How do I build an assisted living home

Accessible housing and assisted living standards have come a long way in Australia – between 2020 and 2025, the number of people with funding for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) increased by 58 per cent*. But there’s still a long way to go: the NDIS predicts we’re going to need more than 27,000 SDA homes by 2027*. Combine that with an ageing population keen to stay at home for longer, and there’s significant demand for SDA building and home modifications.

Jarrad Hills has been at the forefront of SDA innovation, founding Ability Homes Australia in 2016; it became registered as a charity in 2018. He has watched as the Bunnings Assisted Living range has expanded to keep pace with demand, and is using the range to help make the day-to-day challenges of Australians living with disabilities that much easier.

What is assisted living and what needs to be considered?

• Assisted living is a house or unit that helps people with disabilities or older Australians live in their own homes with accessible features.
• Some of the features of specialist housing include automated technologies and accessible features, like handrails.
• Some of the past challenges for assisted living homes have included compliance rules and the cost of materials, but the Assisted Living range at Bunnings has solutions.

We spoke to Jarrad to share what he knows about building accessible housing.

How did you get into building accessible housing?

My younger sister [Sarah] was born with both an intellectual and physical disability, and she was put into an aged care facility when she was 25. Coming from a family that was all tradesmen, I wanted to look at how young people could be stuck in aged care facilities and to help her and the two other girls get out.

How did you help your sister?

Two friends and I created Ability Homes Australia. We built a home for my sister and the two other girls – that was the first project. From there, what was supposed to be a single project has expanded out to more than 80 new builds and about 450 renovations across four states.

What are some of the features of SDA homes?

Wide open spaces, including wider hallways and open-plan living in the kitchen and dining rooms. Bathrooms focus more on accessibility and ease of use, with level-entry showers and wall-hung vanities. The use of automation is also very common.

What are some of the challenges of working in the assisted living space?

The challenges have been access to good quality materials that are compliant within the codes. When we started, the only options were a chrome handrail, and fittings and fixtures that looked like you were in a prison. Pricing had also blown  so far out of proportion. Fast forward 10 years and the accessibility range is amazing. We could pretty much use the majority of products within a standard residential home.

How has the availability of product changed?

The Assisted Living range at Bunnings is now a lot bigger – the Special Orders side and the availability of product has grown exponentially, which is amazing.

Tip: Did you know Bunnings Trade has Building Solutions Studios around Australia with innovative whole of build solutions, including certified SDA ranges, all under one roof and in one location?

Assisted Living

Here’s what you need to know about assisted living.

Supply and demand

By late 2024, the regions highlighted by the NDIS as having the most potential growth for developers and builders were New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland*.

Housing needs

There are four SDA categories:

• Improved Liveability, for people with sensory, intellectual, physical or cognitive impairment;
• Robust, for those who need an environment that can withstand high-impact behaviours;
• Fully Accessible, for people with significant impairments or very high support needs;
• High Physical Support, for those with significant physical impairments who require substantial support.

In areas with lower numbers of SDA dwellings, there is a need for Robust and Fully Accessible*.

The future of SDA housing

Research has shown Individualised Living Arrangements are a more efficient housing model than group homes for people living in SDA, which may increase demand for accommodation even further^.

Older Australians

By 2035, the government predicts it will be supporting around 1.4 million Australians to stay at home while they age†.

Want more information?

To see the latest products and services Bunnings Trade has available through our Assisted Living range, browse our range online, call 134 TRADE (134 872) or contact us at sda@bunnings.com.au.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Assisted Living and SDA

1. What does SDA stand for and what is it?

SDA stands for Specialist Disability Accommodation. SDA housing is designed for people with functional impairments or support needs, built to the SDA Design Standard and funded through eligible NDIS plans.

2. What are the four SDA categories Bunnings Trade offers in their Assisted Living Range?

• Improved Liveability: for people with sensory, intellectual, physical or cognitive impairment;
• Robust: for those who need an environment that can withstand high-impact behaviours;
• Fully Accessible: for people with significant impairments or very high support needs; and
• High Physical Support: for those with significant physical impairments who require substantial support.

3. What standards and approvals apply?

You’ll need standard planning/building permits, compliance with the NCC, relevant AS 1428 requirements, and SDA Design Standard certification when delivering SDA.

4. What features should I prioritise?

Wider doorways and halls, step-free entries and showers, compliant grab rails with proper fixings, reachable switches/handles, reinforced walls, and optional home automation.

5. Where can I source compliant products and guidance?

Use the Bunnings Trade Assisted Living range (including Special Orders) and Building Solutions Studios; call 134 TRADE (134 872) or email sda@bunnings.com.au.

Keen to learn more about SDA?

Check out our guide to specialist disability accommodation.

[Disclaimers]

*ndis.property/statistics, ^grattan.edu.au/news/shares-houses-not-group-homes, †myagedcare.gov.au/news-and-updates/big-changes-aged-care-sector