NDIS Housing Crisis to Independence: A Support Coordinators Impact
- Carol
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 8
Facing a serious accommodation crisis. SIL providers found to be charging for a 1:2 support ratio while only providing 1:1 support, a financially unsustainable situation leading to withdrawal of provider services for an individual needing support. Now at risk of becoming unsupported and homeless, the situation is hard to resolve.
Adding to the complexity of this crisis, the individuals current accommodation couldn't accommodate the required 1:2 support ratio with only one bedroom available. The situation required an urgent need to find suitable SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) housing in a new location with compatible housemates and to secure a new SIL provider.
This is the challenging situation that Carol provided urgent support with when the individual first engaged with My Right 2 Voice.
Overcoming Challenges with Support Coordination:
Carol, being an Specialist Support Coordinator, took a proactive and person-centered approach. She engaged in ongoing discussions with the person and their appointed guardian to establish clear goals and priorities while assessing the potential risks involved in the transition.
Carol's strategy was both innovative and collaborative. She worked diligently to understand the individual's needs and preferences regarding the move, ensuring that the new accommodation would be a good match. During this time, Carol was due to go on a period of leave, in line with My Right 2 Voice service delivery, a warm handover was provided to another support coordinator on her team. This allowed support to continue and the search for a suitable property to progress until Carol's return.
Challenges arose when an initially promising SDA opportunity fell through due to another resident's withdrawal. Undeterred, Carol continued her search behind the scenes, identifying alternative options for the person. Additionally, she addressed practical barriers by developing a form for support workers to record shift notes, replacing the existing handwritten notes that may have been difficult to interpret.
Building a Support Network in the Disability Sector:
A significant roadblock was the absence of SDA funding in the individual's NDIS plan. However, Carol was able to connect with an NDIS member who successfully facilitated the inclusion of SDA funding, securing a vital component of the person's support framework.
To ensure a seamless transition, Carol coordinated a critical meeting between the previous core provider, the individual's Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) team, and the new SIL provider. This session was instrumental in identifying potential risks and ensuring that best practices were shared. The PBS team also created a tailored document outlining effective strategies for responding to the person's behavioral needs, helping the new SIL provider prepare for the transition. A successful meet-and-greet between the individual and their new housemate further reinforced the positive trajectory of the move.
The impact of Carol and the wider care team's efforts has been profound. Since settling into their new home, the individual has exhibited no challenging behaviors. They now travel in a regular vehicle with a single support worker, eliminating the need for a previously required specialized vehicle. Visits with family and friends continue, and most importantly, the person is happy in their new environment.
Lessons Learned and the Path Ahead:
Carol's approach displays the importance of being proactive rather than reactive, particularly in cases involving complex needs. Through careful planning, risk assessment and harm minimization, an emphasis on human rights, evidence-informed practices, and collaborative trials, she ensured that the individual was placed in a stable and suitable home.
One of the most remarkable breakthroughs came in the form of transportation. Previously, due to behavioral challenges, the person had been transported in a specialised vehicle with a driver barrier. The financial burden of relying on taxis after switching SIL providers became unsustainable. Carol engaged the PBS team to develop a structured approach, leading to a successful transition to regular vehicle travel. What began as supervised trips with two support workers evolved into independent travel with just one, marking a significant step toward independence.
Reflecting on this journey, Carol acknowledges that while barriers may exist, they are not insurmountable. Through effective teamwork, tailored interventions, and a shared commitment to positive outcomes for the individual, meaningful change is always possible.
This success story stands as a example to the transformative impact of dedicated support coordination and the power of collaborative problem-solving.
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