How Do You Choose the Right Support Model for Your Needs?

by William S. I am a professional writer

When you are in the process of looking at SDA properties, you will see that there are different types of support available at each one. The fact is that support models come in different shapes and sizes. There are different levels of support depending on the requirements of the individual. Generally, they are broken down into three different levels:

Lower needs, which is classed as a level of support that is not available 24/7. This would include supervision of living arrangements.
Standard needs, which is where 24/7 support is provided and the supervision and assistance of daily tasks are provided so the person can live comfortably and complete their daily duties without additional stress.
Higher needs, where 24/7 support is provided on a more comprehensive basis, which would include overnight support or managing behaviours that are in need of extra assistance.

But how do you know what is the right support model for you?

Understanding the Different Levels of Specialist Disability Accommodation

The NDIS provides funding for 5 different areas, depending on the individual’s support needs:

Basic SDA, which provides basic housing to allow specialist support services which are given to people who want to stay in their current group.
Improved livability housing SDA, which is the type of people with a sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairment, which includes specialist design features to help the individual.
Fully accessible housing SDA, which covers wheelchair accessible entryways, easily reachable appliances, and has the opportunity for retrofitting.
Robust housing SDA, which is for people with complex behaviours and comes with adequate space to support the needs of people with their behaviours.
High physical support SDA, which is the type of people with significant physical impairments and features structural provisions to incorporate assistive technology and extra communication.

Each level of SDA will come with a more detailed level of support. Some properties come with overnight support, 24/7 backup support, and some will allow you to bring your own support workers, whereas some won't. Therefore, knowing the different levels of SDA accommodation can give you better insight into what will help you achieve greater independence.

When it comes to negotiating your own housing, you may already have support in place so you can bring your own support workers. However, if you do not have support workers and the concept doesn't apply to you, you may want to liaise with your SDA provider. It's important to communicate with them so you can get the best support that meets your needs. Because when it comes to applying for SDA, you will need to show throughout the application what support you need to help you attain a greater level of independence and get you to the next stage of your journey. Therefore, if you've already acquired SDA support you will need to liaise with your SDA provider to make sure they appoint a supported independent living company that can provide the appropriate level of support. You may require 24/7 backup support or you may require daily living support on occasion, but it's important to look at the appropriate model at the SDA property that suits you and where you are right now.

How Do You Decide on the Right Support Model?

It is important for you to have control over your support and who works with you. So many people take it for granted that the SDA provider appoints a supported independent living company and therefore, we have to accept what we are given. Personally, it's our belief that when it comes to personal care, it needs to be personal. Therefore, you need to have workers that don't just understand your wants and needs but also fit in with your personality.

Rather than just accepting what is given to you, you should have the opportunity to state your case. If you are under the model where the supported independent living company is in charge of your daily living support, you may not get the control and choice you need over your life, which is completely unfair. So when it comes to the right support model, you've got to look for one that gives you control, flexibility, and choice in your life. You should consider some of the following:

The support model that gives you resources to live the life you want.
The support model that aligns with your beliefs and values.
The support model that gives you faith in the SDA system.

What if You Find an SDA Property That Doesn’t Have the Right Support Model?

This is something that happens all too often. You can find an SDA property that really suits your needs but the support model on offer doesn't suit you either because it's too comprehensive or it's not enough. The fact is that there are robust complaints processes when it comes to a supported independent living provider as well as through the NDIS, and if you feel the property doesn't provide the right support model for you, you can go through the complaints process so you can change your support model to an appropriate one for your needs.

It's best to have the appropriate support model before you move in, and if you are in the process of applying for SDA accommodation and funding, it's at this stage that you can state your case and provide as much information as possible to show that you need a specific support model.

It should be your choice over your level of support and who works with you. A lot of people feel they don't have the flexibility to choose who works with them. You should not settle for anything less than perfection. It's your right to be treated in the way that you see fit. Do not be afraid to ask questions and negotiate with the SDA provider so you can get everything that you need.

Ultimately, the level of support that you demand is going to help you live a better life and be more independent. Knowing what the right support model is for you will not just benefit you but being open and transparent with the SDA from the very beginning means that you can set up a dialogue that benefits both sides.