Respite Care for People with Intellectual Disabilities

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Short Term Accommodation

Short Term Accommodation (STA), including respite care, offers you and your carer temporary accommodation and support. It allows carers to take a break for various reasons – ranging from personal time to handling family emergencies – safe in the knowledge that their loved ones are in a supportive environment.

The Benefits of STA for People with Intellectual Disabilities

STA offers you a change of scenery and a chance to interact with different people, which can be refreshing and stimulating. For your carer, it's a vital support system that helps maintain their health and well-being, ensuring they can continue to provide effective care long-term.

• Change of Environment
  STA provides a refreshing change of scenery, which can be stimulating and rejuvenating for people living with intellectual disabilities. It allows you to experience different settings, meet new people, and get involved in different activities that might not be part of your daily routine.
• Social Interaction
  In respite care, people have opportunities to socialise with peers and staff, enhancing their social skills and reducing feelings of isolation. This interaction can help you develop communication skills and build a wider social network.
• Continued Care and Support
  STA ensures that people continue to receive professional care and support while their regular caregivers are away. This includes assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and any specialised support you might require.
• Relief for Caregivers
  Respite care is essential for caregivers, providing them with a much-needed break to rest and recharge. Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding, and breaks are vital to maintain the caregiver’s health, which in turn benefits the quality of care they can provide.
• Promotion of Independence
  Short-term stays in different environments can help people with intellectual disabilities develop greater independence. It encourages you to adapt to new surroundings and routines, which can enhance your ability to adjust to change and increase your self-reliance.
• Flexible and Accessible Care
  STA respite care is flexible; it can be planned ahead or arranged at short notice to cover emergency situations. This flexibility ensures your family and caregivers can manage unexpected events or commitments without disrupting the support you receive.

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Medium Term Accommodation

Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is designed for people living with intellectual disabilities who need temporary transitional housing. This accommodation type is often used when you find yourself in between long-term arrangements, such as waiting for home modifications or permanent SDA housing to become available.

The Benefits of MTA for People with Intellectual Disabilities

This option ensures you a safe, supported, and comfortable place to live while waiting for your permanent home. Offering tailored services, it provides continuity of support, ensuring that your lifestyle and daily routines are not disrupted during any transitional periods.

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‍Supported Independent Living (SIL) Accommodation

United For Care also provides Supported Independent Living (SIL). SIL is a type of NDIS support for anyone living with intellectual disabilities who needs help or supervision with daily tasks. The aim is always to set you up to live as independently as possible. SIL accommodation is not just about physical housing but includes person-centred supports that focus on developing your skills and independence.  

The Benefits of SIL for People with Intellectual Disabilities

SIL is particularly beneficial for people living with significant intellectual disabilities. It ensures you receive continuous support tailored to your needs, ranging from basic household tasks to more tricky needs like personal care and medication management.  

SIL helps create a structured environment where you can thrive from day one, while gaining more and more independence over time.

Services included in SIL

Supported Independent Living (SIL) focuses on providing assistance and supervision so you can live as independently as possible. Here’s a list of day-to-day services included in SIL:

• Assistance with Daily Living Tasks
  Support with everyday tasks such as dressing, grooming, and maintaining personal hygiene.
• Cooking and Meal Preparation
  Help with planning meals, grocery shopping, cooking, and dietary management.
• Cleaning and Household Maintenance
  Assistance with cleaning tasks like washing dishes, laundry, vacuuming, and other housekeeping.
• Medication Management
  Support with managing and administering medication, including reminders and assistance in taking the right dosage at the right time.
• Financial Management Support
  Help with managing finances, including budgeting and paying bills.

• Skill Development
  Programs are designed to enhance abilities in areas such as communication, social skills, and using public transport.
• Behaviour Support
  Assistance in managing challenging behaviours through positive behaviour support strategies and interventions.
• Social and Community Participation
  Support in engaging with community activities, attending appointments, and maintaining social connections.
• 24-Hour Support
  Depending on your needs, round-the-clock care may be provided to ensure safety and well-being at all times.

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Accessing NDIS Accommodation

To access NDIS accommodation options like SIL or SDA, you’ll first need to have an NDIS plan. This plan outlines the supports funded by the NDIS and how they can be used. It's essential to discuss your housing needs during your NDIS planning meeting to ensure that accommodation is included in your plan.

Accommodation Considerations

When considering your accommodation options, consider the level of support needed, the proximity of the accommodation to family and local amenities, accessibility, and personal preferences about the type of environment you’ll eventually live in. The pricing for each accommodation type under the NDIS is regulated and varies depending on the support levels and location.

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