St John of God Accord operates around 40 homes across Melbourne. We have decades of experience of providing housing for people with mental health needs: we were one of the first organisations to offer houses in our community to people leaving institutions and asylums at the end of the 20th century, and ever since we have been providing homes of the highest quality for people with severe and enduring mental health needs. The people who live in our homes have a range of mental health problems, some may also have learning disabilities or a history of other related problems. But beyond this, they are all individuals with unique needs and aspirations.
Our homes were created for life – and indeed some people who live in some of our residential locations still see their accommodation as real homes filled with their possessions and experiences. But increasingly people are encouraged to live as independently as possible, and to move into their own home when and if they feel ready. Since the Disability Act altered in June 2006 this has been a major drive behind some of our accommodation models. The industry is beginning to see a change in the accommodation service model and the push for community engagement and independence within reason and ability is the best way to break down those barriers that have existed in the past for so long.
Some of our homes are designed to include self-contained areas that people can use as ‘stepping stones’ on the way to getting their own place. St John of God Accord staff are working to support and help residents as they prepare to move out and adjust to independent living. This is a huge step for many organisations offering disability support services and the change process will no doubt take time to evolve effectively.
We offer 24-hour support, which means that there are always professionally qualified staff on hand to support residents and work through any issues that might arise. Since our restructure we now have teams for each house that work together to assist residents as efficiently as possible. Teams are designed around subsidiarity, meaning they are accountable to the residents and the way in which the homes are organised and managed. We strongly believe in this model and though new to the staff, the success of this style is starting to take effect and spin positively in the right direction. St John of God Accord is moving forward and helping its residents take charge of their lives and whilst engaging with their local communities, barriers are starting to break down and an awareness is spreading.
Each resident has a ‘Direct Support Professional who takes a special interest in their wellbeing, supporting them in what they want to achieve while living at the home. This could include taking a college course at the local TAFE or Unversity, improving daily-living skills, working toward managing their own medication, or working to improve their self-confidence. The members of each team work with residents to achieve these goals.
Our homes have each developed their own character, reflecting the needs of the resident group and the local community. Most have residents of different ages (usually between 18 and 65). Although people are encouraged to get involved in day-to-day decisions about the running of the home, the focus is very much on looking outwards to the local community and its opportunities for recreation, occupation, learning and social contact.
Some homes have a respite bed that can be used by people in short-term need or crisis. Others have become high-support residential services serving people who have particularly complex needs. Above all, our homes are considered real homes to the people who live in them. And in many cases a strong lasting bond has developed between resident and Support Worker. Some of which have had enduring friendships for ten years or more.
Our group of accommodation services are located in the Eastern (CLASS - Community Living Access Support Services) and North West (NWAS - North West Accommodation Services) regions of metropolitan Melbourne. Support is provided to over 120 people in homes that can accommodate between four and five residents. We hope to assist each resident to become as independent as possible over the coming years.
The accommodation services work in conjunction with specialist and generic services within the community to provide a range of support options to meet each resident’s needs.
Support includes household management, general self-care, personal care and remaining active in the local community. The overall aim of which is to enhance the quality of life for residents and align this with their personal ambitions.
Accommodation services are available for people deemed eligible for services under current disability legislation.
Access to this shared accommodation and support service is coordinated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). As a vacancy occurs, St John of God Accord, in conjunction with DHS, use the Vacancy Coordination Policy and Practice Guidelines to match the most suitable applicant to the vacancy.
CLASS and North West Accommodation Services have experienced and qualified staff whose shifts are organised to support people according to their needs.
All houses have personal bedrooms and are furnished according to individual preferences. Within 60 days of entering the service, an individual plan is developed in consultation with the person and others that are significant in their lives. This plan outlines the goals an individual may have and how those goals can be achieved.
Fees are levied in accordance with living expenses. Rental assistance is available to people who are eligible for the disability support pension.
