How to talk to a loved one about moving into SDA housing

Discussing the idea of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) with a loved one can be challenging. Moving is a significant life change, and it’s natural for both the individual and their family to feel a mix of emotions—excitement, uncertainty or even fear. However, having open and supportive conversations can help ease the transition and ensure your loved one feels empowered in their decision. 

Here’s how to approach this conversation with empathy, patience and a focus on their needs. 

Understand their concerns first

Before introducing the idea of SDA housing, take the time to listen to your loved one’s thoughts about their current living situation. Some key questions to explore include: 

Do they feel comfortable and supported where they are now? 

Are there challenges they face in their current home that could be improved? 

What does their ideal living situation look like? 

By understanding their perspective first, you can frame the conversation around solutions that meet their needs rather than just presenting SDA as an option. 

Explain SDA in a simple and reassuring way

Not everyone is familiar with what SDA is or how it works under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme). Keep the explanation straightforward and focus on how it supports independence, accessibility and quality of life. 

You might say something like:
“SDA housing is designed specifically for people with disabilities, with features that make daily life easier. It’s not just a house—it’s a home that’s built for comfort, safety and independence, with the right support in place.” 

If they’re open to learning more, you can introduce examples of SDA housing, showing how modern and tailored these homes are to meet diverse needs. 

Focus on the benefits for their lifestyle

Every person has unique priorities, so tailor the conversation around what’s most important to them. Some potential benefits to highlight include: 

Greater independence – SDA homes are designed to give residents more control over their daily lives.

Accessibility & comfort – Features like step-free access, assistive technology and personal space make life easier.

Community & social connections – Many SDA options are located in inclusive communities, reducing isolation.

Support when needed – Whether it’s on-site care or easy access to support services, SDA provides the right balance of independence and assistance. 

Use real-life examples or testimonials from other SDA residents if possible—it helps make the idea more relatable. You could try this one here. 

Involve them in the decision-making process

Moving into SDA housing should be a collaborative decision, not something that feels forced. Encourage your loved one to:

1. Visit potential SDA homes to see them firsthand.
2. Speak with current SDA residents about their experiences.
3.  Ask questions about different housing models and what would work best for them. 

Giving them control over the process will help them feel more confident and comfortable about the transition. 

Acknowledge emotions and provide reassurance

Moving—especially when it involves a major change in living arrangements—can bring up strong emotions. Your loved one might feel anxious about leaving a familiar environment or uncertain about what to expect. 

Reassure them that: 

They are not alone in this process—family, support coordinators and SDA providers are there to help. 

This decision is about improving their quality of life, not taking anything away. 

They will have time to adjust and won’t be rushed into anything. 

If they express hesitation, give them space and revisit the conversation later. Sometimes, processing new ideas takes time. 

Seek professional guidance if needed

If the conversation becomes difficult, involving NDIS support coordinators, therapists or disability advocates can help navigate concerns and provide expert insights. These professionals can answer technical questions about funding, eligibility and the transition process. 

Additionally, speaking to SDA providers like Guardian Living can offer firsthand guidance on what’s available and how to make the move as smooth as possible.