Understanding when it’s time to consider high-support accommodation

Recognising when it’s time to consider high-support accommodation can help you make informed decisions that respect your loved one’s dignity and wishes whilst ensuring they get the care they need.  

At MSWA, we understand how tough this decision can be. For more than 50 years, we’ve helped thousands of Western Australians navigate this transition, offering support and guidance every step of the way. Here’s how to recognise when it might be time to consider high-support accommodation and what support is available when you’re ready. 

High-support accommodation provides round-the-clock care for Clients with complex medical or support needs. For people living with neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease (MND), multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s disease or Parkinson’s disease this level of care can make daily life safer and more comfortable. 

At MSWA, our purpose built, high-support accommodation facilities offer: 

• 24/7 on-site support
• Access to MSWA allied health services like Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy
• Spacious, accessible environments designed for safety, comfort and independence
• A sense of community with social and recreational activities that help people stay connected and engaged 

MSWA has six high-support accommodation facilities across WA – from Butler to Albany – each thoughtfully designed to balance privacy and independence with the security of knowing professional care is always close by. 

It’s never easy to decide to leave the familiarity of home. It can bring about feelings of loss –of independence, of home and of how things used to be. 

But for many families, the reality is that high-support accommodation is often a step towards better quality of life. It can ease the exhausting demands of physical care so that you can focus on simply being present as loved ones, not just carers. 

Understanding the signs can help families recognise when this level of support may truly be the safest and kindest option. 

Here are some key signs that it might be time to start the conversation: 

Neurological conditions often bring unpredictable and progressive symptoms. Frequent infections, difficulties with swallowing, falls and limited or declining mobility can quickly become too difficult to manage safely at home. 

MSWA’s high-support accommodation gives residents access to experienced nurses, support workers and allied health professionals who specialise in neurological care. Our team is trained to monitor health changes closely and respond quickly to emergencies, helping manage symptoms and prevent complications. 

As a neurological condition progresses, many people experience challenges with physical mobility or managing daily tasks like bathing, toileting or eating. For carers, assisting with heavy lifting or complex transfers at home can pose serious risks of injury for both the person being cared for and the carer. 

MSWA’s high-support accommodation is designed to make this safer and more comfortable, with purpose-built hoists, adjustable beds and trained staff to provide the right support every day. 

Caring for someone 24/7 is physically and emotionally demanding. Many family carers neglect their own health, work or relationships while providing care. 

If you, or someone you know, is feeling exhausted or unable to keep providing care safely, it may be time to seek professional support. Choosing high-support accommodation at MSWA doesn’t mean stepping back, It means you’re putting your loved one’s wellbeing and safety first, while giving yourselves the space to simply be family again. 

Sometimes, even with home modifications, the family home can become unsafe. Falls, medication management or the need for constant supervision may mean it’s time for a purpose-built environment. 

MSWA’s homes are designed for people with significant mobility and support needs, with every detail considered from wide doorways and accessible bathrooms to communal areas that foster connection. 

Many people living at home can become isolated due to limited mobility or communication challenges. Staying connected and engaged is vital for wellbeing. High-support accommodation can provide opportunities for social engagement, tailored activities and a sense of community that’s hard to maintain at home.  

At MSWA, our residents are part of a community, with opportunities to socialise, enjoy shared meals and take part in activities that support a sense of belonging. 

MSWA’s high-support accommodation facilities are purpose-built for people living with neurological conditions. These homes are designed to meet Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) standards for eligible NDIS participants and include round-the-clock care, nursing and therapies so your loved one’s changing needs are always supported. 

Depending on your situation, you may also be able to access Supported Independent Living (SIL) support to help with daily tasks and personal care.  

For many families, the financial aspect is a major concern. The NDIS may fund SIL for eligible people under 65. Additionally, funding for high-support accommodation may also be available through Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA) or the Continuity of Support (COSA) initiative. 

Our team can guide you through your funding, eligibility and accommodation options and help you make the move when the time comes. 

Bringing up the idea of high-support accommodation can feel daunting. Here are some ways to make it more manageable: 

• Talk early: If possible, start the conversation before care becomes an emergency. This gives everyone time to plan and understand funding options.
• Involve your loved one: Ensure the person at the centre of the decision is part of it as much as possible. Their wishes and preferences should guide what happens next.
• Get professional advice: Speak with your GP, Neurologist or a MSWA Client Liaison Coordinator about what level of care is appropriate.
• Visit facilities: Touring different facilities can ease fears and help families understand what daily life looks like in high-support accommodation.
• Seek peer support: Connecting with other families who have made the move can be comforting and insightful. 

Choosing high-support accommodation doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you care deeply about your loved one’s safety, comfort and dignity. Sometimes, the best way to care is to accept help from people who have the skills, resources and experience to meet complex needs. 

With the right care in place, your loved one can keep living with comfort, dignity and choice while you get to focus on what matters most – being together as a family. 

If you’re starting to think about high-support accommodation and if it’s right for your family, reach out to MSWA today. Our friendly team can answer your questions, arrange a tour of our homes and help you make the decision that’s right for you and your loved one.