“It’s going to be huge”: family member experiences of the transition into individualised housing for people with disability

Tags: family, individualised housing, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Description:

Despite the shift towards individualised disability housing models there is limited research to inform best practice. The study aimed to understand more about the experience of people with disability moving into Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), from the perspectives of family members. This paper presents qualitative findings of interviews with 12 family members of people who had moved into SDA. Interviews were conducted during the transitional period, as the person with disability moved from living in group homes, residential aged care, or with family into SDA apartments.

We found that while the move to SDA apartments has benefits for people with disability and their families, it is also characterised by adjustment challenges and stresses. Our findings illustrate the need for considered planning and support for family members of people with disabilities moving into individualised housing.

Citation:

F. Carey, E. R. Minter, K. D’Cruz, J. Douglas, D. Winkler & P. Mulherin (01 Mar 2025): “It’s going to be huge”: family member experiences of the transition into individualised housing for people with disability, Disability and Rehabilitation, DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2025.2469767