Two years on: a qualitative study of the experiences of people with neurological disability living in accessible apartments in Australia.

Abstract

Although there is a shift towards smaller-scale, individualised housing, limited research exists on the long-term experiences of people with neurological disability and complex needs in these settings. This study explored the experiences of adults who had lived for two years in a "10 + 1" housing model, which consists of ten accessible apartments integrated into a larger mainstream development, with an additional unit for 24-hour support, as required. Fifteen adults with neurological disability participated in semi-structured interviews exploring quality of life, participation, social connections, support, and the built environment. Grounded theory principles guided open and focused coding to identify themes and relationships. Three themes included: (1) Getting housing and support right for me, (2) Taking control, and (3) Personal growth. A core category of "becoming and being settled" underpinned these themes. While many participants described increased security and independence, challenges related to accessibility and support sometimes limited their sense of being settled. Accessible apartments can support safety, independence, and personal growth for people with neurological disability. Ongoing improvements in design and onsite support are needed. A diverse housing market is essential to support choice, and rehabilitation should include planning for housing that aligns with individual needs and preferences.