Moving into new housing designed for people with disability: preliminary evaluation of outcomes

Purpose To assess the change in individual outcomes for people with disability and complex needs after moving into newly built, individualised apartments in the community. Methods People with disability (neurological disorder or cerebral palsy) and complex needs (n = 15, aged 18-65 years) completed quantitative self-report measures over two time-points (pre-move and 6-24 months post-move). Pre-move living arrangements included group homes, residential aged care, private rentals, and living with parents. Post-move living arrangements were individualised apartments built for people with disability. Health, wellbeing, community integration, and support needs were compared across pre- and post-move timepoints. Results Paired sample t-tests showed significant improvements consistent with large effects in wellbeing (p = 0.031, Eta(2)=0.29) and community integration (p = 0.008, Eta(2)=0.41), particularly home integration, and a trend towards improved health (p = 0.077, Eta(2)=0.21). A Wilcoxon signed rank test demonstrated a trend towards reduced support needs (z= -1.941, p = 0.052) consistent with a medium effect (r = 0.35) and an average decrease of 2.4 support hours per participant per day. Conclusions Well-located housing with appropriate design, technology and support provision makes a positive contribution to wellbeing, community integration, and health for people with complex disability.

Automated summary

This study assessed the impact of moving into newly built, individualised apartments on individual outcomes for people with disability and complex needs. The results showed significant improvements in wellbeing and community integration post-move, with a trend towards improved health. There was also a decrease in support needs among participants.