A place to call home: supporting better living through better housing

At Scope, we believe a home is more than just a roof over your head. It’s a place where you feel safe, supported, and free to be yourself. A place where you can belong and thrive.

That’s why we’re making sure every home where we provide Supported Independent Living (SIL) is the right fit for the people living there, both now and into the future.

A better home means a better life

We regularly check our homes to make sure they are safe, accessible, and meet the needs and preferences of the people who live there.
Sometimes, these checks show that a home is no longer suitable. This might be because:

• The layout or narrow halls and doorways makes it hard to move around, especially if using mobility aids
  
• Shared bathrooms don’t allow much privacy or independence
  
• Too many people live there
  
• The home needs a lot of upgrades and repair
• The home doesn’t match what people want or need anymore.

When this happens, we always try to improve the home first, working with landlords or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers to see if we can make the changes the home needs. But if those changes aren’t possible, we may decide to stop providing SIL services in that home.

This decision is something we consider only when we genuinely believe it is the best option for the people living there.

New homes, better outcomes

In the past year, we’ve helped people move out of eight homes that no longer met their needs.

At the same time, we’ve worked with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers to open 13 new, purpose-built homes across six locations, creating 28 new places for people to live with SIL support.

And there’s more to come. We’re on track to open another 26 homes, with 73 new places, over the next 18 months. Many of these homes are purpose-built, with:

• Better accessibility
  
• More space and privacy
  
• Modern features
  
• Energy efficiency
  
• Room to adapt as people’s needs change.
  

These new homes are more comfortable for both our clients, and for our people who support them, and we’ve already seen what’s possible when people move into homes that truly meet their needs.

One person can now brush their own teeth because the sink in their new home is at the right height. Others have moved closer to family, or into homes where they feel more connected.

These might sound like small changes, but they can have a big impact.

This is what we want for everyone we support — a home that feels right, supports their independence, and helps them live well and thrive.

Choice, control, and support along the way

We know that any change in living arrangements can be difficult, especially when someone has lived in a home for a long time.

That’s why, if we do make the decision to exit a home, we take the time to speak with every client and their family or support team about what they want and need from a home. We work alongside them over many months to make sure any move is thoughtful, respectful, and led by their choices.
When this happens, we support people to:

• Visit other Scope homes and meet the residents and support workers
  
• Take the time they need to make a decision that feels right
  
• Arrange Home and Living assessments to help with applications for NDIS funding or other homes and providers.
  

Some people may choose to move into another Scope home. When that’s the case, we try to keep the same support workers in place whenever possible, so there are familiar and trusted faces around.

Others might choose to stay in the same home with a different SIL provider or move to a new home with a new provider. We fully support whatever choice is right for them.

A new chapter, in a familiar story

In early 2025, five long-time housemates made the move from one of our homes in Melbourne’s south-east to two brand-new homes just a few blocks away.

Some had lived together for decades and had many memories in their old home. It was a big change, but their new homes provided better accessibility, more privacy, and greater comfort. Most importantly, the two new homes are on the same block, so they could continue living alongside the people who matter to them.

The House Coordinator of 15 years and their support workers also moved to the new homes, helping our clients feel safe and settled. Having the same support team, along with familiar things like stained-glass windows and photos from their old home, helped make the move easier.

This is just one of many stories that show how strong relationships and the right kind of home can make a big difference. Even after many years in one place, the right support can help a new house quickly feel like home.

You’re not alone

We know that change can be hard, especially when it comes to something as important as your home.

But when a home is the right fit, everything else can start to feel easier too.

If you’re worried about your family member’s home or want to know more, please talk to their support team. We’re here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.

Because everyone deserves a home where they belong and where they can thrive, and that’s what we’re working toward, every day.

Have questions about Scope’s Supported Independent Living homes and changes?

Are you looking for SIL accommodation?