PWS Accommodation

PWS Accommodation

Our PWS accommodation options provide different levels of support to suit individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

We can help find you a place to live or match you with housemates in supportive Prader-Willi suitable accommodation in Sydney. As a part of our best-practice services, this will involve supported accommodation options that are tailored to your specific needs and comforts. This from of support is offered through three different PWS accommodation options.

If you are unsure which option is the most suitable, we can help you to find appropriate accommodation and support in line with your individual circumstances. Our goal is to make sure you receive tailored support through all phases, wherever or whenever it may be required.

View our current vacancies

PWS-Specific Accommodation

In 1992, Interaction established Australia’s first PWS-specific accommodation model for three adults with PWS.  In 1993, this model was recognised by the International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organisation as best practice for individuals with PWS. We’ve grown since then, with multiple supported accommodation houses for our participants with PWS.

Our best-practice accommodation supports are provided by highly trained, skilled and experienced Interaction support staff. This can include;

  • Consistent daily and weekly schedules
  • Nutrition and food management support needs and goals
  • Physical exercise
  • Leisure time activities and options
  • Education, work and occupational therapy
  • Accessing day programs
  • Preventing health issues

Shared and Supported Accommodation offers 24/7 support for all ages, from young people leaving home for the first time, through to older participants who require more support.

To find out more about PWS-specific accommodation, call us on 1300 668 123 or email fill in the form below.

A Day in the Life

We understand the unique supports required by people with PWS. A typical day in the life of an Interaction participant follows specific routines to best support individual needs.

Staff prepare breakfast at 6am each day, making sure that portion sizes and meal presentation are the same for each participant. Participants eat lunch separately, so the meal can vary depending on individual needs.

Each house follows a set of rules that apply equally to all participants, who accept them as fair. These can include locking the kitchen, and the requirement that each participant is positively guided to follow their routine. Routines such as showering, checking skin for infection due to skin picking, receiving a packed lunch and all the other things involved in getting the participants to work on time. One participant may use the shared treadmill in the morning, the others in the afternoon. Everything is done in a set sequence and negotiated in advance with each individual. Each participant helps to decide the order of the routine, but once it is finalised it must be adhered to, unless an unforeseen event forces a change.

Some Interaction participants may work in supported employment. Afternoons are busy and include individual outings for banking, shopping, and craft groups. This is usually linked with exercise and a low fat coffee. The busy routine also reduces spare time that may result in skin picking and thinking about food. In each house there is a routine board with routines listed for each participant.

Weekends are also busy, exercise related outings are encouraged. Outings may include regular trips to the movies, bowling, bush walks and trips to local shops and parks.

We believe that the program works well for the individual residents, and that we have been able to assist them with living an active and healthy lifestyle.

Find Prader-Willi Accommodation in Sydney

Moving out of home is dream for many. When this transition happens, finding the right residential environment can make a major difference. If you are looking to find a new living situation, please reach out to our support staff today.

Interaction have a number of current vacancies across Sydney, and taking expressions of interest from participants who are looking for housemates. Please call us on 1300 668 123 or email our accommodation team.

Luana Atger

Luana Atger

General Manager, Accommodation

Luana has almost 30 years of experience in teaching and community services both here and in New Zealand. Since arriving in Australia in 2008 Luana has managed mental health, disability and community justice services at a senior level. More recently she has supported organisations through compliance requirements including NDIS recertification. Quality and compliance are key areas of interest along with a desire to see people reach their potential.

Phil Drury

Phil Drury

Senior Manager - Accommodation and Shared Living

Phil began in his career in the Central West in 2008 as a support worker and never looked back. After working in various day programs and respite services in the area before moving to Sydney, he soon found agency work, which ultimately led him to Interaction in 2016.

Starting first as a Social Educator and then moving into the role of Team Leader at one of Interaction’s residential properties, Phil is now a Senior Manager within our Accommodation Team.

He is still as passionate about the industry as he was when he first started. Phil considers his current role as one of support, albeit through a different window where he is able to improve the lives of our participants by working through others.

Hayley Becus-Higgins

Hayley Becus-Higgins

Accommodation Manager

Beginning her career in the disability sector as a support worker in 2015, Hayley has been with Interaction since 2018. She soon moved into the position of Team Leader and then House Manager for one of Interaction’s high support accommodation facilities. Hayley is currently in the position of Accommodation Manager for a group of supported accommodation facilities.

Hayley is currently studying a Cert IV in Disability. As soon as she started supporting participants, she knew it was exactly where she wanted to be and hasn’t looked back.

Ashleigh Collins

Ashleigh Collins

Accommodation Manager

Ashleigh has worked in the disability sector since 2018 in various roles including support worker, house coordinator and site manager. She currently holds the position of Accommodation Manager at Interaction. Ashleigh holds a Cert IV in Disability and a Diploma in Community Sector Management. She is passionate about advocating, growing, and leading within the disability sector.

Holly Nicol

Holly Nicol

Accommodation Manager

Holly started her career with Interaction in 2018 as a Support Worker, soon moving into the position of House Manager. Holly’s extensive experience working in Interaction’s supported accommodation homes allows her to support participants with genuine empathy, skills that serve her well in her current position of Accommodation Manager. Holly also undertakes Acting Senior Manager duties as required during periods of extended leave in the Senior Team.

Cassandra Shelley

Cassandra Shelley

Accommodation Manager

Cassandra has worked in the disability sector for more than 5 years. She is also an enrolled nurse with experience working in hospitals. Beginning her career as a support worker and health care coordinator, Cassandra previously worked as a support coordinator, before moving into her current role of Accommodation Manager.

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