Leben Homes Builds SDA in Traralgon for Local Woman After 3-Year Hospital Stay
When NDIS participant Agatha first entered hospital after a fall, she never imagined she would be there for three years. Due to a lack of suitable housing in regional Victoria, hospital became her only option.
During that long wait, Agatha missed the small comforts of home the most.
“Not being able to see my partner John and our cats every day, struggling to sleep in a noisy hospital, not being able to care for myself – it made me feel sad a lot of the time,” she recalls.
Building Homes That Truly Fit
Leben Homes first heard of Agatha’s story a year into her hospital stay. The team immediately set to work, collaborating with partners to design and build a home tailored to her needs.
“Multi-disciplinary teams that can work together productively can really get things done in the SDA space,” says Leben Homes representative, Danny McGrane. “We helped fill the gaps for inHab and Disability Connect Victoria, and they helped fill the gaps for us.”
Construction on the Traralgon SDA began in early 2024 and was completed by November that year. From the start, the project was designed not just to meet standards, but to go beyond them to ensure the homes were truly fit for purpose.
“You can build SDA by the bucket load, but if you don’t aim to go beyond standards and engage the community, the housing just isn't going to be suitable,” says Danny.
A New Chapter For Agatha
Moving into her new home was a moment Agatha never thought would come.
“I was shocked in a good way,” she says. “I didn't believe I was going to get a house like this ever.”
The Traralgon SDA features two purpose-built homes for participants requiring High Physical Support, Fully Accessible or Improved Liveability standards, with additional features to support Bariatric participants. These features include adjustable-height benches, private courtyards and generous living spaces.
For Agatha, the details make all the difference.
“I love the oven because you can open it from the side and not up and down, how the bench moves up and down, my bedroom is nice and big.”
Nine months on, Agatha is thriving.
“I love it. I feel more positive, and it’s easier to achieve my goals for maintaining independence in this house,” she said. “I have more freedom now and that makes me happy.”
Looking for an SDA home in Traralgon?
Are you or someone you care for interested in finding independence at our Traralgon SDA? Shared-living is available – get in touch today to find out more!
