Brett Morris believes regaining independence is life-changing for a person with a disability – and that is why he wants to move to Accessible Homes Australia’s Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) at East Palm Beach.
“Imagine if I could make lunch, get dressed, open my own door and head to the shops on my own,” Brett says.
The 49-year-old, who lives in social housing in Tweed Heads, says a move to an SDA Qld one participant, two-bedroom beachfront apartment in the Palm Beach development, located on 23rd Avenue, would help rebuild his confidence and his ability to independently live, work and play.
“The flat, central and safe location is wonderful, and will allow me to be really independent,” he says.
“It’s right where I play wheelchair rugby at Tallebudgera, I can go for a swim close by and I can easily get to work in Burleigh.
“The G:Link tram will also be nearby in the future, so eventually I’ll have access to the train and airport.
“The floorplan, home automation and communication technologies, and the round-the-clock onsite care will also make life easy.
“All these little things will build my confidence and give me a sense of pride knowing that I can do things on my own again. However, it’s also good to be able to ask for help.”
After applying through the NDIS for SDA participant registration, Brett is hopeful of being an approved applicant for one of the seven SDA apartments on offer, scheduled for occupation from July 2021.
Living independently is something Brett took for granted before life changed profoundly after a rugby tackle in 1993, which left him as a quadriplegic.
“It was a simple tackle, but I landed on my neck and was instantly paralysed,” he says.
“I was really sick and in intensive care for a long time. After three months, I got all feeling back. However, my movement was affected and I didn’t regain pain sensation.
“The injury left me unable to do many things by myself and I still require a lot of help. I lived with my parents for 10 years and since 2002, have been living in social housing which is not designed or built to cater for my supported living needs.
“A lot of people are not as lucky as me – many end up in aged care facilities or institutions. However, at the end of the day, public housing is not suitable for people like me, and I need to live somewhere that really caters for my needs.”
The purpose built supported living apartments, offering independent living to NDIS Housing participants requiring high level physical support, are set within a collection of 33 new residential apartments across nine levels at the Palm Beach development.
They will feature a customised kitchen, laundry and bathroom, provisions for a bedroom hoist, as well as round-the-clock onsite care assistance provided by AHA partner MS Queensland. Participants will be able to access the concierge support service in addition to bringing their primary care support team with them when they move in.
The location has direct sloping beach access and is a stone’s throw from shops and community facilities, along with Tallebudgera Creek. It is also close to public transport and Palm Beach’s dining and shopping precinct.
AHA is also seeking current and prospective NDIS SDA applicants for it’s second SDA location, One Grant Avenue, Hope Island, which is scheduled for occupation in December 2021.
If you, a friend or loved-one could benefit from moving into a more suitable, accessible and supported-living home, contact us now.
