FRUSTRATIONS continue to mount as a house equipped to cater for several residents living with intellectual or physical disabilities remains vacant in the Blue Lake city.
The rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has hindered potential tenants, with five male clients waiting for government-funded support to make a move into the home possible.
Representatives from the NDIS and the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of South Australia (PQSA) – which leases and manages the house – met earlier this week to address the issue.
Construction of the house wrapped up in November last year and was jointly funded by Ryder-Cheshire, Rotary Mount Gambier and a $530,000 federal grant.
Foundation president Matthew Dixon said there was a sense of frustration due to the charity organisation’s intent when building its second home in the city.
“Our underlying aim is to alleviate suffering as we build homes for those with intellectual and physical disabilities,” Mr Dixon said.
Mr Dixon said the rollout of the NDIS coincided with the completion of the home, creating issues for tenants.
“This means the people who wish to live in the home must apply and be assessed to be sure they are compatible with one another and make sure they fit the criteria,” he said.
“They then also have to apply to the Federal Government to be approved for a type of supportive independent assisted living allowance or grant.”
While understanding of the process, Mr Dixon said a solution was needed.
“I understand because it is quite an expensive and high-end service,” he said.
“But I do not agree with it taking this long.
“The government and taxpayers wish to ensure that our money is being spent responsibly.
“One department can give us funding to build this beautiful home yet another department needs to get itself sorted so people can move in,” he said.
“The people who have expressed interest do not understand they cannot just move in which must be frustrating for them, their carers and their families.”
PQSA chief executive Peter Stewart said the cause for delay of funding was “fairly lengthy and involved”.
“We have identified the need for the house in terms of the funding process that has to be taken and they do take time, but this is taking longer than we expected,” Mr Stewart said.
“When we had plans for the second house we did not have all the information in regards to helping clients.
“We were not aware of the process people needed to have to facilitate them coming into the house.
“We are willing to provide access to the home for those with disabilities and we are really eager to get it going because it is a beautiful home for them to live the lifestyle they want to live.”
An NDIS spokesperson said funding was provided directly to participants as part of an individual, tailored plan.
According to the spokesperson, this allows clients to have greater choice and control over the disability-related services they receive, including accommodation support.
“Funding for Supported Independent Living (SIL) may be provided to a participant as part of their plan, if it is appropriate,” they said.
“This depends on the level of support they require to live independently in the housing option of their choice.
“The NDIS works with providers of SIL support to ensure all necessary information is received.”
The funding has not impacted on the foundation’s first Mount Gambier home – built in 2006 – which houses five women.
