"It's going to be huge": family member experiences of the transition into individualised housing for people with disability.

Abstract

To understand the perspectives of family members supporting people with disability moving into individualised housing in the community. A constructivist grounded theory analysis of interview transcripts for 12 family members supporting 12 people with neurological disability and complex needs aged 21-53. Family members comprised of nine mothers, one father, one sibling, and one partner. Interviews were conducted during the transition as the person with disability moved from living in group homes, residential aged care, or with family into specialist disability accommodation (SDA) apartments. Analysis of 12 interview transcripts identified two overarching themes that characterised the transitional experience, from the perspective of family members: (1) "<i>care transition</i>" and (2) "<i>relational transition.</i>" The first theme describes the practical and emotional transitions of the family members' care role as the person with disability moves to new housing. The second theme describes how this transition affects the relationship between the family member and the person with disability. The move to SDA apartments has benefits for people with disability and their families, but is also characterised by adjustment challenges and stresses. Our findings illustrate the need for considered planning and support for family members of people with disabilities moving into individualised housing.