The Benefits of Living with Family and Friends in SDA – It's a People Thing

The NDIS is a space where independence is a prized goal, which makes it easy to overlook how crucial our connections with other people are to our well-being and happiness.

Following a shift in design priorities for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and a stronger focus on properties that promote shared living experiences, people with SDA funding now have the chance to balance independence and interaction.

At its heart, SDA is about more than just having a place to live – it’s about creating spaces where people can thrive both on their own and alongside the people they value most.  

Let's take a closer look at how SDA can provide the best of both worlds, and how Vertika is creating captivating communities that bring families and friends much closer together.  

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How SDA Promotes Independence

One of the standout features of SDA is its commitment to addressing each person’s unique support requirements. Before you can share your space with other people, it’s crucial to ensure it adequately meets your individual needs.  

Assistive technology has a central role to play in this. Smart home systems enable you to control lighting, security, and climate with a simple voice command or touch of a button. These technologies do more than provide convenience – they empower you to live more independently and comfortably.

Additionally, SDA properties often offer customisation options, allowing you to adapt your living space to your personal preferences. Features such as adjustable countertops, accessible bathrooms, and flexible layouts make everyday tasks more manageable and enjoyable, enhancing your overall quality of life.

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Balancing Independence with Connection

While independence is essential, our happiness is deeply tied to the relationships we share with others. We’re social beings who thrive on interaction with friends, family, and loved ones.  

Enjoying meaningful relationships and a sense of community are vital for our mental and emotional health, adding a dimension of satisfaction that living alone simply cannot provide.

What does all this mean? It means the ability to share our living spaces with those who matter most is key to achieving true contentment in our home life, and SDA is no exception.  

A well-designed SDA property should be created with this balance in mind, offering a supportive environment that promotes personal autonomy, while also providing the perfect environment to build deep social connections.

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Family Focused SDA Design

For many of us, the bonds we share with family members are the deepest of all connections. Living with family provides essential emotional support, companionship, and a strong sense of belonging.  

The right SDA will recognise this need and incorporate it into its design philosophy. Vertika’s new next-generation SDA property in Merrylands offers the perfect example.  

Featuring spacious two and three-bedroom apartments with large living areas, Vertika’s homes are ideal for family living. These generously sized apartments are not just about space – they’re designed to enhance family interactions.  

The large communal areas and spacious gardens provide the perfect locations for intimate family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday moments that turn into unforgettable memories. Both inside and outside the properties, every design element is carefully put into place with the purpose of bringing people together.

Jacob Darkin’s Merrylands Experience

To illustrate the life-changing effect of this design approach, let’s consider Jacob Darkin’s experience. Jacob recently moved into one of the three-bedroom apartments in Merrylands. His home’s roomy layout provides the perfect balance of independence and comfort.  

Jacob’s daughter’s regular visits on weekends are a highlight, offering the pair the chance to play games, unwind in the living area, and take full advantage of all the family-first spaces.  

Jacob’s experience at Merrylands showcases the benefits of being in an environment that’s tailored to his individual needs while also placing an emphasis on communal living. Jacob says, “I know that because I’m in the right place, my daughter is in the right place. Having a thoughtfully designed home means we can both relax and enjoy our time together.”  

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The Perfect Conditions for Well-Rounded Support

As well as the emotional and social benefits, there are also practical advantages for people living with disabilities to have loved ones or close friends housed under the same roof. Family members and friends can offer practical assistance on an as-needed basis.  

Whether it’s help with daily tasks, carrying out complex care routines, or managing emergencies, having friends or family nearby means that support can be immediate and flexible.  

This informal support system is often more adaptable and personalised than formal care arrangements, allowing for quicker responses to changing needs.  

By offering an environment that properly accommodates multiple people, SDA can increase the likelihood that people living with disabilities will receive the well-rounded support they need to live life to the fullest.  

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Shared Experiences with Like-Minded Peers

Beyond sharing an apartment with family and friends, people in SDA can also build meaningful relationships with the others living in the same property. This can be especially rewarding when they have lived experience of the same disability.    

This shared experience creates a supportive environment where empathy and mutual understanding can thrive, and where lasting relationships can be built between peers who truly understand one another’s situation.

Providing there are enough common areas for people to mix and interact, SDA can act as the hub for an informal support network, where people can share advice, encouragement, and companionship. These interactions contribute to a community feel, making it not just a place to live but a place where people can feel genuinely at home and part of something that extends far beyond the walls of their apartment.

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Building Captivating Communities – It's What We Do Best

At Vertika, our commitment to building Captivating Communities means more than just providing SDA homes. It’s about creating environments where independence and social connections can coexist.

With the latest assistive tech and design options customisable to your individual needs, you’ll have the perfect environment to relax in and focus on whatever matters most.  

If you’re seeking a supportive living environment that enables you to stay close to family and friends, we encourage you to explore Vertika’s next-generation SDA properties in Liverpool, Blacktown and Merrylands.  

Vertika’s Liverpool property offers access to a range of amenities including shopping centers, parks, and schools, making it a practical choice for families. Additionally, its proximity to Sydney's central business district and the scenic Blue Mountains enhances its appeal for anybody seeking a balanced family lifestyle with access to urban and natural attractions.

Our Blacktown property boasts a large rooftop terrace complete with playground and outdoor gym, perfect for spending quality time with the family. Beyond the property, Blacktown has ample green spaces, including parks and recreational facilities, and excellent transport links for day trips.

Merrylands is appealing due to its diverse community and convenient location, offering a blend of urban convenience and suburban charm, with leafy streets and easy access to the city. Vertika’s Merrylands property has been designed from the ground up for families, with two and three-bedroom apartments, and a rooftop terrace complete with barbeque and city views.  

For more information about our next-generation SDA properties, and to discuss which location might be the best fit for you and your loved ones, reach out to one of our friendly experts today:  

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