ID: Man in a wheelchair drinking a hot drink next to a female Support Worker at a Morning Tea.
For Ian and his family, the past few years have brought significant and unexpected challenges. Once an interstate truck driver who valued his independence, Ian’s life changed dramatically after experiencing multiple strokes in 2023. Today, he is settled in a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) home in Nuriootpa, where he has the care, accessibility and support he needs to live safely and comfortably.
A Life Changed by Stroke
Before his strokes, Ian lived independently in Eudunda. Although he had already stopped interstate truck driving due to balance difficulties associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus, he continued to manage life on his own. His daughter, Regina, had noticed changes in his mobility, including a shuffling gait and increased periods of sitting or resting.
In September 2023, Ian suffered a haemorrhagic stroke and multiple lacunar strokes, beginning a lengthy and complex health journey. According to Regina, Ian experienced a total of 11 strokes. He had originally been admitted to hospital to receive treatment for his pre-existing hydrocephalus, but this treatment was ultimately deemed too risky due to the severity and frequency of the strokes.
Following his hospitalisation, Ian was unable to return home. Instead, he spent months moving between several hospitals and rehabilitation settings while his family and support team worked to identify the most appropriate long-term housing solution.
Starting the SDA Journey
Ian entered the NDIS for the first time following his strokes. From the outset, it was clear that his support needs had changed significantly and that accessible housing would play a critical role in his future. During his initial NDIS planning meeting, Ian’s daughter and nominee, Regina, worked alongside his Support Coordinator to advocate for Specialist Disability Accommodation funding.
Given his high care needs, SDA funding was included in Ian’s plan, and he was also granted Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) while suitable long-term housing was identified.
A Collaborative Effort
Like many SDA journeys, Ian’s pathway involved a large team working together behind the scenes.
His Support Coordinator collaborated closely with My Ability Pathway’s leadership team, hospital social workers, the YIPRAC team and housing providers to ensure the necessary evidence and documentation were submitted correctly. The process required ongoing communication, frequent follow-up and coordination between multiple stakeholders.
While these administrative processes can often be complex, the goal was to minimise stress for Ian and his family and ensure a smooth transition into appropriate housing.
Finding the Right Home Close to Family
Location was one of the most important considerations for Ian and his family.
With strong ties to the Kapunda and Eudunda region, Ian wanted to remain as close as possible to his family, while also having access to specialised housing and support services. His Support Coordinator explored available SDA options through Housing Hub and by contacting SDA providers directly. Several properties were considered, but the priority remained finding a home within a reasonable distance of family and community connections.
Ian initially moved into an SDA home in Gawler East, providing him with an immediate solution when suitable accommodation became available. At the same time, plans were underway for new SDA homes to be developed in Nuriootpa, much closer to the area Ian and his family called home.
When the opportunity arose, Ian transitioned into one of the newly completed SDA homes in Nuriootpa, allowing him to be even closer to his support network and maintain stronger connections with family and community.
Looking Ahead
Today, Ian is enjoying the benefits of living in a purpose-built SDA home that meets his accessibility and support needs. His journey demonstrates the importance of early advocacy, collaborative planning and person-centred decision-making when navigating the SDA process.
Most importantly, it highlights how the right home can do much more than provide accommodation – it can restore connection, improve quality of life and create a foundation for greater independence and wellbeing.
For Ian and his family, finding the right SDA home was about more than a house. It was about finding a place where he could feel safe, supported and close to the people who matter most.
There are currently vacancies available in SDA homes in both Nuriootpa and Tanunda. These homes offer an opportunity for eligible participants to access purpose-built accommodation close to local services, community connections and support networks.
