Housing for People with an Acquired Brain or Spinal Injury: Mapping the Australian Funding Landscape

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019 · DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16162822 · Published: August 7, 2019

Healthcare Rehabilitation Disability

Simple Explanation

This research examines housing support funding for Australians with acquired brain injuries (ABI) or spinal cord injuries (SCI) across 20 major insurance schemes. It highlights differences in funding based on scheme type (disability vs. workers compensation) and location (state). Funding focuses more on housing infrastructure and service delivery than on helping people secure or maintain tenancies. The study identifies who is least likely to benefit: those whose homes cannot be easily modified, want to build or buy, lack housing alternatives, need help maintaining occupancy, or can't afford housing costs. Interactions, inconsistencies, and gaps in funding were revealed, indicating a need for transparent housing entitlement information. The review emphasizes the necessity for policymakers to provide clear details about housing entitlements for individuals with ABI or SCI and their families. A unified, evidence-based approach could enhance consistency in available interventions and improve results.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Australians with an acquired brain injury (ABI) or spinal cord injury (SCI)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Scheme funding contributions toward housing supports did not diﬀer between ABI and SCI conditions.
2
Investment in housing infrastructure varied dramatically with a focus on supporting individuals to remain living in their current housing rather than move into another home that might better address the person’s needs.
3
There was a general lack of publicly available information regarding tenancy funding, which is likely problematic given the increased risk of individuals with ABI or SCI residing in unsuitable residential environments or housing that is not their preferred option

Research Summary

This scoping review aimed to synthesize the publicly available information about housing supports funded by the major Australian insurance schemes for people with ABI or SCI. There were also notable diﬀerences among the housing infrastructure, tenancy, and service delivery supports that were funded across the schemes. Funding was focused predominantly on housing infrastructure and service delivery, rather than tenancy support. The interactions, inconsistencies, contradictions, and gaps revealed by this review highlight several opportunities for consumers and policy makers.

Practical Implications

Consumer Empowerment

Individuals with ABI or SCI and their families can use this information to inquire about particular housing supports.

Policy Revision

Policy makers should consider equality issues, particularly for individuals unable to access housing support from other government or non-government schemes.

Framework Development

Development of a unified, evidence-based framework for housing support tailored to ABI and SCI may improve housing outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The review findings reflected information made publicly available through each scheme’s oﬃcial website.
2
The potential of missing information was identified in relation to several schemes.
3
Examination of actual housing funding across the schemes in comparison to policy is needed.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Healthcare