A Fresh Start: How Leora and Spring Square SDA brought freedom back to Suki and Anni

If you ask Anni what life looks like now, she’ll tell you it’s brighter, freer and a little easier to breathe. For years, she and her husband Satala (known affectionately as ‘Suki’) lived in a small flat that wasn’t designed to suit Suki’s needs. 

But moving into Spring Square, AccessAccom’s Specialist Disability Accommodation where Leora Healthcare provides 24/7 onsite shared support services, paved the way for a new chapter filled with independence, choice and hope. 

Suki’s story began with a life-changing stroke in 2020 that left him bedbound and reliant on his wife Anni as his sole caregiver. Their small flat in Hammondville provided confinement rather than comfort. The cramped layout limited Suki’s mobility, locking him into a life of isolation and making everyday tasks a real challenge. 

“Before, our place wasn’t very productive for Suki,” Anni says. “Even though he had his own room, it felt like he was locked in there because he didn’t want to get out of bed. When he was in his wheelchair, there just wasn’t enough room to manoeuvre through the doorways. He couldn’t even access the kitchen.” 

The lack of accessible housing is a widespread issue and not uncommon in stories like theirs. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), as of 2018, only 12% of people living with disability were living in homes that had been modified to suit their needs. This leaves a significant portion of individuals without appropriate accommodation, highlighting the ongoing gap in accessible and affordable housing. 

For Suki and Anni, the struggle to find a home that truly supported their needs had been a constant source of frustration. Their move to Spring Square changed everything as it gave Suki the freedom to move, engage and rediscover simple pleasures. 

“Now, he can come out, open the door and sit outside on the balcony with a beer or a coffee, enjoying the view. He can even go out by himself now,” says Anni, her joy evident. 

The difference goes beyond physical access. Suki has found a renewed sense of independence, something he has not experienced in years. From helping Anni cook rice to making his own tea, Suki now takes pride in the small wins that have become a regular part of his daily life. 

“He takes the initiative now,” Anni says. “If he wants to do something, he just does it. And that’s the beauty of this place; he doesn’t have to struggle with gaps or tight spaces anymore. Everything is set up to work for him here.” 

The round-the-clock support through Leora’s OSS gives Anni the freedom to take time for herself without worrying about leaving Suki alone. 

“This little gadget is the best, I tell you,” she says, pointing to the call button hanging around Suki’s neck. “One push, and someone’s guaranteed to come down. And they’re always smiling, always happy to be here. I can actually leave him at home knowing I don’t have to worry or rush back because there’s always someone here for him.” 

As Keith, Leora Healthcare’s Accommodation Manager, explains, “The best thing about SDA is that people can have choice and control about the amount of support they receive and how they receive it.”  

Leora prioritises personalised care to ensure this choice and control are always central to our approach, giving National Disability Insurance Scheme participants like Suki the support they need to live more independently while easing the burden on their families. Supports like SDA and Supported Independent Living allow participants to enjoy homes designed to meet their specific needs and promote their independence. 

Moreover, support workers at Leora take this a step further, ensuring participants like Suki receive both practical assistance and the reassurance that help is always close by. 

Since moving in, Suki has made emotional and social progress that Anni has not seen in years. She describes this period as a “honeymoon phase,” where his personality and confidence are blossoming once again. 

“It’s given Suki a great start,” Anni says. “He’s talking so much more now! He’s happier, more engaged and he’s got so much more freedom. It’s just amazing to see what’s available to him here.” 

Seeing participants regain their independence and confidence is the most rewarding part of what we do at Leora. By tailoring our support to each individual’s needs and creating accessible environments, we empower our clients to live their life to the fullest. Families can trust that their loved ones are not just cared for but are flourishing in a space designed to help them achieve their goals and aspirations. 

Suki and Anni’s NDIS journey shows what’s possible when the right support meets the right environment. The changes they’ve experienced highlight how accessible living and compassionate care can transform lives. For them, Spring Square is more than just a home. It’s a place to heal, grow and move forward. 

Our passionate and dedicated support team provides personalised care in our disability accommodation homes to help you live with greater independence. Whether at home or in the community, we’re here to support you in pursuing your goals and embracing life on your own terms. 

Get in touch today to explore how we can support you.