Supported Accommodation
Supported Residential Services (Victoria)
Introduction to SRS's
Supported residential services (SRS) are essential facilities that provide accommodation and support to individuals who require assistance with daily living activities. These facilities are available for people who have difficulties in managing their lives independently, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who need rehabilitation after an injury. SRS's play a vital role in providing long-term accommodation and care for vulnerable individuals who require additional support.
We discuss SRS's in Victoria including their definition, types, eligibility criteria, services provided, and funding options.
Like to Know More?Definition of Supported Residential Services (SRS)
SRS refers to facilities that offer supported accommodation and care to individuals who require assistance with daily living activities. These services are available to individuals who cannot live independently, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who require rehabilitation after an injury.
SRS's provides support to individuals who need help with activities such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and transport. They also offer emotional support and socialisation opportunities, which are essential for maintaining mental well-being.
List of Supported Residential Services
Types of Supported Residential Services
There are different types of SRS facilities in Victoria, Australia, which include:
- High-level Supported Residential Services: These SRS's offer accommodation and support to individuals who require 24-hour supervision and assistance with daily living activities
- Low-level Supported Residential Services: These SRS's offer accommodation and support to individuals who require minimal assistance with daily living activities
- Specialist Supported Residential Services: These SRS's offer accommodation and support to individuals with specific needs, such as those with dementia, mental illness, or physical disabilities
Eligibility Criteria for Supported Residential Services
To access SRS in Victoria, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria, which include:
- Age: SRS is available to individuals who are 18 years or older
- Support Needs: Individuals must require support with daily living activities, such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and transport
- Health Status: Individuals must have stable health conditions that do not require medical attention beyond the scope of SRS
- Residency: Individuals must be permanent residents or citizens of Australia
Supported Residential Services
A Supported Residential Service (SRS) is a private business, providing accommodation and support to people who can no longer live independently at home.
The SRS caters for the elderly and provides a similar level of care to that of government-funded low-level residential care.
SRS businesses operate in the community in purpose-built facilities or modified buildings. Whatever the type of building, SRS proprietors provide a home-like environment for those in their care.
SRS's do not receive government funding, but must be registered by the Victorian state government and are independently monitored to ensure that they meet specific standards of care and accommodation to those in their care.
There are currently 125 SRS facilities registered with the Department of Health ranging from small facilities accommodating as few as five people, to large facilities with up to 90 residents.
SRS facilities often cater for particular groups such as the aged or intellectually disabled.
Who owns and operates SRS's?
SRS businesses are owned by a person or company (the proprietor) who is granted a certificate by the Department of Health allowing them to operate the SRS establishment. A proprietor may also manage the SRS. SRS businesses are required to employ a qualified personal care coordinator who coordinates care for all residents. The proprietor may also be the personal care coordinator if suitably qualified.
There must be at least one staff member for every 30 residents, extra staff to provide adequate levels of care for residents, and at least one staff member on site overnight to respond to the resident's care needs and to ensure their safety.
An aged care assessment undertaken by ACAS is not required for entry into an SRS. If however the individual has had an aged care assessment recently undertaken, then this can be a useful tool for the SRS manger in determining their ability to care for the individual. The SRS will do their own assessment to determine if the facility can cater for the individual or not.
SRS businesses are able to set their own fees and charges. The range of fees can be anywhere from about 85% of the pension up to $1,000 per week or more. Before choosing an SRS, make sure you understand all the fees and charges that apply. Or talk with us and we can help you understand and compare the fees.
Services Provided by Supported Residential Services
SRS facilities offer a range of services to individuals who require support with daily living activities. These services include:
- Accommodation: SRS facilities offer a range of accommodation options, including single rooms, shared rooms, and self-contained units
- Personal Care: SRS facilities provide assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, grooming, and toileting
- Nutrition: SRS facilities offer nutritious meals and snacks that cater to individual dietary requirements
- Medication Management: SRS facilities assist with medication management, including administering medication, storing medication, and ordering prescription refills
- Transport: SRS facilities provide transport to medical appointments, social events, and other activities
- Emotional Support: SRS facilities offer emotional support and socialization opportunities, including social activities, games, and outings
Funding Options for Supported Residential Services
There are different funding options available for individuals who require SRS in Victoria, Australia.
These include:
- Home Care Packages: Home Care Packages provide funding for individuals who require support to remain in their own homes
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): NDIS provides funding for individuals with disabilities to access support services, including SRS
- Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP): CHSP provides funding for individuals who require low-level support to remain independent in their own homes
- Private Funding: Individuals can also choose to pay for SRS services themselves
- Residential Aged Care Funding: This funding option does NOT apply to SRS's. There are NO Accommodation Bonds or Refundable Accommodation Deposits required at SRS's
