Planning Ahead: How to Secure Medium Term Accommodation for NDIS Participants

Figuring out the NDIS system can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the right housing for participants. For people in the NDIS, having a safe and supportive place to live is so important—it helps them feel independent and live a happier life. Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) or MTA is a temporary housing option that gives participants a safe place to stay while they wait for a permanent home. 

If you’re a caregiver, support coordinator, or an NDIS participant, planning ahead is really important to make sure the MTA fits the person’s needs. This guide will walk you through what Medium Term Accommodation is, how it helps participants, and simple steps to find the right option. 

What is Medium Term Accommodation?

Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is a type of temporary housing funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It helps people with disabilities by giving them a safe and secure place to live for up to 90 days while they wait for their permanent home or important changes to be made to their current house. 

MTA is especially helpful for people going through big life changes, like: 

• Waiting for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) to be ready. SDA is a type of housing designed for people with very specific disability needs. 
• Getting home modifications, such as ramps or wider doorways, to make their homes more accessible. 
• Needing temporary housing because of changes in their personal or care situation, like moving from one type of living arrangement to another. 

Who Can Get MTA Funding? 

Not everyone can get MTA funding, so you need to meet certain requirements: 

• You must show that you need temporary housing because your permanent home isn’t ready yet or needs to be modified (like adding wheelchair ramps or making bathrooms safer). 
• Your NDIS plan should already include funding for long-term housing, like Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) or Supported Independent Living (SIL), which are designed for people who need extra help at home. 

It’s important to know that MTA is not the same as short-term respite care. Respite care is for giving carers a break, but MTA is for people who don’t have a place to live right now because of delays or other issues with their housing. 

MTA is a stepping stone to help people with disabilities stay safe and supported while they wait for their long-term housing solutions. Understanding these rules and requirements makes it easier to access this helpful service.

Steps to Plan and Secure Medium Term Accommodation 

Finding the right Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) takes careful planning and teamwork. Here’s a guide to help you through the process step by step:

Step 1: Understand the Participant’s Needs 

Start by figuring out exactly what the participant needs in their new home. Everyone is different, so it’s important to think about things like: 

• Accessibility: Will they need features like ramps, wide doorways, or wheelchair-friendly bathrooms? 
• Location: Is it close to important places like doctors, shops, family, or their support network? 
• Support Services: Do they need help with daily tasks like personal care or getting out into the community? 
• Duration: How long will they need this accommodation, and how does it fit into their NDIS plan? 

Taking time to really understand these needs will help you choose the best option. 

Step 2: Check NDIS Eligibility and Funding 

Look at the participant’s NDIS plan to see if MTA funding is included. If it’s not, you’ll need to work with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to request it. Here’s how: 

• Explain why the participant needs MTA and how it will help them. 
• Get documents to support your case, like reports from occupational therapists or housing specialists. 
• Keep track of the funding process and follow up to avoid delays. 

Taking these steps will ensure you have the money needed to secure the right accommodation. 

Step 3: Research Accommodation Options 

Once funding is sorted, start searching for MTA options that meet the participant’s needs. Pay attention to: 

• Location: Is it near important places, like healthcare, shops, and family? 
• Facilities: Does it have everything the participant needs, such as an accessible kitchen or bathroom? 
• Reputation: Read reviews or ask around to find providers with a good track record of caring for NDIS participants. 

Step 4: Work with Service Providers 

Support coordinators play a big part in this process. Once you’ve found some good options: 

• Contact the accommodation providers to get all the details about what they offer. 
• Confirm availability, pricing, and what’s included, like meals or personal care services. 
• Arrange a visit (in person or virtual) to see if the place is a good fit. 

Work together with the participant, their family, and other support team members to pick the best option. 

Step 5: Get Ready for the Move 

Moving can be stressful, but planning ahead makes it easier. Here’s what to do: 

• Pack everything the participant will need, like clothes, assistive devices, and personal items. 
• Make a checklist so you don’t forget anything important. 
• Let everyone involved—like support workers, family, and the accommodation provider—know the moving details. 

This preparation helps make the transition as smooth as possible. 

Step 6: Settle In and Keep Checking 

After the participant moves in, it’s important to check in regularly to make sure everything is working out. Do they feel comfortable and supported? Is there anything that needs to be adjusted? 

• Keep open communication with the accommodation provider. 
• Be ready to make changes if something isn’t working. 

Step 7: Communicate with the Participant 

Throughout the entire process, make sure the participant is involved in every decision. Talk to them about their preferences and make sure their voice is heard. This is their new home, and their input is the most important! 

Step 8: Plan for What’s Next 

MTA is often a temporary solution. Work on a plan for what happens after the participant’s stay at MTA ends. Will they move into long-term housing or return home? Start preparing early so the next step is ready when the time comes. 

By following these steps, you can make sure the participant finds the right accommodation and feels supported every step of the way.

Benefits of Medium Term Accommodation for NDIS Participants 

Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is more than just a temporary place to stay. It gives participants and their families peace of mind, a sense of security, and chances to keep learning and growing. 

Independence and Stability 

MTA provides a safe, supportive environment where participants can work on their personal goals. This could include learning important life skills like cooking, cleaning, or budgeting, or simply getting used to a new stage in their life. It’s all about helping them feel more confident and independent.

Relief for Families and Caregivers 

For families and caregivers, MTA can be a big help. Knowing that their loved ones are in a safe, reliable place takes away a lot of stress. It also gives families a chance to rest and recharge, especially during times of change or transition.

Skills Development 

MTA often includes programs and services designed to teach participants important skills for daily life. These skills might include managing money, taking care of personal hygiene, or learning how to use public transportation. All of this helps prepare them for moving into a more permanent home and living more independently in the future.

Why Choose Us for Medium Term Accommodation?

At Reaching Abilities, we’re proud to be one of Australia’s top NDIS providers. Our goal is to help people live more independently and feel included in their communities. If you or someone you care about needs Medium Term Accommodation (MTA), we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

• Plans That Fit You: We don’t believe in “one size fits all.” Our team will work with you to create a plan that matches your specific needs, like finding a place that’s accessible, in the right location, and has the right kind of support to make you feel at home. 
• Experienced Team: We’ve been helping people through the NDIS for years, so we understand the challenges and can help you find the best housing options quickly and easily. 
• Caring and Supportive: We treat everyone like family. That means making sure you feel safe, comfortable, and supported while on your journey to becoming more independent. 

We believe everyone deserves a home where they can thrive, and we’re here to help make that happen!

Start Planning Medium Term Accommodation Today 

Planning ahead for Medium Term Accommodation helps NDIS participants transition smoothly during uncertain times. With the right support, finding a path to permanent living becomes easier. 

If you need reliable Medium Term Accommodation in Western Australia, we’re here to help. Contact us to create a simple, tailored plan that works for you and makes the most of your NDIS funding. 

Call us at 1300 933 811 or email info@reachingabilities.com to get started. We’re based in Perth (Beechboro, WA) and Sydney (Chester Hill, NSW). Reach out today and let Reaching Abilities support your journey!