Home and Living Assessments on the Sunshine Coast
Home and Beyond Occupational Therapy provides mobile Home and Living Assessments for NDIS participants who require evidence about their current or future housing and support needs.
Assessments may support requests for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Supported Independent Living (SIL), Individualised Living Options (ILO) or other Home and Living supports. Recommendations consider the person’s functional capacity, support requirements, home environment, goals, risks and anticipated future needs.
Sunshine Coast • North Brisbane • Gympie
At a glance
Home and Living Assessments for SDA, SIL, ILO and other housing and support options.
Comprehensive assessment of functional capacity, daily support needs, risks and the home environment.
Home-based assessment with consultation with relevant family members, support providers and health professionals.
Clear occupational therapy reports addressing current needs, future needs and the clinical reasoning for recommendations.
What is a Home and Living Assessment?
A Home and Living Assessment examines how a person’s disability affects their ability to live safely and as independently as possible in their current or proposed home. It considers functional capacity, daily support needs, risks, formal and informal supports, the home environment and anticipated future needs.
Functional capacity and support needs
Assessment considers mobility, transfers, personal care, domestic and community activities, cognition, communication, social interaction, supervision requirements and the type and level of assistance required during the day and overnight.
Housing and environmental requirements
Assessment considers whether the current or proposed home can safely support the person’s needs, including accessibility, space for equipment and support delivery, assistive technology, home modification requirements and anticipated future changes.
Home and Living support types
Depending on the referral, the report may address Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Supported Independent Living (SIL), both SDA and SIL, or Individualised Living Options (ILO). Recommendations are based on the assessment evidence and the specific decision the report is intended to support.
When should a Home and Living Assessment be considered?
A person is exploring future housing and support options.
Evidence is required for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is being considered for the first time.
Existing SIL or other in-home supports require review.
The person is considering an Individualised Living Option (ILO).
The current home no longer meets the person’s accessibility, safety or support needs.
The person is planning to move out of the family home or into a more independent living arrangement.
There has been a significant change in functional capacity, support needs, risks or living circumstances.
Informal supports are no longer able to safely or sustainably meet the person’s needs.
Recommendations are required regarding the type of housing, support model, assistive technology or home modifications needed now and in the future.
Understanding Home and Living support options
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Specialised housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA relates to the dwelling itself, rather than the daily supports provided within it.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Paid assistance or supervision with daily activities in the home. SIL relates to the support a person requires, rather than the type of housing they live in.
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
An individualised support arrangement designed around how, where and with whom a person wants to live. ILO relates to the support arrangement and does not fund the home itself.
How the Home and Living Assessment process works
Initial discussion
Eliza will speak with the participant or referrer to understand the person’s current living situation, goals, concerns and the purpose of the assessment. This may relate to SDA, SIL, ILO, a change in supports or a future move.
Assessment appointments
The assessment is usually completed in the person’s home and may involve more than one appointment or a follow up phone call. Eliza will talk with the person and those who support them, and look at how they manage everyday activities, their support needs, equipment, risks and home environment.
Review of supporting information
With consent, Eliza may review the person’s NDIS plan, reports from other health professionals, support logs and other relevant information. This helps build a clear picture of the person’s current and future needs.
Additional assessment tools
Standardised assessments may be used where they provide useful additional evidence about functional capacity, independence or support needs. The tools selected will depend on the person and the purpose of the referral.
Report and recommendations
The report brings the information together and explains the recommended housing, support and environmental requirements. A draft is usually provided to the participant or nominee for review before the final report is shared with the agreed recipients.
Funding and service locations
Funding pathway
NDIS
Home and Living Assessments are completed for NDIS participants where evidence is required for housing or in-home support decisions.
NDIS
Home and Living Assessments are completed for NDIS participants where evidence is required for housing or in-home support decisions.
Areas serviced
Sunshine Coast
North Brisbane
Gympie
Sunshine Coast
North Brisbane
Gympie
Discuss a Home and Living referral
Contact Eliza to discuss the person’s current or future housing and support needs and whether a Home and Living Assessment is appropriate.