During the first week of May, United for Care celebrated the unveiling of a brand-new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) property located in the heart of Merrylands. We’re proud to announce that United for Care will be the property’s official Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider.
Putting the Merry in Merrylands, the open day crackled with excitement, as over 40 members of the NDIS community gathered under one big roof to explore the next-generation SDA property and experience first-hand the community spirit that lies at the heart of United for Care living.
A vibrant mix of attendees included everyone from United for Care SIL participants and potential residents to industry partners and local families. But perhaps the most welcome guest was the sun, peaking through the clouds and making a perfectly timed entrance after a week of rain!
A Celebration of Independence and Inclusive Living
From the moment guests came through the doors, they were greeted by a warm and welcoming environment. The open day was designed to be an interactive experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the exciting possibilities that the new property has to offer.
Our friendly staff gave tours and detailed explanations of United for Care's industry-leading Supported Independent Living (SIL) services and Vertika's best-in-class SDA homes. Guests were encouraged to ask questions, engage with the teams and truly envision themselves living in this stunning new development.
United for Care & Vertika – A Winning Combination
United for Care is proud to team up with Vertika as the official SIL partner of their new Merrylands property, combining to offer comprehensive disability support and specialist accommodation.
The Merrylands open day was a testament to the powerful partnership between Vertika and United for Care. Vertika's commitment to creating innovative and accessible living spaces perfectly complements United for Care's extensive experience in providing high-quality SIL support.
A Fusion of Style and Functionality
Vertika have outdone themselves with their latest project last month, creating a living space that caters to individual needs without sacrificing aesthetics. Each meticulously designed apartment offered a glimpse into a future filled with comfort, independence, and technological innovation.
Walking through the apartments, it became clear that the design team understood the importance of personalisation. Unlike some cookie-cutter disability housing options that feel more like facilities than homes, each apartment boasts its own unique decor, creating a sense of individuality and giving residents a space that feels like theirs and theirs only.
For all the tech lovers, the apartments also showcased a range of modifications designed to enhance daily life. Automated lighting systems responded to movement, and large tempered glass doors between bedrooms and bathrooms glided open at the touch of a button.
For those with specific mobility needs, cleverly designed features like adjustable kitchen benches and customisable bathroom fixtures ensured maximum comfort and independence.
DJ Dylan Steals the Show!
As much as guests were wowed by the apartments, the real star of the show was Dylan. Dylan is a talented DJ and SIL participant who travelled all the way from one of our Wollongong Vertical Villages to spin tunes on the big day, keeping the mood sky-high. Reflecting on the occasion, Dylan says “It’s just great to see so many people coming together in one place.”
Until just a few months ago, Dylan had been living in a group home. Now, he’s living in a United for Care SIL apartment in Wollongong and his support team is helping him pursue his passions. “They help me pack up all my equipment and drive me to the venues so I can do my thing”, says Dylan.
Dylan’s DJ performance and infectious enthusiasm perfectly embodied the spirit of United for Care – a dedication to empowering participants to showcase any unique talents that make them who they are.
A Community Hub for Connection & Growth
Beyond the individual apartments, the open day also showcased the fantastic communal spaces that form the heart of the Merrylands property. Bright and airy shared living rooms offer a perfect space for residents to gather, hang out, and enjoy group activities.
Two large outdoor communal terraces provide a tranquil space to relax and soak up the sun, and there’s even a barbeque to fire up for alfresco meals and outdoor events.
When Sydney’s iconic New Year’s fireworks display lights up the night sky each year, the Merrylands residents will get together and enjoy panoramic views from the roof terrace.
"This is exactly what I’ve been looking for!" – Jacob’s Perspective
Throughout the day, the positive feedback from attendees flooded in. Jacob, who’s currently living in SDA housing, expressed his delight at the unveiling: "This is exactly what I've been looking for! As somebody who has a daughter, I love the fact that this property has two and three-bedroom apartments. Families are often forced to live apart, but this property offers whole families a place to call home.”
Jacob was also blown away by the shared spaces, saying “The apartments are beautiful, but what I appreciate most are all the open and accessible communal spaces – they're so versatile. It doesn’t matter if it’s a birthday party, Christmas celebration, or just a casual get-together, residents will have the perfect environment for every occasion. As far as day-to-day living goes, whatever residents enjoy doing, they have the perfect space to do it in.”
The Power of People & Place
It’s this kind of dynamic, community-centred lifestyle that will make the new property so much more than a bricks-and-mortar building. Jacob says, “The property itself is unbelievably comfortable and inviting, but it’s once people arrive and start using it that the real magic happens.”
Jacob’s words echo the mission for the Merrylands project perfectly. United for Care and Vertika have built this property so that a diverse mix of people can come together and build a thriving community.
The property is purpose-designed to be a hub of support, personal development, and self-expression, where participants, support staff, families and friends can be themselves, and at the same time, be together.
Judging by the buzz and togetherness of the open day, the new Merrylands property is off to a fast start and radiating the warmth of a close-knit community. The first resident hasn’t even moved in yet, but it already feels like the place to be.
A Brand-New Property for a Brand-New You
Are you ready to live life to the fullest and experience the supportive community spirit of United for Care’s SDA and SIL living?
If you’re new to the NDIS or considering an accommodation change, United for Care can help. Our industry expertise and deep understanding of living with disabilities make us a reliable choice for your accommodation needs. We don’t just offer you a roof over your head, we give you a place to call home.
We believe in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where you’re empowered to live your best life, giving you the perfect blend of support and freedom. We’ll make sure your SIL support program and SDA arrangements are built around your amazing personality and whatever makes you, you!
Ready to get started with your NDIS journey? Talk to one of our friendly experts today:
Email Us: info@unitedforcare.com.au
Call Us: 1300 405 260
