What is ‘Extreme Functional Impairment’?

Extreme functional impairment means that you have significant difficulty or are unable to complete daily tasks independently. You may require ongoing assistance to perform essential activities such as:

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• Moving around safely

• Completing personal care tasks

• Managing day-to-day living

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What are ‘Very High Support Needs’?

Very High Support Needs mean that:

• You require substantial person-to-person support beyond what family or informal carers can provide.

• You need Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) to ensure your safety or the safety of others due to behavioural or medical needs.

• You currently live or have previously lived in supported accommodation such as a hospital, aged care home, or group home.

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SDA Funding Categories and Design Types​

• Improved Liveability

• Designed for individuals who may experience challenges with vision, perception, or cognitive understanding.

• Features include improved wayfinding, enhanced lighting, and visual contrasts to support sensory and cognitive impairments.

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Robust​

• Suitable for participants with cognitive and/or psychosocial disabilities.

• Designed to minimize reactive maintenance and enhance safety for both residents and the community.

• Features include soundproofing, reinforced walls, impact-resistant materials, breakout spaces, and multiple exits.

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Fully Accessible​

• Designed for people with significant physical disabilities requiring high levels of accessibility.

• Features include wheelchair-accessible kitchens and bathrooms, automated doors and windows, and assistive technology readiness.

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High Physical Support​

Designed for individuals with significant physical impairments requiring extensive support.

Features include:

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• Ceiling hoist provisions

• Emergency power backup

• Climate control systems

• Wheelchair-accessible kitchens, bathrooms, and doorway

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Respite, Short-Term, and Medium-Term Accommodation

Our Network Members offers respite, short-term, and medium-term accommodation options for NDIS participants transitioning from hospitals, aged care, or crisis situations.

 

 Support includes:

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• Temporary housing during hospital discharge

• Transitional care before moving into permanent SDA housing

• Tailored accommodation solutions to meet individual needs

• Hospital Discharge and SDA Housing

• Hospital discharge can be complex, especially when finding suitable housing.

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Our Network members can assist Participants by ; ​

• Identifying appropriate SDA housing options post-discharge

• Coordinating with medical professionals, support coordinators, and families

• Ensuring a smooth transition into suitable accommodation

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SDA Housing Renovations and Appendix H

For Support Coordinators, Mums, and Dads of NDIS SDA participants looking to modify their existing home to meet SDA requirements, Appendix H provides guidance on compliant SDA renovations.

We can connect you to our Network who offer the following services: 

• Assessing home modification needs

• Navigating SDA compliance for existing dwellings

• Working with builders and financial institutions for renovations

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Power of Attorney and Lending for SDA Homes

Navigating legal and financial processes for SDA housing can be complex.

 

Our Network members can provide guidance on:

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• Guidance on establishing Power of Attorney for participants needing decision-making support.​

• Access to specialist lenders for SDA home construction, modifications, or refinancing.

• Insights into government-backed funding and strategic financial planning for SDA homeownership.

• Connections to Trust Fund Managers for collective SDA investment opportunities.

• Referral to experienced lenders who may assist with your SDA investment needs