Complex NDIS rules leave homes empty

THE chair of a registered health provider servicing regions including Bendigo and Greater Geelong has blamed complicated funding criteria as the reason for many Australians living with a disability missing out on independent accommodation.

Hearth Australia’s Justin Scanlon said proper guidance in terms of assisting people to negotiate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) could help them live self-sufficiently.

Mr Scanlon said the issue is so severe that Hearth Australia is considering placing its two Bendigo special disability residences on the open rental market.

“We set up the two homes because we understood that there was strong demand in Bendigo for NDIS funded Victorians whose goals included independent living,” he said. “But finding (suitable) NDIS participants has proven challenging.”

“One reason is that applying for the funding is often lengthy, and not funded appropriately. This is why many are giving up before getting anywhere near realising their goals.”

Suitable applicants from Bendigo still have one final opportunity to register for the homes, according to Mr Scanlon.

“We are looking at three people who have supported independent living funding, living together in each home,” he said. “It would be ideal for participants who already want to live with each other.

“We are also offering planning services to help people prepare for the move from their current accommodation or their family home into either of the two homes.

“But time is running out and we want to make sure no one misses out on this opportunity to choose how they want to live.”

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