We don’t believe SIL is “one size fits all.” Before anything starts, we take time to understand who your family member is; their personality, routines, sensory needs, communication style, and what makes a house feel like home for them. If we don’t think we’re the right fit, we’ll tell you honestly.

We focus on people first, houses second. We prioritise compatible housemates, consistent staff, and calm, predictable homes; not just sticking people anywhere there is a vacancy. Our goal is long-term stability, not short-term placements.

Slowly and thoughtfully. Transitions are planned, gradual, and centred around the person, not the provider’s timelines. We encourage their to be a 12 week transition phase. In most cases you have had years to set up routines, preferences and schedules, we aim to get as close as we can to that in 12 weeks.

The support you receive at Acorn Homes is funded through the Home and Living (SIL) supports or core supports in your NDIS plan. This means the day-to-day support provided in the home, such as personal care, overnight support, and assistance with daily living, is paid for through your NDIS funding, not out of pocket.

In addition to NDIS-funded supports, residents contribute a weekly rent, which is capped at $260 per week.

This rent includes:

Rent for the home

Electricity, water, gas

Internet

Yard maintenance

The only regular cost not included is food, as this allows each person choice and control over what they eat and how meals are managed.

We’re upfront about costs from the beginning and will always explain clearly what is NDIS-funded and what isn’t, so families aren’t left with surprises later on.

We specialise in complex support, but not all complex support. We specialise in intellectual disability, Autism and complex medical needs.

The people we don't support include:

- People with psychosocial or mental health primary disabilities like: Severe Depression, Complex PTSD, Severe Schizophrenia
- People with High Level Physical needs, we do not have hoists or purpose built properties (SDA Houses)

- People who do not require 16+ hours of support per day.

Its not that we can't support you, we just know there are much better suited providers out there.

If you have a psychosocial/ mental health disability but it is not your primary disability, you are still eligible for our services.

Yes, we specialise in this area, but we only offer support when it’s safe and appropriate. We work closely with behaviour specialists, families, and support coordinators to ensure the right staffing, training, and environment are in place. We won’t take on a placement unless we’re confident it’s safe for everyone involved.

Absolutely. Families know their person best. Your insights are critical, especially during matching and transitions.

Yes. We provide clear reporting, observations, and supporting information to help demonstrate needs and outcomes.

As often as needed. We believe no news shouldn’t mean no communication. Families can expect regular updates and honest conversations. We offer weekly updates on any in-home activities and we open a "family chat" on a communication channel of your choosing. WhatsApp is often the preferred channel.

That’s the most important question, and one we take seriously. Happiness looks different for everyone, and we measure success by comfort, safety, dignity, and independence. It can take time to get used to something new but we make sure that everyone we support is as happy as can be without denying them the right to experience the full array of human emotions.