An innovative housing and

support project

National Disability Summit 2016

Dr Di Winkler & Natalie Butler

Overview

• About the Summer Foundation

• Reason for Demonstration Housing and Support Projects

• Key learning’s from Melbourne Project informing NSW Hunter Project

• Insights from applicants for NSW Hunter Project

• The model in a NDIS context

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3TV commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKMahj-dDRY

About the Summer Foundation

MISSION

To stop young people from

being forced to live in aged

care facilities because there is

nowhere else for them

Why establish the Demonstration Projects?

• Research highlights need for wider range of housing and support

models for people under 65 as an alternative to aged care

facilities

• Integrated thinking across building design, technology and

support approach - how they work together to support greater

independence

• Need opportunities to refine model through action research and

independent evaluation

• Change paradigm of housing for people with significant

disabilities – NDIS provides new opportunities.

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Core features of our Demonstration Projects

1. Individual units peppered through a well located apartment building

2. Universal design – highly accessible and adaptable

3. Communication and home automation technology

4. Individualised and independence enhancing support approach,

balanced with some efficiencies from close proximity of units

5. Access to 24 hour emergency support

6. One support provider for first 2 years

7. Tenants have full tenancy rights and responsibilities

8. Housing managed by professional property and tenancy manager

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Purpose of Demonstration Projects

Implement & refine model in a NDIS funding context that shows:

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The Abbotsford Project: Melbourne, VIC

Video: Insight from

a Tenant perspective

“Bily’s Story”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EOOX5G0KMY&list=PLElxlnPqnmzkKlkcnmzylrKTgo-EXYjG0&index=21

Billy lives in the Abbotsford Demonstration Housing Project

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Key Learning’s from Abbotsford Project

Key Learning Description

Location Central location enables tenants to access local community

alone, and increase participation.

Tenants Selecting tenants with strong desire to live more independently

is essential to achieve successful outcomes.

Transition

support

Skilled and intensive transition support with focus on capability

building pre and post move enhances tenant outcomes.

Support

approach

Support staff focus on enabling tenants to be as independent

as possible is key - do with, not do for.

Technology Supports confidence, safety and reduces reliance on staff.

Provides tenants with control over home environment, creating

new housing opportunities for many.

Design Accessible and adaptable design supports ability to live with

greater independence. Ability to fine tune features for

individuals is essential.

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Hunter Region, NSW

Hunter Demonstration Project - Background

• Independent living for people with significant disabilities

• 10 accessible apartments within apartment development of 110

units

2 x 1.5 bedrooms

6 x 2 bedrooms

2 x 3 bedrooms for families

• All 10 units have customisable features + technology

• Additional apartment base for support staff

• Support focus on capability building to support independence and

inclusion

• Housing anticipated to be available in April 2016

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Courtyard

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Target Group

People who:

• have acquired or late onset disabilities

• want to enhance capacity to live more

independently

• need access to 24/7 support

• have ability to be left alone

• can alert staff if help required

• would have greater opportunities to

maintain life roles i.e. with family,

friends, etc.

Insights from Applicants for Hunter Project

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Key

Insights

Description

Housing

Options

Many people with complex disabilities and support needs are seeking

different housing options.

Housing tension – people are desperate for solutions. Many enquiries didn’t

meet criteria; 30% formal applicants prepared to relocate.

Trust and

Rapport

Families and individuals need support to understand possibility of

independent living. Established rapport and trust is required, so person can

feel safe to share fears, doubts, anxieties, and excitement about future

opportunities. This takes time!

Education Enormous journey of thinking for most – to envision a life with greater

freedom and choice in a life that often has been significantly restricted.

Individuals, families and professionals need to understand what is possible.

Notion of 24/7 support in theory v’s practice.

Communication Expression of interest released via known local networks. Majority of

applications came via 3rd person. People with disabilities have limited access

to information, therefore require variety of communication methods.

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Hunter Project - Progress• Tenants:

Selection process in consultation with independent OT

4 tenants have accepted offer, transition phase has commenced

Commenced collaborative planning approach with NDIA

• Support Provider and Tenancy & Property Manager: Appointed

• Research: Pre and post move data will be collected

The model in a NDIS context

1. Approach is consistent with NDIS framework

This model is an example of an approach which is consistent with the

objectives of the NDIS: to encourage independence and enhance

capacity building.

2. Model has the potential to reduce life time care costs Support

costs have potential to reduce, and greater quality of life outcomes

can be achieved by:

• Housing in central locations

• Well designed and accessible housing

• Availability of technology options

Example:

Support by 1hr per day = $15,000 saving per year

$300,000 saving over 20 years

Reports

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Design

Learnings

Reports

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Social Finance Think Tank Financing Housing

Workshops & tours

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housinginfo@summerfoundation.org.au

What Next?

Next version of design report

• Photos of design elements

• Cost of adaptable features vs standard features

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What Next? - Discussion Paper

What is an appropriate housing design framework for

people with significant disability?

• Compares the design specifications for first two housing projects

with:

• AS 1428.1 General requirements for access – New building work

• Livable Housing Design Guidelines

• Highlights the gap in existing standards for delivering accessible and

flexible design.

• Collaborators

• Transport Accident Commission/Residential Independence Pty

• MSM Architects

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What Next? - Research

Framework

• Iterative process of learning and evaluation

• Transition

• Outcomes of tenants – QoL, community inclusion, choice & control,

independence, paid supports

• Post occupancy evaluation

• NDIS Outcomes Framework & Cost data – baseline, costs, huge

dataset, pay for outcomes

• Outcomes of 40-50 people 2 years post move

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What Next? - Knowledge

Iterative process

Evaluate

Document knowledge generated in collaboration with partners

Disseminate – knowledge hub

Types of knowledge

• Built design

• Technology

• Stories to enable potential tenants to make an informed choice

• Transition

• Support

• Evaluation of outcomes & research

• Financial Models

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What Next? – Housing Projects

Learn by doing – Will not do the same thing

Funding – Needs to replicable and scalable

Density – Focus on high and medium density

Strategic – New learning or potential for replication and scale

• Public housing renewal sites

• Housing associations

• multiple potential sites over the next 5-7 years

• commitment to generating and sharing knowledge

• Large property groups

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About the Summer Foundation

Established in 2006, the mission of the Summer Foundation is to

resolve the need for young people with disability to live in nursing

homes. The Summer Foundation focuses research, creating a

movement, and developing integrated housing models.

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Questions?

Facebook Building Better Lives

Twitter @SummerFoundtn

LinkedIn Summer Foundation Ltd.

youtube.com/user/SummerFoundation

Keep in touch

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Natalie Butler

Project Coordinator – NDIS Hunter Region

E natalie.butler@summerfoundation.org.au

Di Winkler

CEO

E di.winkler@summerfoundation.org.au

P 1300 626 560

Contact Us