmation of an offer of tenancy from a community housing provider or a state government office of housing, but the participant cannot move in because they are waiting for other disability related supports;
  • where a participant requires Short Term Accommodation (STA) supports including respite;
  • in response to a crisis or rapid changes in circumstances, unless the participant is waiting on the provision of disability specific supports and where they have confirmation of a long term housing solution; or
  • where the participant does not require disability related supports related to their long term housing solution.

Types of Long Term Housing Solutions

Long term housing solutions may include:

  • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). For example, where a SDA tenancy has been offered but is not yet available.
  • Home Modifications. For example, the participant is awaiting completion of home modifications to their existing accommodation which may be their own home or private rental.

Confirmation of Long Term Housing Solutions

The NDIA must receive evidence to confirm the participant’s long term housing solution. Such confirmation may include evidence of the following:

  • Offer of a SDA tenancy agreement
  • Date for completion of home modifications
  • Offer of a tenancy in accommodation that is supported by a Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider

Generally, medium term accommodation will be funded for up to 90 days.

Medium term accommodation may be funded for a further specified period of time where there is confirmation that the long term housing solution will be available within the agreed time period.  For example, evidence is provided to verify that the vacancy, new build or home modification will be available within a specified time-frame (beyond 90 days).

Funding for medium term accommodation supports must be described in the statement of participant supports as specifically identified. This will ensure the support is purchased and provided as described, to support the participant to meet their housing support needs.

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Medium Term Accommodation for Victorians with a Disability – People Residing in Aged Care

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NDISP has limited MTA available on the Mornington Pennisula

We have some accommodation for up to 90 days available.

People with a Disability in Residential Aged Care – MTA Funding Available

The NDIS provides Medium Term Funding for a range of reasons including if you are residing in Residential Aged Care.

SDA Eligible People – Permanent Home is Possible

If you are SDA eligible then we are looking for people who would love to live on the Peninsula for their forever home.   10 Year leases are available, though would have to reside under MTA funding until the Covid-19 situation resolves.

contact s.menzies@ndisp.com.au   or phone 03 9998 7427

2 Resident FA SDA in Park Ridge

Fully Accessible 3 Bedroom + OOA SDA for 2 Residents – Park Ridge QLD – Move in mid August

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2 Weeks from Completion in Park Ridge

We have just picked up a 3 bed plus OOA property in Park Ridge QLD.  Close to Shops with great outlook.  All 3 bedrooms have ensuites.  LHA Platinum and SDA High Physical Support Standard.

2 Residents Only to Share.   Fully Accessible Level SDA Minimum

This property was built and designed by others. While it has great finishes, it is not up to NDISP’s High Physical Support Standard and we don’t consider it suitable for HPS participants, although if you are at HPS SDA standard you are always welcome to have a look.

Great Outlook, Quiet Street, Close to Shops

The back of the property overlooks acreage properties from an elevated position.

700m to Supermarket, Medical Centre & Pub

The location is quiet but you are close to amenities

 

Medium term accommodation

Is Your High Physical Support “Standard” SDA Property Usable by those with HPS Needs

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Meeting the Minimum LHA or SDA Standard Doesn’t Work  for HPS Eligible Participants (mostly)

We see so many completed properties where the owners want us to be their SDA Provider and we have to say no.  They are approved and pass the standards, yet just aren’t suitable for the people who need High Physical Support.

Many of the standards are based off the minimum requirements for lightweight manual wheelchairs, not for a large power chair or a shower bed. Imagine driving your chair around a corner past your bed with 50mm clearance on each side, let alone if doing so with your chin.  Now some people we have met are precision drivers, but you wouldn’t want to have be precision all the time in your house.

The SDA standard is a great improvement and is there to be a minimum.  If you are looking at receiving the HPS funding then you need to well exceed the standards and spend significant money to make it work.

High Physical Support Properties Need Full Automation

If the property hasn’t got fully auto doors, lights, blinds and air conditioning at completion then it’s not suitable.  NDIS funded modifications take too long.

Minimum Sizes

1020 doors are too small.  The minimum clearance beside the beds and at the foot of the bed are too small for people in big chairs.

Corners, Showers Next to Toilets, Ramps etc

Corners get destroyed, showers next to toilets are unusable for people who shower in chairs or beds.  Ramps look like an afterthought.

Design AFTER Speaking to People Who Use Them (Not Managers or People Who Do)

Just like the new hospital wards that turn out to be completely unsuitable when the nurses finally get to see it (usually on the day they move in), many of the experts in this field don’t spend time with the support workers and participants who use them, they spend time with management or other experts.

There needs to be minimum standards to ensure a minimum, that doesn’t mean its fit for purpose.  Speak to the people who live in them or those that support them.

Rosebud SDA

Mornington Pennisula SDA – Murray Anderson Place, Rosebud VIC

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Murray Anderson Place is Ready to Open the Doors

After some incredible efforts (see History below) from a great community Murray Anderson Place in Rosebud on the beautiful Mornington Pennisula is ready to open the doors.

4 x 2 Bed (plus Carer) SDA Units for 1 HPS and 1 IL Participant

The 4 units each have 3 bedrooms in them, 2 for participants, one for a carer or support worker.  Due to historical funding grants there is a delivery requirement that each unit is occupied by one individual with High Physical Support SDA funding and one individual with Improved Liveability SDA funding.

Need an Awesome Place to Call Home in Rosebud?

If you are eligible for SDA (HPS or IL) then please call us on 03 9998 7427 or email inbox@ndisp.com.au or our relationship manager s.menzies@ndisp.com.au

History

The Southern Mornington Peninsula Uniting Church started the journey to deliver disability accommodation in 2012.   This was before the NDIS and SDA was even a consideration for them.

The building has been project managed by Property Services Group of Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victorian and Tasmania.

After completion of the building, in 2019 the SMPUC in conjunction with Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victorian and Tasmania conducted a national tender process for the appointment of a Specialist Disability Accommodation provider.  NDISP is very pleased to have won the tender and to have worked extensively with these groups through the interesting times of 2020 with the common goal of providing places people are happy to call home.

 

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First Step to get more than 25 Bundaberg People into Places they are Happy to Call Home

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The First SDA Properties in Bundaberg Started Construction Today

After an intensive few months of design, the first 3 SDA Properties of ours in Bundaberg started today. At this stage we have 7  properties starting construction this month and more next month.

These SDA Properties were Full Before Construction Started

We are building these different properties specifically for participants and so they are already full.  We have worked with some great participants, support co-ordinators and support workers to get here.

More Participants Wanted for Stage 2 Developments

At this stage it looks like we will be in a full time development program in Bundaberg for the next 3 years or so.

We love getting people out of inappropriate accommodation and into places they are happy to call home.

If you or your loved one is looking to do the same and you think they may be SDA eligible then please feel free to get in contact.

Thanks to Integrated Disability Support Services

A special thank you goes to Kahli and the team from IDSS for the original invite to come to Bundaberg and their continued support and introductions to others since.  They are truly selfless and so focused on the best outcome for participants, the ones they work with or otherwise.

greenline bed2

Medium Term Accommodation Demand is Massive at Moment

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MTA is Keeping NDISP Busy

NDISP has been furnishing houses every week at present lately with a constant demand for new MTA places.

Medium Term Accommodation is available to those with SDA in their plan who have been offered a place in an SDA property but is awaiting it’s completion/vacancy or to those in need such as in hospital or aged care.

More MTA is Needed

We have more MTA coming across SEQ but it is fast filling up.  Limited vacancies in Thornlands, Ipswich and Toowoomba are ready this month. But we are need of lots more.

MTA > SDA

Many of our MTA clients are going through the SDA application process and will transition to SDA.  Many of our MTA properties also transition to SDA.

 

small bedroom

Meeting Standards Doesn’t Mean Fit for Purpose

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We Setup a Minimum Spec Room

Then we had someone in a medium sized power chair try and use it.  And it just didn’t work.  The chair actually got stuck and hit the bed trying to turn the corner

NDISP SDA Properties Exceed Standards

We exceed the standards as we have spent an enormous amount of time with participants seeing what works and what doesn’t.

When designing your SDA property it’s vital that you work with participants to ensure your SDA property works.

 

MTA Bedroom

How the NDIS Decide the Kind of SDA to Fund – Operational Guidelines

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Taken straight from the NDIS Website

 

If you’re eligible for SDA, the next step is to decide what kind of SDA we will fund for you. We’ll determine the following things for you in your plan:

  • a design category
  • a building type
  • an appropriate location.

Check out the SDA Rules for extra information.

What’s an SDA design category?

We look at your support needs to recommend the right design category.

There are five SDA design categories:

  1. Basic – housing that doesn’t have special design features. Basic dwellings are normally older housing built before the NDIS started. Funding for this is only included in your plan if you’ve lived here before, and choose to continue living here.
  2. Improved Liveability – housing that includes better physical access. It also has more features for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairments.
  3. Fully Accessible – housing that includes a high level of physical access features for people with lots of physical challenges.
  4. Robust Construction – housing that includes a high level of physical access. It must be very strong and durable, reducing the chance of repairs and upkeep. The way it is built should make it safe for you and others. Robust dwellings may suit people who need help managing behaviours of concern.
  5. High Physical Support – housing that includes a high level of physical access for people with significant physical impairment. This SDA is designed to help people who need very high levels of support.

Working out the right SDA design category for you

We look at your individual needs when determining your SDA design category.

You may need other supports, so we’ll also look at how the features of each design category would help facilitate them.

A design category isn’t appropriate for you if it makes it harder to get other supports. Or, if it would be risky for your health and safety.

When we determine your design category, we will look at reports from your doctor or other health professionals. We also look at your goals and aspirations.

We will consider things like whether you need additional space around your bed, bathroom or kitchen to be able to use them. Or if your care needs require particular features.

Usually, we select the design category that helps you receive your other supports and has the features you need to live there. We will also think about the support model that best suits your needs.

What SDA building types are there?

There are five building types:

  • Apartments – self-contained units that are part of a larger residential building.
  • Duplexes, Villas, Townhouses – separate but semi-attached properties within a single land title or strata titled area. This also includes standalone villas or ‘granny flats’.
  • Houses – detached low rise dwellings with garden or courtyard areas.
  • Group Homes – houses that hold up to five long-term residents.
  • Larger Dwellings – houses that house more than five long-term residents. This is also called “Legacy”. Larger dwellings are only for participants who already lived in this type of house, before their first plan.

Determining the right SDA building type for you

Your individual needs help us work out the SDA building type that’s best for you.

We think about the features of each building type, and which would meet your needs best. We also look at how the building type would help in:

  • providing your other supports
  • whether it would better allow you to pursue your goals
  • if it would be more likely (than another building type) to improve outcomes for you.

Key things we also think about are:

  • what kind of building you’d like to live in
  • if it works with the support model you need
  • whether the building type is value for money.

Generally, the lowest cost building type that meets your individual needs will be what we fund.

How do we work out the right SDA location?

We’ll include an SDA location in your plan. An example of an area is Queensland – Brisbane – East. Or, Tasmania – Launceston and North East.

We decide the location by understanding:

  • where you live now and where you’ve lived before
  • where you’d like to live
  • how the location would help you pursue your goals
  • how you could access community and mainstream services
  • how the location would help you connect with community or culture
  • how the location will help you stay in touch with informal supports like family and friends.

If you have more than one place you would be happy to live in, we can include more than one location.

What’s the best support model for me?

When we determine your SDA type and location, we will also look at what kind of support model you need.

A support model is how your person-to-person supports are delivered. It includes where those supports are provided. It also includes how your SDA and person-to-person supports work with other supports, such as assistive technology.

SDA is designed to work with a number of different support models.

Examples include:

  • support provided in your SDA
  • ‘concierge’ support, which is available quickly to a number of SDA dwellings inside the one building
  • ‘mobile’ support, which is available quickly to a number of SDA dwellings within a short distance from one another.

For example, you might need immediately available person-to-person support. But if you can be alone safely sometimes, the best support model for you may be concierge or mobile support.

If you are eligible for SDA, we can also consider Personal Care Supports or Supported Independent Living (SIL) in your plan.

We look at reports from your doctor or other health professionals when considering what kind of support model you need.

We know that your support model may change over time. For SDA we consider how often you need access to your other supports and how quickly you need to access them.

The other parts of your support model will be included in your plan individually. They are not linked to the SDA supports in your plan.

SDA Operational Guide

Who’s Eligible for SDA – New Operational Guideline

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Taken straight from the NDIS Website 

Most people who access the NDIS don’t need to live in SDA. People who do need SDA have extremely high needs. They need to live in very specialised homes, usually with high levels of person-to-person support.

To decide if someone is eligible for SDA funding, we ask three questions:

If you’re eligible, the answers to these questions and the evidence you provide helps us work out what SDA funding you can get.

We are working to give you more tools to make it easier for you to give us your evidence.

Once we have all of your information and it is correct, we will review it and try to let you know if you can get SDA within 10 days.

Check out the SDA Rules for extra information.

Do you have ‘an extreme functional impairment’ or ‘very high support needs’?

We look at lots of different information to decide if you have these kinds of support needs. This includes:

  • any information from your doctor or allied health professionals
  • any details from your current providers
  • your daily support requirements.

Extreme functional impairment

First, we check if you have ‘extreme functional impairment’. This means you have a lot of trouble doing (or can’t do) daily tasks on your own. You might have a very hard time moving around, completing personal care tasks, or looking after yourself.

It also means you need lots of support from someone to do these things. This is on top of any assistive technology or other home modifications.

Very high support needs

You might also be eligible for SDA if you have ‘very high support needs’. This also means you need a lot of person-to-person support. Your family or friends might not be able to give you this level of support informally.

This is because it could be risky for family or friends to help out. Or, it might be dangerous for you. You may need SDA to stay safe or keep others around you safe.

You might already live in SDA or have lived in a place like SDA for a long while. If living in a non-SDA house isn’t possible, you may have very high support needs.

Do you have an SDA needs requirement?

We also need to make sure SDA is the right option for your care. It should greatly benefit you now and in the long term.

We think about whether SDA will give you long-term benefits for:

  • pursuing your goals
  • improving your functional capacity (help you do more things with less support)
  • reducing your need for person-to-person supports
  • creating better connections with your family, community, health services, education, and employment.

Depending on your needs, other kinds of supports could be a better option for you. This might mean you can keep living in your current home.

What other support options you can get?

There might be changes we can make to your current home that would make it easier to live in. For example, fixing your bathroom if you can’t use it because of your disability.

Sometimes changes aren’t safe or possible to make to regular houses. This includes things like:

  • structural reinforcements that make hoists and other mobility aids safe
  • making all areas of a house accessible
  • if you don’t own your home and don’t have permission to change it, or don’t know how long you can live there for.

You might need alternative housing if this is the case. SDA is only one of these options.

Learn more about housing and the NDIS.

Is SDA reasonable and necessary for you?

Along with the above points, we need to consider if SDA is reasonable and necessary for you.

Like all supports, SDA must meet the criteria in section 34 of the NDIS Act and in the SDA Rules .

Learn more about reasonable and necessary criteria.

Does SDA help you pursue your goals better than other options?

One thing we think about when deciding if SDA is reasonable and necessary is if it will help you pursue your goals.

We need to know SDA is a better option to help you pursue your goals compared to other supports. We also need to understand if other supports could help you pursue your goals, or might even help you more.

For example, we’ll look at what is stopping you from being able to live in a regular house. We think about if there’s anything we could fund to make that possible for you.

SDA might reduce your need for other supports compared to where you live now. Or, it could help you pursue other goals outlined in your statement of goals and aspirations.

Is SDA value for money?

SDA funding contributes to supporting your needs. Over time, SDA may help reduce the costs of other supports you require. We think about this cost, or whether SDA is “value for money” over the long term.

We think about:

  • if SDA reduces your need for other supports
  • if SDA will reduce the cost of other supports you need
  • if SDA can give you a greater level of independence for a longer period of time
  • if you can share some supports with others
  • how much informal support you have from family and friends
  • if SDA will help maintain your supports and relationships
  • how SDA would affect the total cost of all supports in your plan.

For most people, it’s often better value for money to fund other supports and home modifications, rather than SDA funding.

Are there any risks we need to think about?

Like all funded supports, we must also assess any risks that could apply. We won’t provide funding if a support is likely to cause you or someone else harm.

We think about how we can help reduce any risks. For SDA, we’ll discuss:

  • any risks to you or others, and whether SDA would help with these
  • the support model that you and your supporters feel will work best for you
  • any risks if you live with other people.

We might also talk to you about how we can manage these risks in your plan. This might include:

  • how long we wait to review your plan
  • how often we are in contact with you
  • if we need to fund any other supports to manage risk and make sure you’re safe.
NEW SDA Price Guide 2021

New SDA Price Guide 2021 – Shared Living Arrangements Update

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Appendix G- Shared living arrangements, including with people who are not SDA-eligible

There is now clarity around sharing and pricing.  And the news is great it makes it all feasible for providers and investors for sharing. – read more here

  1. When a number (n) of SDA-eligible participants are sharing an enrolled dwelling with a number (m) of people who are not an SDA-eligible participant (with one person per bedroom and no vacancies) then:
    • The SDA price limit for each of (n) SDA-eligible participants is the SDA price limit that would apply if the dwelling was of the same build type and design category and had (n) bedrooms;
    • The reasonable rent contribution for each of the SDA-eligible participants is equal to RRC (Single); and
    • The rental payment by each person who is not an SDA-eligible participant is not price regulated.
  2. When an SDA-eligible participant is sharing a bedroom in an SDA enrolled dwelling with another SDA-eligible participant
    • The SDA price limit ( for each SDA-eligible participant sharing a bedroom with another SDA-eligible participant is as follows

where  is the price limit that would apply if one SDA eligible person was occupying the bedroom (after the application of paragraph 1 if necessary):

  • The reasonable rent contribution for each SDA-eligible participant sharing a bedroom with another SDA-eligible participant is equal to RRC (Member of a Couple); and
  • For any other SDA eligible participant in the dwelling:
    • The rate of SDA payable in respect of each of those participants is ; and
    • The reasonable rent contribution for each of those participants is RRC (Single) .
  1. When an SDA-eligible participant is sharing a bedroom in an enrolled dwelling with a person who is not an SDA-eligible participant:
    • The SDA price limit ( for the SDA-eligible participant is as follows

where is the price limit that would apply if one SDA eligible person was occupying the bedroom (after the application of paragraph 1 if necessary):

  • The reasonable rent contribution for the SDA-eligible participant is RC (Member of a Couple);
  • The rental payment by each person who is not an SDA-eligible participant is not price regulated; and
  • For any other SDA eligible participant in the dwelling:
    • The rate of SDA payable in respect of each of those participants is ; and
    • The reasonable rent contribution for each of those participants is RRC (Single)
  1. When an SDA-eligible participant is sharing a bedroom with a person who is not an SDA-eligible participant and that person is a child or financial dependent of the SDA-eligible participant:
  • The SDA price limit for the SDA-eligible participant is the same as if the participant was living in the bedroom on their own; and
  • The reasonable rent contribution for the SDA-eligible participant is the same as if the participant was living in the bedroom on their own.

Summary in Plain English (ish)

1.  TWO SDA Eligible Participants Sharing a Bedroom

1/2 the normal SDA Rate – 1/3 of the Reasonable Rent Contribution (single)  Plus RRC Couple

2. Participant Sharing a Bedroom with their financially dependent spouse or child

Same as normal

3. Participant(s) sharing a DWELLING with a non SDA Eligible Participant

The same rate as if the number or participants was equal to the number of bedrooms.  Eg 2 participants and a non participant sharing a 3 bed house, each participant is at the 2 bed rate.

4. Participant sharing a BEDROOM with a non SDA Eligile Participant

Normal SDA rate -2/3 of the single reasonable rent contribution.

 

SDA Medium Term Accommodation NDISP

Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) Vacancy – Pimpama

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NDISP has an  MTA Vacancy in PIMPAMA – Roll to Shopping Centre

We are finishing the fit out on an 3 bed plus carer place in Pimpama this weekend.  A lovely gentleman in his 50’s is moving in tomorrow while we are building his SDA house in a different location closer to his family.

Just a couple of minutes walk to Pimpama City Shopping Centre.  Nice Outlook.

This MTA Property has the Following Features

Note that this property was not an NDISP design and doesn’t have our usual automation, 1200 doors etc.  It is quality construction with quality finishes and will be suitable for a wide range of participants.  Certified LHA Platinum

1020 doors

wide hallways

step free entry

step free alfresco area

massive kitchen with accessible benchtops and stove etc

accessible ensuite to each bedroom (shower screen free and not small, but not large enough for shower beds)

Solar battery emergency power

OOA (carers room) with ensuite

fans and airconditioning

double garage

flat footpaths to shopping centre.

living

Medium Term Accommodation Vacancies – Nambour, Caloundra, Pimpama, Thornlands, Toowoomba, Ipswich

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NDISP has MTA Vacancies in Nambour, Caloundra, Pimpama & Thornlands Now.  Toowomba and Ipswich Weeks Away

NDISP has Medium Term Accommodation Vacancies across the above areas.

NDIS Participants Eligible for MTA

Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) funding

If the person is:

  • waiting home modifications to be done or

  • waiting for a vacancy to become available in the place where they want to live, and they have an offer for this place or

  • waiting for a new build SDA to be ready, and they have an offer for this SDA or

  • in hospital and is therefore in the exceptional circumstance of being at risk of contracting COVID-19 and is being forced to leave hospital (to free up beds for others who are medically unwell) and without a long term housing option at this time

In these situations, the NDIA may determine it reasonable and necessary to fund the person for Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) funding.

Contact us today

Email: inbox@ndisp.com.au

Phone 07 3724 0020

Joint Standing Committee on Supported Independent Living Pt 2 – True Choice to Share or Live Alone

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There are several recommendations in the report that reinforce the overall push for participants to be given choice and control of who they live with, including living alone.

Recommendation 18

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency review its existing policies and procedures, to ensure that participants needing assistance with daily living are given genuine choice as to whether they access supports in a shared or individual living arrangement.

Recommendation 19

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency give all participants living in congregate settings, who receive Supported Independent Living funding, the opportunity to review their accommodation and support arrangements and to exit the congregate setting if they wish to do so.

Recommendation 20

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency review and, if necessary, amend the Supported Independent Living quoting tool, to ensure that it allows participants to choose the people with whom they share a residence to the greatest extent possible

Recommendation 21

The committee recommends that additional funding be made available to support participants seeking to exit congregate living arrangements.

Recommendation 23

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission develop clear policies and guidance on vacancy management, with a focus on ensuring compatibility between tenants in shared accommodation and ensuring participant involvement in
the vacancy management process.

Recommendation 25

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency, with the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission, implement a mechanism to ensure participants accessing Supported Independent Living are able to change providers without compromising housing security or suffering other adverse consequences.

Gov Joint Standing Committee Report on Supported Independent Living Pt 1 – Separation of Tenancy Management, Service Delivery

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There are several key recommendations which reinforce the push for separation.

24.  The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency
implement a mechanism to separate service delivery, tenancy management
and support coordination for participants in Supported Independent Living
settings.

This obviously has significant implications for providers but greatly aligns with the key tenet of choice and control along with previous reviews such as the Tune review .

If it proceeds as recommended then structural separation will not be sufficient, there won’t be able to be more than 20% shared ownership, shared board or shared staff etc.

 

25. The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency, with the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission, implement a mechanism to ensure participants accessing Supported Independent Living are able to change providers without compromising housing security or suffering other adverse consequences.

NDISP are currently investigating a model so that, as we do with SDA and MTA, we are the independent housing provider that allows full separation between SIL and Support Coordination

Gov Joint Standing Report on Supported Independent Living – All the Recommendations

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All 45 Recommendations

Recommendation 1.

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency ensure immediate access to funding for all assessments required to support applications for reasonable and necessary supports, and in particular to support applications for Supported Independent Living.

Recommendation 2

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency clarify the assessments required to support an application for Supported Independent Living funding.

Recommendation 3

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency implement measures to ensure that all evidence provided by a participant to establish that supports are reasonable and necessary is accurately recorded in the participant’s plan, and is actively considered in plan development.

Recommendation 4

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency develop and implement a mechanism to confirm a participant’s eligibility for Supported Independent Living prior to the participant identifying a suitable vacancy.

Recommendation 5

The committee recommends that planners be empowered to authorise a price range for Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding, with no need for further approval so long as a SIL quote falls within that price range, on the condition that the participant and/or their plan nominee is able to review the SIL quote and approve it.

Recommendation 6

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency, develop and publish clear, comprehensive guidance material on Supported Independent Living as a matter of urgency.

Recommendation 7

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency ensure that its planners fully explore current and future accommodation and support needs with participants during pre-planning, planning and plan review.

Recommendation 8

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency implement measures to further streamline and expedite quote approvals for Supported Independent Living as a matter of urgency.

Recommendation 9

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency develop and implement mechanisms to prioritise and expedite approvals for Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation for people with disability in residential aged care, hospital settings, and the criminal justice system.

Recommendation 10

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency clarify whether a provider may continue to claim for supports delivered under a plan while a review of that plan is underway.

Recommendation 11

The committee recommends that additional funding be made available in plans for short-term accommodation, for participants seeking to access Supported Independent Living.

Recommendation 12

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) develop and implement a mechanism to ensure that participants have the opportunity to review and agree to quotes for Supported Independent Living before they are approved by the NDIA.

Recommendation 13

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency ensure that its work to improve the Supported Independent Living quoting tool and quoting process takes into account:
• the costs associated with supporting participants with higher or more complex needs;
• the costs associated with supporting participants in thin market areas; and
• all relevant Fair Work decisions.

Recommendation 14

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency review the ‘simplified’ quoting tool for Supported Independent Living, to allow providers to make minor changes to a quote based on changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme pricing structure that have occurred since the quote was approved.

Recommendation 15

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency establish a central point of contact for all inquiries relating to Supported Independent Living.

Recommendation 16

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency develop and implement a mechanism to provide updates to providers on the progress of Supported Independent Living quotes.

Recommendation 17

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency progress the recommendations made in the committee’s report, NDIS ICT Systems, as a matter of urgency.

Recommendation 18

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency review its existing policies and procedures, to ensure that participants needing assistance with daily living are given genuine choice as to whether they access supports in a shared or individual living arrangement.

Recommendation 19

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency give all participants living in congregate settings, who receive Supported Independent Living funding, the opportunity to review their accommodation and support arrangements and to exit the congregate setting if they wish to do so.

Recommendation 20

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency review and, if necessary, amend the Supported Independent Living quoting tool, to ensure that it allows participants to choose the people with whom they share a residence to the greatest extent possible

Recommendation 21

The committee recommends that additional funding be made available to support participants seeking to exit congregate living arrangements.

Recommendation 22

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission implement additional oversight measures for participants in group living arrangements.

Recommendation 23

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission develop clear policies and guidance on vacancy management, with a focus on ensuring compatibility between tenants in shared accommodation and ensuring participant involvement in
the vacancy management process.

Recommendation 24

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency implement a mechanism to separate service delivery, tenancy management and support coordination for participants in Supported Independent Living settings.

Recommendation 25

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency, with the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission, implement a mechanism to ensure participants accessing Supported Independent Living are able to change providers without compromising housing security or suffering other adverse consequences.

Recommendation 26

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency develop a central register for participants seeking to identify vacancies for Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation.

Recommendation 27

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency establish a specialist team dedicated to vacancy management.

Recommendation 28

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency develop and implement processes to streamline the approval process for participants who need funding for both Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation.

Recommendation 29

The committee recommends that, if a participant is approved for Specialist Disability Accommodation involving on-site overnight assistance, funding for Supported Independent Living (SIL) be automatically approved, on the condition that the participant and/or their plan nominee is able to review the SIL quote and approve it.

Recommendation 30

The committee recommends that, if a participant exits a Supported Independent Living arrangement, funding for that participant continues at a 50 per cent rate for a period of one month or until the vacancy is filled— whichever is sooner. At the end of that month, a review should be conducted to determine whether additional funding is required.

Recommendation 31

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency conduct a review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Price Guide and associated price settings to ensure that the additional costs associated with supporting participants with complex needs, including in Supported Independent Living settings, are adequately captured.

Recommendation 32

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency develop and publish clear policy and guidance on when providers may claim above the benchmarks set out in the National Disability Insurance Scheme Price Guide.

Recommendation 33

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency develop and implement mechanisms to ensure providers are immediately notified of any changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Price Guide or associated price settings.

Recommendation 34

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency review the National Disability Insurance Scheme Price Guide, to ensure that the costs associated with attracting, training and retaining staff to deliver supports to people with severe or complex disability, including in Supported Independent Living settings, are adequately captured.

Recommendation 35

The committee recommends that providers within the National Disability Insurance Scheme invest in additional training for support staff involved in the delivery of Supported Independent Living services and supports for participants with higher or more complex needs.

Recommendation 36

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency develop and implement a streamlined mechanism to expedite the processing of claims made by service providers for increased supports provided to participants.

Recommendation 37

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency develop and implement a mechanism to streamline plan reviews for participants accessing Supported Independent Living in shared living arrangements.

Recommendation 38

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency actively works to address thin markets, and ensures that work to address thin markets in regional, rural and remote areas captures both Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation.

Recommendation 39

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency publish a clear and comprehensive policy on provider of last resort arrangements and crisis accommodation as a matter of urgency.

Recommendation 40

The committee recommends that the Commonwealth, states and territories, through the Disability Reform Council, progress work to understand and address gaps in the availability of advocacy and decision support services as a matter of urgency.

Recommendation 41

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency, working with the Australian Government, publish and distribute additional information on the availability of advocacy and decision support services.

Recommendation 42

The committee recommends that the Australian Government increase funding for advocacy and decision support initiatives, to ensure that these initiatives reach the broadest range of people who require these services.

Recommendation 43

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency, with the Quality and Safeguards Commission, develop and publish service standards specifically for the delivery of Supported Independent Living services.

Recommendation 44

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Quality and Safeguards Commission take a more active role in monitoring the quality of services in residences where Supported Independent Living is delivered, to ensure that participants and advocates can readily identify and address concerns with service quality.

Recommendation 45

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency, with the Australian Government, develop, publish and implement a clear strategy to address coordination issues between state and territory services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, particularly for people with disability seeking to access Supported Independent Living supports.

living

Medium Term Accommodation Vacancies – Nambour, Caloundra, Thornlands – Crestmead, Toowoomba, Ipswich

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NDISP has MTA Vacancies in Nambour, Caloundra & Thornlands Now.  Crestmead, Toowomba and Ipswich Weeks Away

NDISP has Medium Term Accommodation Vacancies across the above areas.

NDIS Participants Eligible for MTA

Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) funding

If the person is:

  • waiting home modifications to be done or

  • waiting for a vacancy to become available in the place where they want to live, and they have an offer for this place or

  • waiting for a new build SDA to be ready, and they have an offer for this SDA or

  • in hospital and is therefore in the exceptional circumstance of being at risk of contracting COVID-19 and is being forced to leave hospital (to free up beds for others who are medically unwell) and without a long term housing option at this time

In these situations, the NDIA may determine it reasonable and necessary to fund the person for Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) funding.

Contact us today

Email: inbox@ndisp.com.au

Phone 07 3724 0020

WA

WA Delays Transition to NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Why this is Bad for Participants

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Transition Delayed to 1 December 2020

Western Australia announced yesterday that they were delaying the transition to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Reason Given is for Dealing with COVID-19.  3 Active Cases in whole of WA

WA has zero cases in hospitals or aged care and has 3 Active Cases in the entire state. This makes no sense.  The transition date has been known for a long time and providers should have been ready.

All of the quality providers we have met in WA were ready to transition and already had great systems and compliance in place prior.  All the delay does is extend the life of those providers who have poor systems and compliance and have little chance of passing an NDIS QSC Audit.

This is Bad for Some Participants.

The compliance obligations of the NDIS QSC are enormous compared to the former NDIA and state based regimes.  We know of participants living in SDA housing where the owners of the houses have been made the NDIS SDA Provider yet the ones we spoke to were not even aware of the policies or procedures they had used to apply for registration, let alone about how to comply with them.  There are trades and services people going into SDA properties with no safety checks, no inductions, no training, nothing.

Great Providers were Ready and have been Compliant for Years

As above, all of the great providers were ready and had outstanding compliance and quality control systems in place for a long time prior.  Unless we are missing something it just looks like those providers with poor compliance systems have been given an extra 6 months.  We hope it doesn’t result in any harm coming to participants

MTA Bedroom

Getting Our Hands Dirty – Fitting Out Medium Term Accommodation

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  Fitting Out Sunshine Coast MTA in 2 Days

We found out on Wednesday afternoon that someone was stuck in hospital and needed Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) asap.  So we rounded up a crew and put together a whole house load of furniture.

MTA Bedroom

All Hands on Deck

Jon and Darryl enlisted some of the Yellow Card team but rolled up the sleeves and got stuck in.

We are very much looking forward to moving someone in in the morning.

This is What it is All About

Helping people is why we are here.  Whilst this property was going to become MTA, we were going to sort this over the coming weeks.  But with someone needing to get out of hospital we just couldn’t wait.  It’s a privilege to be in a position to help people.

We also have SDA and more MTA coming on board

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