Discover information about the different housing options available and how you can apply.
On this page:
Rental housing - specially adapted homesCluster housingGroup homesLarge facilitiesSupported residential facilitiesAged care facilitiesHousing for Aboriginal peopleOther housing optionsThere's often a long wait for housing as the demand is high. For more information see emergency housing or support in your own home.
Rental housing - specially adapted homes
Housing organisations provide affordable accommodation and will help with housing and maintenance issues but generally don't provide any in-home support.
Typical modifications include:
- an accessible bathroom and toilet
- ramped entrances
- widened doors and hallways
- lowered kitchen benches.
For more information see a list of housing associations that provide specially adapted homes for people with disabilities.
How to apply
You can apply for a specially adapted home in three ways:
- register your interest in community housing
- apply directly to the Julia Farr Housing Association
- apply for Housing SA accommodation.
If you identify yourself as a person with disabilities when applying for Housing SA accommodation, your status may be taken into account when your housing needs are assessed. For more information phone 131 299.
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Cluster housing
Cluster housing describes a number of houses on one site that have access to 24-hour support, usually available via an internal communication system. Some sites are made up of a group home with a small number of units nearby. The units allow people more independence with the benefit of being able to call on support when needed.
Each person can request times each week when they receive staff assistance with shopping, appointments or recreational pursuits.
How to apply
Phone 1300 786 117 or contact your local Disability Services office. You must be a client of Disability Services. Priority is given to people in most urgent need. If you're not a Disability Services client see eligibility and referrals.
You can also apply directly to the Julia Farr Housing Association.
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Group homes
Generally there will be four or five people living in each group home, supported by paid staff. This style of accommodation is for people who require access to 24-hour support, help with meals, personal hygiene and social activities.
How to apply
Phone 1300 786 117 or contact your local Disability Services office. You must be a client of Disability Services. Priority is given to people in most urgent need. If you're not a Disability Services client see eligibility and referrals.
You can also apply directly to the Julia Farr Housing Association.
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Large facilities
Large facilities offer full support with meals, laundry, personal hygiene, nursing care and social activities.
Highgate Park, Minda Inc and the Strathmont Centre are the only large facilities for people with disabilities in South Australia. These facilities are being downsized with the aim of supporting people to live in the community.
How to apply
Phone 1300 786 117 or contact your local Disability Services office. You must be a client of Disability Services. Priority is given to people in most urgent need. If you're not a Disability Services client see eligibility and referrals.
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Supported residential facilities
Supported residential facilities (SRFs) provide accommodation for people who need low levels of assistance and may have a disability, mental illness or are aged.
Help may include personal care, medication monitoring, meals, laundry and cleaning. People may share or have their own rooms, depending upon availability.
More information about supported residential facilities can be found on the Seniors Information Service website.
How to apply
If you receive a pension, phone 8448 4600 to make a referral through the SRF Intake and Support Team. The SRF Intake and Support Team will help you find the type of accommodation that suits you and can provide advice about fees.
If you do not receive a pension, view a current list of vacancies by visiting the Seniors Information Service website.
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Aged care facilities
Residential aged care facilities (sometimes called hostels or nursing homes) can offer support with meals, laundry, personal hygiene, nursing care and social activities. Facilities vary in style, size and level of care. Information about residential aged care vacancies, with listings in your local area and information about fees, can be found on the Seniors Information Service website.
Aged care accommodation for people over 65 with disabilities is provided at two locations:
- Northgate, a 50-bed unit that currently supports people with an intellectual disability
- Highgate Park (Fullarton), a 63-bed unit that provides support mostly for people with either acquired brain injury, or physical and neurological conditions.
For more information see aged care and retirement housing.
How to apply
To organise an assessment to see if you’re eligible to enter residential aged care:
If you are under 50 years of age and at risk of admission to a residential aged care facility, you may be able to get support to find other housing options from the Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care Program (YPIRAC).
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Housing for Aboriginal people
Your Disability Services Service Coordinator can help you find housing and help at home. If you don't already have a Service Coordinator, see disability support for Aboriginal people or phone 1300 786 117.
A doctor, family member or Nunga organisation can make this inquiry for you.
Other housing options for Aboriginal people
The Council of Aboriginal Elders of SA has some transitional accommodation in Ceduna and Port Augusta for older Aboriginal people who need support.
Aboriginal Hostels Limited has different types of housing for Aboriginal people across Australia. Search their site choosing the state or territory you want and the type of accommodation you need.
Public housing may be available from Housing SA (formerly known as the Housing Trust). For more information see Housing services for Aboriginal people. There is a waiting list for Housing SA homes.
If you're in private rental, you might be able to get help with paying bond and rent.
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Other housing options
See the information sheet on a range of accommodation opportunities provided by Disability Services.
Other housing options are listed on the Housing SA section of this site, including information on:
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