Who Will Care For My Adult Child With A Disability When I No Longer Can? Answering The Hardest Question.
Across Australia, thousands of people with disability are still living at home with their ageing parents, not because it’s what they choose, but because there is nowhere else for them to go.
Before the NDIS, more than 51,000 Australians with disability aged between 25 and 64 were still living with their parents. Years later, despite the promise of greater choice and independence, far too many are still waiting. And so are their families. For some, living at home works. But for many others, especially as parents grow older or face their own health challenges, the fear of the future grows stronger.
Who will care for my adult child when I no longer can?
What will happen when I forget to give them their medication?
What will happen when there's no one left to answer the door?
These questions are keeping families awake at night. The need for accessible homes with the right supports isn't just growing, it's becoming urgent. This is why Supported Independent Living (SIL) matters.
SIL is more than a roof over someone’s head, it’s a path to dignity, safety, connection. It’s how people living with a disability can stay close to their communities, make their own choices, and have a greater sense of belonging.
This post explores why accessible SIL housing is not just a policy issue, but a human one, how it can lift the weight off families who have carried too much for too long, and how BCD is working to close the gap, one safe, supported home at a time.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a type of disability support where people live in shared or individual homes with help for daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal care. SIL enables people with significant support needs to live as independently as possible, not in institutions or aged care, but in real homes, in real communities.
Equally important, SIL provides a strong foundation for building confidence and a sense of belonging. It offers opportunities for social connection, participation in community outings, and support in working towards personal goals, all of which contribute to a more connected, fulfilling life.
This support empowers people to live as independently as possible while building confidence and developing skills along the way.
Supported Independent Living helps people to:
Live independently or with others and find their forever home
Develop skills to do things to manage a household routine
Manage tasks like cleaning and laundry, medication management, and even budgeting or shopping for groceries
SIL is about choice and control. It's designed to empower people living with disability decide where they live, who they live with, and how they want to be supported. And in the right environment, this kind of experience can be life changing.
As a parent or family carer you may be asking:
How do I get access to NDIS SIL funding for my child?
Is Supported Independent Living the right choice for my loved one?
Are there shorter term accommodation options available?
For answers to these questions and more, visit our SIL FAQs page or our Supported Independent Living guide.
The Numbers Tell the Story
In Macarthur, the demand for accessible homes with the right supports is growing year on year.
In Camden, newer housing developments in Oran Park are attracting a growing and diverse population into the area with recent statistics in 2024 showing the community has grown by 6.76% year on year, there are thousands of residents in need.
Camden Council’s 2022 Disability Inclusion Action Plan Survey revealed that over half of respondents were carers, with 36% caring for children with disability, and 16% supporting adults either part-time or full-time.
In Campbelltown, around 27,910 residents or nearly 17% of the population are living with disability, with 8,776 needing daily support.
Camden and Wollondilly report similar needs, with 5,530 and 2,564 residents respectively requiring assistance.
Altogether, the Macarthur region is home to nearly 20,000 people who may need accessible housing and tailored support, a number that continues to grow.
(*As part of Camden Council’s recent Disability Inclusion Action Plan Survey 2022)
Real Homes Change Real Lives
When people living with disability move into homes that are accessible, properly supported and connected to the community, the difference is profound.
Research consistently shows that accessible supported housing leads to measurable improvements in daily living, independence, and wellbeing.
A national study by AHURI (Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute) found that moving into appropriately designed homes resulted in a "growing sense of independence, improved privacy, better health, and stronger social participation."
With the right supports and design, people can cook their own meals, manage their personal care, engage in education or work, and participate in their communities, often for the first time.
The ripple effects are enormous. Better housing leads to better health outcomes, reduced demand on emergency services, and greater social and economic inclusion.
Meanwhile, family carers gain peace of mind and, in some cases, the freedom to return to work or focus on their own wellbeing.
Being a local registered NDIS provider, at BCD, we have long recognised the growing need for modern, inclusive and accessible homes and support for people living with disabilities.
When we think of ‘home’, we think of a space that is our own, that provides comfort, safety and connection to our surrounding community.
Our goal at BCD is to not just provide accessible housing but a ‘forever’ home. A place where people live well, gain independence and achieve their personal goals while nurturing a deep sense of belonging within their communities.
That vision, held for over 20 years, has finally come to life with the opening of two newly built accessible homes in Oran Park, marking a major step forward for the local community.
When we invest in inclusive housing, we create communities where everyone belongs. We support families who've given decades of care. We unlock independence and opportunity for people who've been held back by circumstance.
Whether it's through council planning, community partnerships, or policy reform, there's no shortage of ways to contribute. What's missing is urgency. And the truth is, we don't have time to waste.
Learn how a customer-led partnership with BCD transformed Terry’s life
By building a support system based on trust, reliability, and transparency, Terry's journey in SIL has been one of learning, growth, and empowerment.
You can read Terry’s story here.
Need Help?
Our Respite, Short-term Accommodation and Supported Independent Living give families a much-needed break while helping live more independently and feel connected to a supportive community. Read more about our flexible accommodation options.
At BCD, our disability supports are all about helping individuals with disabilities achieve their goals, grow their independence, and enjoy a life full of possibilities. Talk to our care team today. Call the BCD team on 1800 275 223, we’re here to help you.
Sources:
Visit the NDIS website for the most up to date information: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
2023 - 2027 Camden Council Disability Inclusion Action Plan[PDF]
2022 - 2026 Campbelltown Council Disability Inclusion Action Plan[PDF]
2021 Campbelltown Disability Inclusion Action Plan[PDF]
Campbelltown Local Housing Strategy 2041[PDF]
Camden Council Area Community Profile
Wolllondilly Shire Council Community Profile
Oran Park Community Profile
AHURI RAP Issue 205: Addressing the housing needs of participants is critical to NDIS success [PDF]
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we encourage you to visit the relevant government websites for the most up-to-date and official information.