NDIS Medium Term Accommodation: Achieving rapid hospital discharge following a lengthy hospital stay

About Darly

Darly is a vibrant 58-year-old woman who was diagnosed with early onset dementia in mid-2022. Up until her hospitalisation in August 2023, Darly was cared for at home by her elderly mother. Following an acute medical episode, Darly was admitted to hospital , where she has undergone a lengthy rehabilitation program and has required complex discharge planning support.

Once known for her active lifestyle and independence, Darly’s condition had progressed to the point where she was unable to return home. Supported by mother, her treating team contacted MediStays for help in identifying an appropriate NDIS-funded Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) solution. Transitioning Darly from hospital to an MTA would allow her mother time to adapt to the current situation and to understand what Darly would require when looking for long-term accommodation options.

Darly’s NDIS Plan Goals

Within her NDIS plan, Darly’s primary goal was to live in safe environment where she could remain as independent as possible as her dementia inevitably progressed. Despite her declining cognitive function, Darly was also determined to continue participating in activities she enjoyed with her Mum and NDIS Support Workers. Listening to music and dancing not only bring Darly joy but help her to regulate her emotions, manage her behaviour and improve relationships with others. Having people around her who can really get to know Darly as a person and understand her disease progression to support her in these goals would be crucial to Darly’s successful transition out of hospital.

Finding the Ideal MTA Residence

Darly’s healthcare team initiated a referral to MediStays through our MTA Rapid Request process. Our dedicated Care Navigator team work closely with healthcare providers and family to evaluate participant’s needs and identify accommodation that aligns with their individual needs and NDIS plan goals.

Understanding the complexities of advancing dementia and the challenges of transition to a new environment after a long hospital stay, our Lead Care Navigator Jayde worked closely with Darly’s mother and Support Coordinator to find the right accommodation solution. Given Darly’s reliance on her mother, a location close to her home was a key factor. Our new MTA property in Dandenong was identified as the ideal fit to meet Darly’s needs and support her in achieving her goals.

Comprehensive and Collaborative Care

In partnership with Equisent and Equal Living, MediStays is proud to offer high-quality short and medium term accommodation at our new location in Dandenong. Dandenong offers spacious, private bedrooms and accessible roll-in ensuites. The property also offers state-of-the-art assistive technology, ceiling hoists and hi-lo beds. The property also boasts proximity to the local shopping centre and a beautiful rooftop terrace with panoramic views out to the Dandenong Ranges.

MediStays values our partnerships with stakeholders who deliver high-quality care to achieve great outcomes.  The dedicated Support Workers at Equal Living are committed to Darly and providing care that helps her to develop her confidence and independence.

The perfect stepping stone to transition out of Hospital

After almost one year in hospital, the bright and homely environment at Dandenong has provided the perfect setting to support Darly’s transition back into community. It is already providing the perfect stepping stone for Darly and her Mum as they work towards finding her forever home. Darly has started to remember things that she was having trouble with. She is regaining some independence and has been able to attend church in her local community again.

“Working alongside MediStays to support Darly’s discharge from hospital has been seamless. Darly has settled in so well here to Dandenong and our staff are loving getting to know Darly and her interests. So far Darly loves playing cards and colouring and has already had our team up and dancing which has been wonderful to see. It’s also been a pleasure to get to know Darly’s Mum as they both adjust to this next phase of her recovery”.

• Damian, Equal Living

Availability for August and September Arrivals

Our Dandenong location has availability for new participants. The MediStays team is dedicated to supporting individuals like Darly to be discharged out of hospital into an environment that can support their recovery and transition to their forever home.

Our Rapid Hospital Discharge process provides an efficient and seamless service. We assist hospital staff and families find the right location for their loved ones. Our Dandenong property provides a vibrant, safe and nurturing environment that can foster independence and build back capacity after lengthy hospital rehabilitation.

We encourage healthcare professionals and family members to consider our MTA options. They are ideal for individuals in need of a temporary yet highly supportive living arrangement during their recovery period. If you or someone you know could benefit from our NDIS-funded Medium Term Accommodation, please reach out to our Care Navigator team today.