Helping NDIS Participants Move From Aged Care to SDA

If you support NDIS participants who are under age 65 but are living in aged care, it is likely they feel out of place, disconnected and limited in their independence. Many of these participants could thrive in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), yet they feel stuck in an environment that don’t suit their disability needs or lifestyle.

This guide covers how to recognise when SDA might be a better fit, how to quickly check eligibility using our free online tool, and how you can support participants to find the right SDA home and transition smoothly. We are here to help you every step of the way.

How to Know When A Participant May Be Better Suited to SDA

You know your NDIS clients, and you can probably sense when their current environment isn’t meeting their needs. Here are a few signs that SDA might be a much more suitable option.

1. Their functional needs are higher than what aged care can support

If they need full accessibility, robust assistive technology, high levels of support or purpose-built features, an SDA home may give them far more safety and independence.

2. They have goals around independence or community connection

Aged care settings often restrict freedom. If a participant wants to be part of their local community, have more choice about their routines or live with people around their own age, SDA could be a far better match.

3. They are under 65 and their support needs are disability related

The NDIS prefers for younger people with disability to live in age-appropriate housing. If their care needs are not tied to ageing, SDA is worth exploring.

4. They feel isolated or disconnected

You may notice they struggle to form social connections in aged care. SDA homes are designed to support a more vibrant, community centred lifestyle.

If any of these feel familiar, it is a good time to check whether SDA funding may be available.

Your Easy First Step: Vera Living’s Free SDA Eligibility Tool

SDA eligibility can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You and the participant can complete our free SDA Eligibility Tool to get a clear understanding of whether SDA is worth pursuing.

Try the tool here and get an accurate eligibility score in less than 10 minutes

Many support coordinators find this tool incredibly helpful before they begin gathering reports or preparing an application.

How You Can Support the SDA Application Process

Once you know SDA might be appropriate, here is how you can guide your participant through the next steps.

1. Make sure their goals reflect their housing needs

Check that their NDIS plan includes goals about moving out of aged care or living more independently. This sets a strong foundation for the SDA request.

2. Arrange for quality assessments

A detailed functional assessment from an Occupational Therapist is usually essential. Good reports highlight daily challenges and explain clearly why a purpose-built SDA home is needed.

3. Collect supporting evidence

This may include your own letter of support, medical reports or behaviour support plans. The goal is to paint a clear picture of why SDA is the right environment.

4. Submit and track the application

You can help your participant stay organised, communicate with the NDIA and make sure everything is lodged correctly.

Helping The Participant Find the Right SDA Home

Once the application has been submitted, you and the participant should start exploring homes that match their needs and lifestyle. If a suitable home is identified while the NDIS outcome is still being determined, this may help strengthen the case for SDA.

We encourage you to continue to actively explore available SDA options whilst the application is pending, and if a suitable home is found before the outcome is received, it can help progress the application. Finding a suitable home before the application outcome could also prevent any delays once SDA funding is approved.

Contact Vera Living’s Participant Engagement Specialist for the location your client is interested in

Search for suitable properties

Check the SDA category, the location and how well the home fits their goals and lifestyle.

Organise tours

Seeing the home in person or virtually helps participants imagine their future there and builds their confidence in the move. Our Participant Engagement team are always happy to help organise a tour.

Coordinate with support providers if required

Not all participants will require Supported Independent Living (SIL), but for those who do, ensure supports align with their independence goals so the transition goes smoothly.

How We Support You and The Participant

We know that moving someone from aged care to SDA is a significant process, and we make it as smooth as possible for both you and the participant.

We help with personalised SDA guidance

Our Participant Engagement team is always ready to answer questions and provide advice tailored to the individual.

We assist with evidence preparation

We work closely with you and allied health professionals to ensure the application is strong and well aligned to NDIA requirements.

We match participants with the right SDA homes

We help you find homes that feel right for the participant and their lifestyle, not just homes that meet the category.

We support the full transition

From the first conversation to move in day, we are there to make sure the participant feels supported and prepared.

Start with the Free SDA Eligibility Tool Today

If you’re supporting someone in aged care who deserves a home that gives them independence, comfort and control over their life, the best next step is a quick eligibility check.

Why Choose Vera Living?