24/7 Supported Independent Living that feels right.
Sam and David, a story of lifelong friendship
Every parent wants their son or daughter to live safely, happily, and surrounded by people who care for them.
For the parents of lifelong friends Sam and David, that wish was simple; they wanted their adult sons to enjoy life while living together after leaving their respective family homes.
Jan and Charlie hoped their son Sam would find a place where he and David could grow old together with the right supports around them.
David’s parents, Margaret and Paul, shared that vision. But after an unsuccessful attempt to secure Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding for David, they almost gave up on that dream.
But Nulsen’s Participant Engagement team didn’t give up. They walked alongside the families through every discussion, every application, and every review, determined to help create the future that was best for Sam and David.
How we supported David
David was first referred to Nulsen with Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding already in place. After previously being unsuccesful, David’s family were trying to secure SDA funding for him, just like his friend Sam.
Our Participant Engagement team worked closely with David’s mother, Margaret, to submit a new Change of Situation request, followed by an internal review. Although David was not yet supported by Nulsen, we helped the family navigate the NDIS and worked with David’s Support Coordinator throughout the process, hoping to achieve the outcome he needed. After more than 18 months of applications and reviews, David’s SDA funding was again declined.
Despite the setback, Margaret and Paul’s priority remained unchanged for thier son – they wanted David to live with Sam. So while SDA would have been the ideal pathway, the family remained open to exploring other options.
Then, a unique opportunity emerged – two vacancies came up at an existing Nulsen SIL home. After a thorough assessment, it was determined that both David and Sam would be an excellent fit for the home.
How we supported Sam
Sam’s parents, Jan and Charlie, were relieved that Sam had already been approved for SDA funding. But they felt it was important for Sam to find a home where he could live with David.
At 35 years old, Sam was set to move out of the family home for the first time. He had spent little time apart from his parents before, so when a non-SDA home was presented as an opportunity for him and David to move to together, Jan and Charlie were thrilled.
By this time, Jan and Charlie – along with Sam’s Support Coordinator – had worked with our Participant Engagement team for close to 2 years. But the family had a connection with Nulsen for much longer – through the family of Lara, who had attended school with Sam and David as children. The families had remained friends, and it was through this connection that Nulsen was recommended as an option for Sam when it came time for him to live independently.
So when two vacancies became available at the same time, it seemed like destiny when Sam and David would join Lara in being supported Nulsen. Not only that, all three childhood friends would end up living together in the same home!
The next steps with David
The transition process began soon after the home was chosen. This included multiple meetings with the families and stakeholders to gradually introduce David to our team, including Nulsen Therapy clinicians.
David’s transition to the home took around two to three months, with our team ensuring his experience was personalised and thoughtful.
Lauren, our Residential Services Manager, worked with Margaret and Paul through every detail to ensure their son’s needs were cared for. This included choosing wall colours and furniture, picking out bedsheets, and making sure David’s new space truly felt like home.
We arranged ‘buddy shifts’ so that support workers could spend dedicated time with David during pre-move visits, ensuring they got to know each other ahead of time. Pre-move visits were also arranged with David’s existing community workers, helping him gradually build familiarity and comfort within his new home environment.
Leaving his family home was a big deal for David, so we were honoured to support him and his family through such a meaningful milestone.
The next steps with Sam
With Sam, a more flexible approach was needed to ensure he felt safe and comfortable.
He was originally scheduled to move in at the same time as David, but Sam wasn’t ready. Putting back the date and arranging more visits allowed Sam to get to know the Nulsen team better and become used to the reality of the move.
With the additional assistance of his Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and allied health clinicians, Sam eventually felt ready to move in. David was there to greet him, of course, after settling into his new home of several weeks.
Coming from a close-knit family, Sam enjoys strong and regular involvement with his parents, Jan and Charlie. This made it all the more important that we retain many of the established routines Sam enjoyed before moving, making the transition even smoother. Part of this smooth transition is that Sam still listens to Katy Perry songs almost daily!
Moving home is a big deal.
When considering a supported home, it cannot be one-size-fits-all.
Finding the right home, with the right people, at the right time can be challenging, but that’s where we shine.
We take the time to understand each person’s unique needs and personality, making big transitions as smooth as possible.
At Nulsen, we help you find the right home, the best supports, and the perfect housemates.
Check out how.
At Nulsen, we’ll do the heavy lifting.
At Nulsen, we take on the heavy lifting so families don’t have to.
From navigating complex NDIS processes and funding applications, to coordinating therapy, supports, and transitions – we manage the details with care and expertise.
Our team reduces the stress on families, ensuring every step is planned and personalised so they can focus on what matters most – the wellbeing of their loved ones.
Making dreams come true
At Nulsen, we help make dreams come true.
By spending the time to understand each person’s routines, hopes and goals, we aim to turn aspirations into reality.
From finding the right home to coordinating personalised supports and therapies, we ensure your loved one receives exceptional care every step of the way.
With Nulsen, it’s more than just support, it’s about enabling a life filled with choice, independence, and joy.
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