Choosing Between a Shared Home and a Single-Resident SDA Dwelling

SDA homes come in a few different building types — commonly shared homes of two to five residents, villa or duplex arrangements, and single-resident dwellings. There’s no universally “better” option; it depends on the person.

Reasons people choose shared living

• Built-in social contact and a less isolated day-to-day life
• Shared support costs can make some support models more efficient
• Common areas and communal facilities some participants prefer

Reasons people choose a single-resident home

• Full autonomy over routine, visitors and how the home is run
• Fewer compromises around shared decisions (like changing a SIL provider)
• Can suit participants with support needs that don’t align well with co-residents

Questions worth asking yourself

How important is company versus privacy to you day-to-day? Are you comfortable with shared decision-making about things like a SIL provider? Does a particular design category or location only come up in one building type in your area? Your Support Coordinator or LAC can help weigh these against your NDIS plan and goals — and we’re always happy to talk through what’s realistically available.