Research identifies the best outcomes

The NDIS has assessed that 28,000 people with a disability needed accommodation. But by December 2023, there were only 8299 approved properties available. This is despite a 23 per cent increase in newly listed properties since the previous year. Less than half of these dwellings meet modern disability housing standards, often falling short of contemporary accommodation standards.

Douglas leads a team evaluating the everyday living outcomes of more than 125 participants with a disability (neurological disorders or cerebral palsy) who are living in supported disability accommodation. The team interviews people before they move into specialist housing and then again in six months, one year and two years.

Their research so far has shown that after moving into specially designed housing, people with disabilities used an average of 2.4 hours less paid support per person per day because they were able to live their lives more independently in their new homes. Participants have also reported improved overall health which is likely to positively impact both health and financial outcomes.

“We estimate $1.1 billion would be saved each year in disability support costs if more NDIS participants were living in suitable housing, because they would enjoy increased independence and more efficiently delivered support,” Douglas says.

In 2016, the NDIS introduced a funding provision to accommodation providers for people with a disability but required that all properties must comply with strict Liveable Housing Australia standards to cater for diverse disability needs.

Liveability is a key pillar for Cocoon SDA Care, says co-founder and corporate strategist Khan. “We build new homes and renovate homes that surpass these standards,” he says.

Most of Cocoon SDA Care’s properties have bedrooms with large ensuites featuring roll-in-showers. Other features can also include extra high ceilings and doorways, as well as a range of AI-enabled technology controlling security, automated blinds and ducted air conditioning that residents can control from an iPad, as well as benchtops that go up and down.

The group aligns with the NDIS vision by creating purpose-built homes and emphasising participant independence, safety and social inclusion, according to Khan, who says Cocoon is committed to exceeding regulatory standards and empowering participants while fostering community engagement nationwide.

Accommodation supply fails to match demand

Despite the positive outcomes so far, the specialist accommodation sector faces many bottlenecks in getting people with disabilities into this much-needed accommodation. Less than half of existing dwellings on the market meet modern disability housing standards, and many often fall short of contemporary accommodation standards.

In addition, thousands of people with disabilities are stuck in hospitals or those under 65 years old are living in residential aged care for various reasons including the time-consuming process of securing adequate funding.

But Douglas’ research has shown that when younger people get the opportunity to move out of residential aged care and into specialist disability accommodation, they blossom, and their wellbeing, in particular, improves.

“We find young people are doing really well and are so happy to have a pet or have a range of family members and friends come over to visit,” she says.

Also, enabling people with disabilities to live in specialist accommodation leads to sustainable change.

“Our research shows that it wasn’t just a honeymoon period,” Douglas says. “When we interview people after two years, they still have positive outcomes. And those who want to move also feel empowered to choose to do that.”

Douglas is particularly heartened by the community integration of most participants.

“They say they feel better becoming part of their local community. They don’t feel like they’re just an invisible being floating around. Neighbours greet them when they go out. Some people go out to work or work from home more effectively. The accommodation has given them a pathway to become a truly recognised citizen.”

At Cocoon SDA Care, Khan says that they encourage an atmosphere of fun and community.

“We have ‘Zoom discos’ where support workers and disability residents join together between the different properties on Zoom. Even if the resident can’t walk, the carer pushes them to the music,” he says. “We also celebrate birthdays and hold family and parents days so everyone can take part in what we do. This is how we give back to the community.”

To learn more, visit https://cocoons.com.au/