Dove Tree, Doveton: Tailored Support for PWS and Robust Participants

Where care and specialist supports are concerned, there is no one-size-fits-all model.

As such, it is critical that SDA and care providers are equipped and ready to adapt and pivot to meet participants' needs, based on their respective behavioural concerns and physical capacities.

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While designed under the Robust housing category, our Good home Dove Tree in Doveton (scheduled for completion this year!) has been thoughtfully curated to support the needs of participants with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), ensuring a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment that aligns with their unique needs and lifestyle.

Here, we outline the key considerations in designing a home for Robust and PWS-specific needs, focusing on the features that make Dove Tree, Doveton a secure and empowering place to live.

Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare and often complex genetic disorder, wherein individuals experience challenges that impact their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

According to the Prader-Willi Association of Victoria, individuals with PWS possess a "constant preoccupation with food, accompanied by an unrelenting, overwhelming physiological drive to eat," and as such, normal satiety, or feelings of fullness, does not exist.

"The drive to eat is so powerful that most individuals will go to great lengths to eat large quantities of food," an occurrence that typically results in feelings of frustration among individuals living with PWS, wherein they are "easily frustrated, impulsive, quick to anger, rigid and concrete thinkers, and highly anxious."

Given this propensity for food preoccupation and potential outbursts, it is critical that individuals living with PWS reside in safe and secure environments that not only support their emotional well-being but also minimise triggers that could lead to distress.

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As with all Robust homes in the Good Housing stable, Dove Tree has been thoughtfully designed with a focus on tenant safety and comfort. Good Housing's Robust homes prioritise creating a calming environment by incorporating features that reduce sensory overload and provide a soothing atmosphere for tenants.

These homes are designed to foster independence while enhancing the quality of life for individuals with high intellectual support needs, with such key features including:

Restricted Kitchen Access: Due to the specific support needs in this home, kitchen access in communal settings is controlled with approved safeguards to ensure safety and well-being. In private dwellings, villas have covered or restricted kitchens as per participant requirements.

Designated Carer’s Rooms: Our Robust homes feature Onsite Overnight Assistance (OOA) rooms, ensuring support workers have a secure space for round-the-clock care, enhancing safety and responsiveness.‍

Durable Materials and Robust Fixtures: Our Robust homes feature high-durability materials designed to withstand intensive use. This includes soft-impact vinyl flooring for shock absorption, robust wall finishes, and resilient fixtures and fittings throughout.

Curated Colours and Interiors: Our Robust homes feature thoughtfully selected colour palettes and custom designs to support sensory needs, creating a calm and soothing environment for tenants.

Sensory Sound Proofing: Our Robust dwellings are equipped with advanced soundproofing materials to minimise external noises and disturbances, while protecting the privacy of individuals with high intellectual support needs and behaviours.

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Reinforced Walls, Doors and Safety Glass Windows: Our Robust dwellings have reinforced walls, doors and doorframes to provide added strength and security. What's more? Windows in our Robust dwellings feature laminated safety glass to minimise the risk of breakage and damage while providing additional safety and protection.

Increased Safety Measures: Our Robust homes feature fire-resistant materials, smoke detectors, fire suppression systems, and custom egress doors for secure entry and exit, ensuring safety for residents and support workers.

Emergency Egress Doors: Designed for quick and secure exits, our emergency egress doors enhance both staff and participant safety, ensuring a swift response in emergencies.

In addition to these home features, all participants will have access to our nominated On-Site Shared Support Providers, InLife and NexaCare, who will be available on-site 24/7 to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of all tenants.

We understand that no two participants are the same, which is why our approach prioritises tailored support, safety, and independence. By working closely with care teams, occupational therapists, and support networks, we ensure that each resident’s needs are met in a way that fosters both well-being and quality of life!

If you or someone you know is looking for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) that truly supports individuals with PWS and high-support needs, we would love to help. Contact us today to learn more about Dove Tree and how we can support your SDA journey. Enquire now or get in touch for more information!