genU’s new Specialist Disability Accommodation in Highton combines accessible design and an innovative onsite support model, offering people living with disabilities new levels of independence.
Brad Holloway’s new apartment at Highton Green features the latest accessible design for wheelchair access and daily independence.
When he first heard about the new development, the design, the concierge-style support, and the location near Deakin University seemed like the perfect fit.
“This has been a long time coming. I have been looking for a suitable house for twenty years,” said the 45-year-old, who shares his new home with his dog Tex.
Brad is one of 12 people living in new specialist disability accommodation apartments by Emerge Living, who share 24-hour-a-day onsite support from genU.
Sharing onsite support with other residents was a new but attractive concept for Brad and an important factor in his decision to sign his long-term lease.
“It gives me comfort knowing someone is downstairs to help me and knowing I don’t have to call mum, or I don’t have to wait until tomorrow when a support worker comes,” Brad said.
genU operations manager Rose O’Brien at Highton Green said the shared support model provides flexibility.
“genU staff are based in a separate, dedicated unit in the building. They are available day and night to provide planned support including check-ins, or unplanned help as and when needed,” she said.
“It can create new options for how people access or combine types of support and use their Funding.”
For genU vacancy coordinator Tanya Sexton, this support style and the Emerge Living apartments’ accessible design offer new residents and their families peace of mind.
“It maximises independence, giving people the option to live in their private space with a concierge- style service that offers onsite assistance for short times in their day.”
As he settles into his new home, Brad is enjoying a layout, cabinetry and features that were designed with easy wheelchair use in mind from the very beginning.
His apartment also features a second room, which can be used as a guest room, study or for carers if needed.
“This place is so advanced compared to my last place,” Brad said.
“My wheelchair couldn’t even fit in my last bathroom, so I had to hop on the floor. I catch myself saying ‘oh wow, this is great’ every single time I have a shower here.”
“I wake up every morning happy.”
For information about Highton Green Specialist Disability Accommodation, visit genu.org.au or emergeliving.com.au
