If you are searching for short term accommodation in Melbourne, it is likely for a solid reason. But renting an apartment or home for a few months, particularly if you are a person with a disability, is a challenge.
You might not find fully-accessible rooms or may find the ones with premium rentals. As a person with a disability, having an NDIS-approved short-term accommodation is a helpful alternative. But transitioning to a new place starts with planning for a stay.
In this blog, you will explore a few tips and tricks to plan your short-term stay in an NDIS-authorised accommodation facility. So, keep reading the blog till the end.
Understanding the NDIS Short Term Accommodation in Melbourne
NDIS accommodates a housing facility for a person having an NDIS plan. Whether you are looking for a change of place, need new friends, are recovering from a surgery, or want to transition to a supported independent living (SIL) later, short-term accommodation is a foundational step.
You can choose to live in the NDIS-accessible accommodation for up to 28 days in a year. However, many providers are open to a 14-day stay at a time. The remaining 14 days of accommodation is available only after the completion of the first stay.
Reasons to Choose an NDIS Short Term Housing
Here is why you must choose this type of short term accommodation in Melbourne for your disability.
- Availability of a support coordinator 24/7.
- Assistance with household chores, personal care, and daily living activities.
- Relief to your primary caregiver for a temporary time.
- Opportunity to engage in community activities and social groups.
- Education on new skills promoting independence.
- Allows change of living environment before transitioning to a supported independent living or a shared group home from a home or a hospital.
Tips to Plan Your NDIS Short Stay
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Know If You’re Eligible:
Before finding the right STA provider, you must be well aware of the eligibility. You are welcome to request an NDIS accommodation only if:
- You live with a family or a friend.
- Your NDIS plan covers short-term accommodation funding under Core Supports.
- Your need for a different environment is directly related to your disability.
You cannot live in an STA stay if you are presently living in an NDIS supported independent living or shared home with a professional support worker.
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Gauge Yours and Your Primary Caregiver’s Needs:
Take a moment to analyse the most crucial reasons behind choosing a short term accommodation in Melbourne. It could be as impactful as the following purposes:
- Learning a new independent skill.
- Getting mobility aids.
- Allowing respite care for your caregiver.
- Frequency of the temporary relief to an informal support.
But it can also be as simple a reason like the following:
- Meeting new friends.
- Requiring a different living environment.
Whatever the grounds behind choosing an STA stay is, it must directly support your disability goals to feel empowered and independent in living a new life.
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Consider a Right Accommodation:
When exploring different types of accommodation, the first thing is to look for a house that is designed for your needs. Think about the following factors.
- Analyse the layout of an NDIS short term accommodation in Melbourne.
- Consider a short-term shared group home for community living or an independent apartment for more control.
- Find out the accessibility to move around in the new space, door widths, and bathroom access.
- Plan for assistive technology requirements like a hoist, wheelchair, walker, or a railing system.
- Ensure to have a personalised care from a disability support worker.
- Look for the safety and privacy to live more comfortably.
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Find the Disability Support Services:
If you are choosing an STA facility, it is good to discover about the extended support services.
- If the purpose is to offer respite care for a family member, consider the duration of the stay. In addition, knowing the medium to communicate with your primary care provider is always a good strategy.
- Look for providers offering community engagement services over and above the accommodation means.
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Confirm the Duration of the Stay:
- You must plan the number of stay days in advance and keep track of the number. This helps to avoid exceeding the annual limit.
- Ask about the flexibility to extend the stay for any unexpected reason.
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Plan Ahead for the Dietary and Medication Needs:
- You must see if the provider personalises their meal preparation services according to your dietary restrictions.
- Ask if there is a provision for adapting to your medication needs, whether in terms of administering the medicines or storing them.
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Budget for a Short Term Accommodation in Melbourne:
- Understand the upfront costs and ensure they match with the allocated NDIS funding. This can include accommodation fees, care services, meals, and additional expenses (e.g., excursions or activities).
- Confirm about the uncovered fees in STA services like entry ticket to an event or personal expenses on food or travel.
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Review and Confirm the Service Agreement:
- Get a service agreement in writing including start date, STA services, stay duration, and service delivery model in advance.
- Verify the inclusions like meal, transport, or personal care assistance in your STA plan or a service.
Final Words
We hope you found this blog useful. As you see, having an NDIS short term accommodation in Melbourne in a planned manner leaves you feeling happy, content, and empowered. As long as you are choosing the right STA provider, your temporary stay should fulfill your disability goals.
Remember to seek clarifications, discuss your preferences, and analyse the offerings in detail before signing for the STA disability support service. If you are ready to take the next step, you must choose Life with Choice Care in Melbourne as your ultimate disability support provider. Contact their team today to learn more.
