Every journey starts with a question.
Whether you’re exploring disability supports, accommodation options or community-based services, our FAQs are here to help. Find answers to common questions and discover how Cara can support you to live a life filled with joy, purpose and belonging.
With over than 75 years of experience supporting South Australians with disability, Cara understands that no two people are the same.
Our experienced teams take a personalised approach, working alongside you to build independence, develop skills, strengthen community connections and create a home environment where you can thrive. We specialise in supporting people with severe, multiple and complex disabilities and are committed to helping people live a life filled with joy, purpose and belonging.
Your support is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Depending on your NDIS funding and circumstances, support may include:
Absolutely.
Family members, guardians, advocates and support coordinators often play an important role in a person's life. With your consent, we'll work collaboratively with your support network to help ensure your goals, preferences and support needs remain at the centre of decision-making.
Yes.
Moving into Supported Independent Living is a significant life change, and we're here to support you throughout the process. We work closely with you, your family, support coordinator and wider support network to help ensure a smooth transition into your new home and support arrangements.
Yes. If you're unsure whether SIL funding is included in your plan, our team can help you understand your options and discuss the supports that may be available to you.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is funded support that helps people with disability live independently in their own home or a shared home environment.
Depending on your needs, support may include assistance with personal care, household tasks, cooking, medication, community participation and building everyday living skills. SIL is designed to help you live life your way while having support available when you need it.
No. Cara is a Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider, not a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider. This means we provide the support staff who work alongside you in your home, while your housing is managed separately.
You may live in your own home, a private rental, a Housing SA property or a home managed by a community housing provider. Whoever your housing provider is, you'll have your own tenancy agreement with them, while Cara provides the support you need to live independently and achieve your goals.
Finding the right housemates is an important part of creating a home where you feel comfortable, supported and connected.
We take the time to get to know you, your interests, lifestyle preferences, support needs and long-term goals. When considering shared living arrangements, we carefully match people who are likely to enjoy living together and share similar interests, routines and aspirations.
Our SIL vacancy listings also include information about the current housemates, giving you an opportunity to learn more about the people who already call the house home. When submitting an expression of interest, we encourage you to tell us about yourself and what you're looking for in a home so we can help find the right fit.
At Cara, we believe great support starts with getting to know you.
We deliver person-centred active support, which means we focus on your strengths, preferences and goals. Whether you're learning new skills, building independence, participating in your community or pursuing personal interests, our team works alongside you to provide the right level of support while encouraging choice, confidence and independence.
Yes.
For many people, STA provides an opportunity to build confidence, develop everyday living skills and experience living away from home. Many of Cara's Supported Independent Living clients first connected with Cara through Short Term Accommodation.
Yes.
For many people, STA provides an opportunity to build confidence, develop everyday living skills and experience living away from home. Many of Cara's Supported Independent Living clients first connected with Cara through Short Term Accommodation.
We'll provide you with information before your stay so you know exactly what to bring.
Generally, you'll need comfortable clothing, personal items, medications and anything else that helps you feel at home during your stay.
Short Term Accommodation (STA) is typically funded through your NDIS Core Supports and can be used flexibly throughout the year.
Depending on your funding, you may be able to access up to 28 days of STA each year. These days can be used in a block of up to 14 days at a time or spread across the year, such as a few days each month.
Due to demand, we recommend booking your stay as early as possible and generally require 6–8 weeks' notice for STA bookings. If you have questions about your funding or availability, our team is here to help.
Every STA experience is different because it's designed around you.
You might choose to explore your local community, try new activities, build life skills, spend time with friends or simply relax and enjoy a change of scenery. We'll work with you to create an experience that reflects your interests and goals.
Your STA stay includes accommodation, meals, personal care and support tailored to your individual needs.
Our experienced support workers take the time to get to know you, your preferences and your goals to ensure your stay is enjoyable, comfortable and meaningful.
STA is available to people with disability who have appropriate funding in their NDIS plan.
If you're unsure whether STA is included in your funding, our team can help you understand your options and discuss the supports available to you.
Short Term Accommodation (STA), sometimes called respite, gives you the opportunity to enjoy a short stay away from home in a safe and supportive environment.
During your stay, you can try new experiences, build confidence, make connections and enjoy a change of routine while receiving the support you need.
MTA is temporary accommodation, while SIL is an ongoing support service.
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) provides a short-term place to live while you wait for a permanent housing solution. Supported Independent Living (SIL) is the support you receive in your home to help you build independence and manage everyday life.
In many cases, MTA can act as a bridge to a more permanent living arrangement, including a home where SIL supports may be provided.
Medium Term Accommodation is typically funded for up to 90 days while you wait for your permanent housing arrangement to become available.
The length of your stay will depend on your individual circumstances and NDIS funding. Our team can help you understand what options may be available to you and support you throughout the transition process.
MTA is available to NDIS participants in specific circumstances and must be funded within your NDIS plan.
You may be eligible if you've been approved for long-term housing but need somewhere to live in the meantime. Our team can work with you, your family and your Support Coordinator to understand your situation and explore your options.
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) provides temporary housing for eligible NDIS participants while they wait for a longer-term housing solution.
Whether you're waiting for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), home modifications to be completed, or another permanent housing arrangement, MTA offers a safe, comfortable and supportive place to live while maintaining your independence and everyday routine.
HCS is commonly funded through the NDIS, but support options may vary depending on your circumstances.
If you're unsure what funding is available to you, our team can help you understand your options and discuss the supports that may best meet your needs.
Absolutely.
Whether you'd like to attend social activities, visit local attractions, learn new skills, volunteer, pursue hobbies or simply get out and about, our team can support you to stay connected and engaged in your community.
Yes.
We understand that everyone's routine is different. We'll work with you to develop a support schedule that aligns with your lifestyle, goals and NDIS funding.
Your support is personalised to you and your goals.
Depending on your needs, support may include assistance with personal care, household tasks, shopping, attending appointments, building life skills, social activities, community participation and maintaining your health and wellbeing.
HCS is flexible and can be provided wherever you need support.
This may be in your own home, the family home, or out in the community. We tailor support to your individual needs, goals and daily routine.
Home & Community Support (HCS) provides personalised support to help you live life your way, both at home and in your community.
Whether you need assistance with everyday tasks, building independence, attending appointments or participating in activities you enjoy, our team works alongside you to achieve your goals and maintain your lifestyle.
Day Options is typically funded through the NDIS.
If you're unsure whether Day Options is included in your plan, our team can help you understand your funding and discuss the supports that may be available to you.
Absolutely.
Day Options can support you to develop practical life skills, build confidence, strengthen social connections and increase your independence at your own pace. Our focus is on helping you achieve your personal goals and create meaningful experiences.
Cara delivers Day Options across multiple South Australian locations, including metropolitan and regional communities.
Programs are delivered from our dedicated hubs and within the local community, giving you opportunities to build connections, explore new experiences and engage in activities that are meaningful to you.
Yes!
Our Day Options service is designed around your individual interests, strengths and goals. We take the time to get to know you and create opportunities that align with what you enjoy and what you'd like to achieve.
No two Day Options experiences are the same.
Activities are tailored to your interests and goals and may include creative arts, cooking, exercise and wellbeing programs, community outings, sensory experiences, skill development and social activities. We'll work alongside you to create experiences that reflect what matters most to you.
Day Options is a personalised service designed around your interests, goals and aspirations.
Whether you'd like to build new skills, connect with others, explore your community or try something new, Day Options provides opportunities to participate in meaningful experiences that support confidence, independence and personal growth.
