Access to 24/7 onsite concierge care is a key element of Accessible Homes Australia’s Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) projects, as it plays a huge role in supporting people with a disability while giving them more independence and control.
We have partnered with United Disability Care (UDC) for our most recent project at No.1 Grant Avenue, Hope Island, to provide round-the-clock support to tenants within the ten SDA apartments there.
Here, we chat with United Disability Care CEO Sylvia Capps to find out why UDC is such a supporter of this model of care.
Q. Tell us a bit about United Disability Care
A. UDC has a team of passionate people who genuinely care about the lives and outcomes of the people we support. We treat the people we care for like family and help them to love their life and live their dreams.
Q. How do you feel about partnering with AHA and supporting tenants at Hope Island?
A. We are thrilled to be partnering with AHA to deliver our shared dream of providing participants with safe, accessible housing, quality care and renewed independence. Like AHA, we are dedicated to helping our Hope Island tenants achieve a lifestyle that is unique to them by providing supportive pathways to greater opportunities and experiences. It’s exciting to work with a like-minded organisation that is as passionate about the concierge model as we are.
Q. What do you love about the concierge model?
A. Every day we are inspired by the outcomes and the stories of independence people have achieved as a result of this style of care. The flexibility it provides in terms of choice and control for participants is unmatched, and it also provides cost savings to the NDIS which benefits everyone. UDC is committed to seeing the concierge care model be a successful and innovative step forward in the way we support people living with high care needs.
Q. Can you explain how the onsite concierge care works at Hope Island?
A. UDC has an onsite apartment that serves as an office for a rotating roster of carers who will be available for AHA tenants 24/7. Tenants can call us any time of the day or night by activating a button or voice command from their own home via hard-wired duress systems and two-way emergency communication tools built-in to the SDA apartments.
Q. How do you support AHA tenants at Hope Island?
A. How we support tenants is entirely up to them. We can be available to them as much, or as little as they like. Most participants have their own planned core supports throughout the day and use us for after-hours, unplanned support, or two-person support activities. Some of the services we are called on for include assisting with two-person transfers, personal care, housework — even assisting with pet care. No matter the request, we’re able to assist.
Q. How can you support people being cared for by family?
A. At Hope Island, tenants can share their homes with family members and spouses. Often these people provide primary support and participants use our concierge service to complement that care. Having onsite support is hugely beneficial for all involved as it means participants don’t have to rely as much on loved ones – easing the pressure, removing some of the responsibilities and giving everyone more freedom and independence.
