Angela’s search for a specialist disability home for her adult son, Nelson, began almost four years ago. The journey of navigating the housing space has been long, arduous and fraught with obstacles. With a fierce determination, Angela has fought to secure her son’s future: by finding an accessible home in Perth where he feels safe and can live comfortably in the long-term. 

Nelson, who is 23 years old, was born with Angelman syndrome – a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical and learning disabilities. Nelson’s symptoms include intellectual disability, lack of speech and some physical challenges.   

Up until the age of 19, Nelson, who is a twin, lived at home with Angela and the rest of his family. His mother was his primary carer, providing 24-hour support.  

As Nelson was becoming older, his family wanted to put long-term plans in place for Nelson: “I wanted to make sure Nelson would be okay if something happened to me – that he had a home and people caring for him,” Angela says.   

So, Angela began to look at housing options for her son. It was 2022 – several years after the NDIS had been rolled out across WA. As Nelson was eligible for Supported Independent Living (SIL), Angela worked with the NDIA to find a SIL home in Perth. This took a few months but eventually a home with 24-hour care supports in place was found for Nelson. For the first time, Nelson moved out of his family home. 

One evening, Angela stopped by the home to drop something off. She knocked on the door, and no one answered. As the key box was empty, she called the SIL provider to request the key but there was no response.  

Angela knew something was wrong. She called the police immediately and they arrived within minutes. Nelson had been left alone in the house. 

“I got Nelson out of the SIL home immediately and reported the incident to the NDIA and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission,” Angela says.    

After leaving the SIL home in early 2023, Nelson was placed into temporary accommodation. During this time, Angela applied for SDA. While they waited for SDA funding approval, Nelson received short term accommodation funding to cover his accommodation costs.   

Over the next 18 or so months, Nelson was moved four times. 

For the first six months, Nelson lived in an SDA home (covered by short-term accommodation funding) until an incident occurred which placed Nelson at risk. Angela removed Nelson from the home and placed him into a SIL home. 

“The SIL provider agreed Nelson could bring his own supports and transition to their supports once safe and comfortable for Nelson to do so,” Angela says, explaining that it normally takes Nelson at least three months to adjust to new people delivering supports. 

“But after six nights, the SIL provider told me that unless they are providing all of Nelson’s supports, he will need to move out within 24 hours.” 

Angela removed Nelson immediately from the home and lodged a complaint against the SIL provider to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. 

Nelson now needed immediate accommodation.

Accommodation was arranged at an accessible serviced apartment: he remained in the first one for two months and moved to another one (offering a longer lease) for 12 months until he was hospitalized and was unable to return; the accommodation was no longer suitable. 

Nelson remained in hospital for a month, at which time his SDA funding was approved. After working with the NDIA and SDA providers, Angela finally found a home for her son. 

Nelson was released from hospital and moved into the property in late 2024. Nelson who is unable to share a home, lived on his own. 

Nelson lived next door to an SDA resident who also lived alone.

After a few months, Angela discovered that this was not an ideal living situation for her son. “The neighbour would have lots of parties, play loud music, there was drug use and the police were constantly at the house,” Angela says. 

Angela was worried about the ongoing problems this situation could cause including the possibility of Nelson’s support staff quitting: “If staff feel threatened or unsafe with what is happening next door especially with the police turning up at all hours, they may not want to go to work.”  

Angela decided her son had to move to a new home.

This meant another upheaval for Nelson. 

In 2025, Angela’s Support Coordinator introduced her to Nesti Housing, an SDA housing provider and member of the SDA Alliance.

Right from the start, Angela felt reassured by Nesti’s efficient and methodical approach. “Nesti staff arranged several meetings with me and Nelson. They asked for documents such as Nelson’s behavioural support plans and allied health reports so they could obtain a detailed understanding of his needs. Nesti’s staff asked a lot of questions and were careful to ensure Nelson was a suitable match for the property and that he had appropriate care supports in place.” 

A few weeks later, Nesti’s Housing Engagement team offered Nelson a two-bedroom fully accessible home. Despite it being a two-bedroom home, the owner of the property was open to renting it to Nelson as a single occupant as they understood Nelson is unable to live in a share home. 

The location was ideal: a twenty-minute drive from the city. Location was an important consideration – mainly as it plays a considerable role in ensuring continuity of services. Angela wanted to ensure Nelson’s support team did not have an unreasonable commute to get to work. Nelson is supported by a team of 5-6 individuals per day (including an active overnight shift). 

For Nelson, adjusting to new support workers can be very stressful and challenging.

“Nelson is nonverbal and his condition is complex – this can make if challenging for people to understand how to best support him,” Angela explains. “We need to teach his carers how to support him in the way he likes, and it takes time to do that.” 

As the SDA property was already built, Angela did not have the opportunity to participate in the design and construction process of the home. However, Nesti offered the opportunity for Angela to inspect the property and request modifications that were required for Nelson to ensure his safety and comfort prior to him moving into his new home.

“Nesti sorted out the modifications we needed promptly,” Angela says.

Angela explains that Nelson’s home not only offers long term housing stability but exposes him to far less risk as his living environment is set up to meet his needs.

“Nelson’s bedroom is large enough to accommodate his specialist bed, and the bathroom is safe for him to use. The rooms are sufficiently sized so multiple staff can deliver services. The home has a double garage which fits his van which means Nelson is protected from the elements when being transferred from the car to the home – this is important as Nelson has a history of respiratory dysfunction which can make breathing difficult,” Angela explains. 

Angela smiles as she explains that one of Nelson’s greatest joys is gazing out the widow and watching the world outside. His home has ample windows, designed at the right height, so he can spend time looking out the window each day.

“After all the obstacles, I know this will be his forever home,” Angela says confidently. 

When it comes to quality services for her son, Angela looks for great staff.

Nelson now has a professional and skilled team delivering a range of care supports, however Angela says this was not always the case: “The current team is fabulous – but to reach this point you need to discern what is good and what is not so good. Nelson has an intellectual disability and is non-verbal so it can be really challenging for staff to work out what he needs and wants. I want care staff that are engaged and interested, rather than those who just rock up for their shift and don’t care.”

Staff who are appropriately trained and capable of responding to incidences which may occur on any given day is critical for Nelson’s safety.  

Anegla also talks about the importance of staff having a deep understanding of the NDIS system – as this can have an impact on whether her son receives an NDIS Plan that meets his needs: “As the NDIA need to understand exactly what Nelson’s support needs are, I need to make sure his support team document everything accurately otherwise Nelson may not receive what he needs from his NDIS Plan. I cannot express how important it is to stay on top of everything to make sure everything works.”

Angela, who is Nelson’s advocate, talks about the skills required to manoeuvre the complexity of the NDIS including plan reviews: “Nelson’s annual plan review is never a straightforward process: you need to be able to call things out that aren’t right and not settle for second best.”

For Angela, communication is also a key determinate of quality services: “There will always be issues so the commitment of a provider to discuss and address issues is critical. Nesti is a good example as the communication between me and Nesti staff is clear, transparent and frequent.” 

Comprehensive service agreements which are fair and transparent are also an important aspect of delivering quality services, Angela explains: “Service agreements outline expectations and ensure accountability. When I have experienced frustrations in the past with service providers not doing what they should be doing, the service agreement was useful to hold them to account.” 

For Angela, SDA has improved Nelson’s quality of life – something he would not have experienced in any other kind of accommodation. 

“Nelson is a lovely, loving young man,” Angela says smiling. “And while the system is not perfect, I am grateful to be living in a country where the NDIS exists and where my son is supported.” 

Story written by Toni Palombi and originally published by SDA Alliance.

We shouldn’t play favourites..

but at Nesti HQ – March is a marvellous time of year. The leaves are turning, the afternoons linger, and it’s the ideal time to settle into something new (like a new home, perhaps?)

Built to HPS Specialist Disability Accommodation Standards

Balga has long shed its reputation of the 90’s and has fast become one of the most requested suburbs in the Nesti portfolio. With a strong sense of community and great access to everything north of the river, we’re proud to present two brand-new, park-side homes. 

Open to Appendix H and flexible funding options.

Feature packed:

• Assistive technology throughout  
• Accessible kitchens with open living & dining  
• Landscaped private backyards 
• Near to amenities, parklands, and health services 
• White goods & shared furniture included  
• Choice of housewarming gift or customisations

See the listing

The keys to this boutique block of just six apartments will soon be in the hands of the Nesti team. With flexible living arrangements available – solo, with a loved one, or even a pet. This is adaptable beauty will suit your lifestyle to a tee, no matter your preference. 
 

All the trimmings come included – like height-adjustable bench-tops, smart-tech integration, and even a bike rack on entry. Built-in robes and personal storage keep things tidy, and reverse-cycle air conditioning keeps the climate right, all year round. 

With seamless connection to Belmont Forum, health centres, and transport direct to the CBD. Explore what is right outside your door, knowing a quiet retreat awaits your return home.

Arrange a tour

In a sector where checks and balances can vary widely, working with a licensed team guarantees your SDA investment or tenancy are handled with compliance and care.

As a licensed Real Estate; Pam, Jodi and the Nesti Realty team are uniquely positioned to deliver property management you can trust.

If you’d like to speak to them for their expert advice, you can get in touch here.

SIL Providers: Your Key to a Karnup Gem

4 bed | 3 bath | 2 car

Built to HPS SDA Standards. For Rent $825 p/week

A peaceful combination of modern comfort with accessibility. This property is poised for a trusted and reputable SIL provider, looking to deliver high-quality support services, in a highly-quality home, right in the heart of the Karnup.

View the listing here

Is Your Abode Autumn Ready?

Our Maintenance Team have had a massive summer (shout out Darren and Guido!). They’ll now turn their attention to prepping homes for the cooler months. Cleaning gutters, trimming trees, sealing gaps in waterproofing. Anything your property needs for the months ahead – they’re the ones for the job. 

Book a maintenance quote

As you round the corner of this High Wycombe development, you sense that something is different. Perhaps, it’s the umbrella of the Macadamia tree, hugging the street frontage. The textural earth walls that rise to meet the spring sky. The joyful trades on site – singing along to the boombox – as they put the finishing touches to the exterior cladding.

It feels like a natural extension of what’s always been here, paired with an undeniable sense that these will be homes unlike any we’ve seen before.

In the first of our Meet the Makers series, we sit down with Mike and Chantelle, the dual minds behind Solterra Building Co, to unpack their design practice known as ‘neuroarchitecture’. As they look to rewrite the standard of SDA in Western Australia. 

Nesti: Let’s start with an introduction from yourself & a bit about the Green Building Co. Philosophy.

Solterra: Sure, so we are Mike and Chantelle. We created Solterra homes to be a point of different in the market. We are about building homes that feel good. That are filled with light. Materials that you just want to touch. And spaces that promote a sense of wellbeing. 

Nesti: From the Macadamia trees to the rammed-earth walls, there is a homage to the natural environment at play in this build. How important is respecting that to your overall vision for these homes?

Solterra: The trees are what initially drew us to this site, as we’ve gotten Macadamias and flame trees that anchor the build and determined the positioning for the three homes. The rammed-earth walls not only look beautiful and tactile but are a sustainable option that retain heat in winter and keep the homes cool in summer. 

Our vision has been realised by bringing nature in, wherever possible. The floor to ceiling windows, as well as access to courtyards, means the flow not only feels good – but promotes a calm and serene environment to live in. 

Nesti: In terms of how you approached this development – where did you draw inspiration from?

Solterra: In the homes at High Wycombe, we’ve found inspiration in the emerging field of neuroarchitecture. A design philosophy that explores how our brains and bodies respond to spaces and places. And we use these cues throughout the homes; hallways that glimpse the green outdoors, living spaces that are orientated to feel like a sanctuary, and double-glazed windows for a noise-free environment. We’ve delved deep – not only on functionality – but how you feel here. 

Nesti: What made you choose the Nesti team to collaborate with in bringing these homes to life?

Solterra: We joined with Nesti at the very beginning stages of this project, right after we secured the site. They have been pivotal in guiding us through what works and what doesn’t and encouraged us to go above and beyond the Specialist Disability Accommodation guidelines. It’s been a fantastic relationship and we’re so excited for them to manage these properties and support the people who will call these homes their own.

Nesti: What does a day in the life look like for a resident who choose to live here?

Solterra: High Wycombe remains a bit of a hidden gem. It’s a location that is so central – with easy access to the city, or a short drive up the hills into the quaintness of Kalamunda. There are cafes and amenities on your doorstep. Plus a real community feel with the homes being side by side. 

If you choose to spend the day at home, you’ll have a range of relaxing spaces to enjoy. Every bedroom is a peaceful retreat, the kitchen is communal and fitted with high-end appliances, plus there are two living and lounge areas to choose from to watch a movie or the breeze through the trees outside. 

Nesti: Can you give us three words that describe the homes at what you’ve achieved here?

Solterra: Sanctuary. Wellbeing. Grounded. 

2 x 3-bedroom homes for High Physical Support

1 x 2-bedroom home for High Physical Support

Estimated move in date: February 2026

View the vacancies

Nesti’s latest SDA begins

Two purpose-built homes will be constructed in Beechboro to meet growing demand for Specialist Disability Accommodation in Western Australia, with the first soil turned by the project stakeholders last week. This block will soon become customised homes for six people with disability to help meet their individual needs and maximise day-to-day independence.

The property development will be lead by WAI Group, with Nesti Housing as the Specialist Disability Accommodation provider, and Nulsen Disability Services deliver the supported independent living services.

Located 13km from the Perth CBD, 100m from public transport and less than 500m from a supermarket and café, the residences have been designed to comply with and exceed SDA and NDIS standards. Each property is architecturally designed with three bedrooms, as well as large corridors and living spaces so participants can navigate the home with ease, step-free paths, adjustable kitchen benches, movable cabinets and height accessible light switches and power points.

Residents will have their own bedroom and ensuite and access to a kitchen, generous living spaces and an outdoor area. There is also a separate bedroom, office space and bathroom for overnight support care professionals.

WAI Group Director Paul Stanley said the Beechboro project was the latest investment in a slate of inclusive SDA homes by WAI Group across the state. “WAI Group is as proud leader in Specialist Disability Accommodation and affordable housing in WA. Together with disability and supported independent living providers, we are committed to increasing stocks of SDA properties.”

Nesti Housing Managing Director James Allbeury said everyone deserved a safe, accessible, inclusive home. “At Nesti Housing, we believe everyone deserves a home that supports their independence and dignity. This project in Beechboro is a great example of what’s possible when like-minded partners come together to deliver high-quality, purpose-built housing that truly meets the needs of people with disability.”

Fortitude Living and G Living architect-builder Gianpaolo Crugnale said the Beechboro project had been designed to meet the personal needs of participants, while using best-practice architecture and construction. “The needs of future residents have been central to the planning of these homes, with designs that blend practical ideas and comfortable living. Our expertise and creative approach ensures each project we work on is tailored to the people who will ultimately live there.”

We’re excited to bring you construction updates as the project takes shape.

Nesti & Nulsen align again

Even the 40°C heat couldn’t stop the Nesti team, our partners, and future families from gathering for the official groundbreaking of this extra exciting micro-estate.

On the shovels were Nulsen CEO Caroline Watt, SDA Compass Managing Director Jim Poignand, City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes and Nesti Managing Director James Allbeury.

Joining them were members from each of the partner teams along with Ainsley Cousins, the devoted parent of Ben who will be living in one of the homes when completed in mid-2025.

Along with other family members, Ainsley has been involved in the planning of this specialised development for the past year, including the selections of bricks, roofing, colour schemes and layouts.

When completed, these four exceptional properties will be managed by Nesti Housing and home to several people Nulsen supports. We can’t wait!

Specialist living in Mandurah

A stylish apartment complex in Mandurah is part of a new era in dedicated homes for Western Australians with a disability.

The project is a collaboration between property developer NDIS Property WA, specialist disability accommodation provider Nesti Housing and supported independent living provider Diversity South and was officially opened today by the Member for Dawesville Lisa Munday.

Comprising four, 2-bed 2 bathroom apartments and two residential studios to provide onsite overnight assistance (if required), the homes are designed to promote independent living while meeting rigorous high physical support (HPS) standards.

NDIS Property WA Managing Director, John Palmer said the company was driven to create amazing homes to support people living with a disability.

Each of the homes has premium fixtures and assistive technology including facial recognition, environmental controls and height adjustable features giving easy access from a standing or seated position to bench tops, cupboards and cabinets. There is also provision to fully automate the home if needed.

Mr Palmer, emphasised NDIS Property WA’s unwavering commitment to creating more housing opportunities for people with a disability.

Nesti Housing Managing Director James Allbeury said the Hall Street apartments align with Nesti’s commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have a safe, accessible, and inclusive home. “Creating sustainable housing solutions for the Western Australian community is core to what we do at Nesti as a housing provider.”

The apartments have fully accessible parking and are close to public transport, shopping centres, medical facilities and the stunning Mandurah foreshore.

The Mandurah homes are part of Nesti Housing’s growing residential portfolio which include home options in Carlisle and Riverton, with further developments underway in Hamilton Hill, Maddington, Dalyellup, Midvale, and Australind.

Eight homes. Endless opportunities

Eight new bespoke homes will be built across Perth’s southern corridor to meet growing demand for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in Western Australia.

The properties, to be built in Carlisle, East Riverton, East Cannington, and Hamilton Hill, will provide opportunities for people living with disability to reside in beautiful, customised homes that cater to their specific needs.

The architecturally designed, fully furnished homes will incorporate large corridors and living spaces to navigate with ease, step-free paths, adjustable kitchen benches, and height-accessible light switches and power points.

The projects are a collaboration between property developer WAI Group, architect/builder Fortitude Living and G Living, specialist disability accommodation provider Nesti Housing, and supported independent living provider Nulsen Disability Services.

The East Riverton, Hamilton Hill, East Cannington, and Carlisle developments will each offer two three-bedroom homes. Each participant will have their own bedroom and ensuite, along with access to a kitchen, generous living spaces, and an outdoor area. There is also a separate bedroom, office space, and bathroom for overnight support care professionals.

WAI Group Director Paul Stanley said the developments were the latest investment in a series of inclusive SDA homes led by WAI Group across the state.

Nesti Housing Managing Director James Allbeury said Nesti was driven to creating sustainable housing solutions for the WA community to ensure individuals with disability not only had an appropriate place to call home, but also a place to thrive.

Nulsen Disability Services Chief Executive Officer Caroline Watt said Nulsen was proud to offer supported independent living in spacious SDA homes that offer privacy, dignity, and thoughtful accessibility.

Fortitude Living and G Living architect-builder Gianpaolo Crugnale said a well-considered design was critical for SDA properties to meet the requirements of tenants, while ensuring the functionality of the home is balanced with good design principles.

The East Riverton and Carlisle developments are due for completion in February while the Hamilton Hill homes will be finished in June. The East Cannington properties are expected to be completed by January.