Accommodation decisions
How we can help
We help adults with impaired decision-making ability make decisions about their accommodation. Types of living arrangements include:
- Supported independent living
- Specialist disability accommodation
- Co-tenancy arrangements
- Public and social housing
- Private rentals
- Hostel
- Remain living in their own
- Other accommodation options (for unique or less common accommodation types such as group homes, transitional housing, or culturally specific housing)
- Residential aged care.
We assist when we're appointed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) or when you have appointed us under an Enduring power of attorney (EPOA) or Advance health directive (AHD).
Our primary goal is to ensure your needs, preferences and rights are respected at all times.
What is our role in accommodation decisions?
If QCAT appoints us to make accommodation decisions, it means we can make decisions about:
- The type of accommodation you live in
- Who you live with, whether you live with someone else.
What principles guide our decision-making?
Our decisions are guided by the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 and our Structured Decision-Making Framework. These principles ensure that:
- Your human rights are respected
- Your views, wishes and preferences are considered as much as possible
- You're involved in the decision-making process to the greatest extent possible
- Decisions are made that promote and protect your rights, interests and opportunities in the least restrictive way.
What information do we need to make a decision?
To make an informed accommodation decision, we need specific information on the type of accommodation being considered. This ensures we can assess your needs and preferences accurately.
Below is a list of accommodation types and the information we may require for each:
- Evidence of SIL funding approval in your NDIS Plan
- Reports from support coordinators or occupational therapists outlining your support needs
- Information about your daily living skills and the level of assistance required.
- Confirmation of SDA funding approval in your NDIS Plan
- Reports from allied health professionals (e.g., occupational therapists) detailing your housing needs, such as accessibility requirements
- Information about your preferences for location and co-tenancy arrangements, if applicable.
- Evidence of social housing approval or application status
- Information about your income and eligibility for housing assistance
- Reports from support workers or case managers about your housing needs and preferences.
- Financial information, such as income details or funding approvals, to assess affordability
- Reports from allied health professionals about any modifications required for accessibility
- Information about your preferences for location and type of housing.
- An ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment confirming eligibility for residential aged care
- Medical history, including reports from specialists or general practitioners
- Information about your preferences for location, cultural considerations, and specific care needs.
For unique or less common accommodation types (e.g., group homes, transitional housing, or culturally specific housing), we may require:
- Reports from service providers or case managers outlining suitability
- Information about cultural or community needs, such as maintaining connection to Country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults
- Details about the availability of support services in the area.
Why is this information important?
Providing the necessary information promptly helps us make decisions more efficiently and ensures the accommodation meets your needs, preferences and rights.
If you’re unsure what documents or reports are required, we can guide you through the process.
What factors do we consider when we make an accommodation decision?
We carefully consider a range of factors to ensure the accommodation meets your needs.
1. Your views, wishes and preferences
- We’ll ask for your input in any way you can communicate (e.g. verbally, in writing, using visual supports, gestures).
- If you can’t communicate your wishes or preferences, we’ll consider past decisions or actions or consult people who know you well.
2. Suitability based on your needs
- The accommodation needs to be determined if it meets your medical, mobility and support. We will also consider your cultural needs if that is important to you (e.g. maintaining connection to Country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults).
- If you need to live with someone else you don’t know, we will consider if you and the other person are compatible (e.g., having similar interests).
3. Location
- We consider access to public transport, community activities and proximity to your support networks.
- For example, we’ll consider how accessible it is for your support network (e.g. family and friends) to visit with you at the location (or how easy it is for you to visit them).
4. Financial viability
- We work with your financial administrator to ensure the accommodation is affordable.
How long does it take to make a decision?
There’s no set timeframe, as every situation is unique. Factors that can affect the timeline include:
- The complexity of your needs
- Availability of suitable accommodation options
- Delays in providing necessary information.
We prioritise urgent decisions, such as those needed for adults who are homeless or in unsafe living conditions, while ensuring your rights wishes and wellbeing are protected.
What happens after we make a decision?
Once a decision is made, you and your support network are responsible for managing and arranging the move. We don't enforce decisions or manage the moving process.