High Physical Support (HPS) SDA Homes
SDA homes designed for participants who need extensive hands-on help and physical access features every day.
What is HPS?
High Physical Support (HPS) is an SDA category for participants who need extensive physical access features in their home.
This includes ceiling hoists, very wide doorways and corridors, accessible bathrooms with space for multiple support workers, and backup systems for equipment that relies on power.
HPS homes are designed so you, your equipment, and your supports can move and work safely in the space.
Who HPS Housing suits
You might need HPS if your daily life involves significant physical assistance and specialised equipment.
You might need HPS if:
- You rely on a wheelchair full time and need ceiling hoists for transfers
- You need help from support workers for most physical tasks throughout the day
- You use assistive technology or medical equipment that needs space and safe setup
- Moving around your current home is exhausting or unsafe for you and your supports
- You need very wide turning circles and predictable layouts for wheelchairs and equipment
- You need backup power for equipment like ventilators or ceiling hoists
HPS is the highest level of physical accessibility in SDA housing. It’s designed for participants whose physical support needs are significant and ongoing.
HPS home features
HPS homes include specific design features required by the NDIS SDA Design Standard. Here’s what matters most:
Ceiling hoists
Installed in bedrooms, bathrooms, and main living areas. These make transfers safer and reduce physical strain on you and your supports.
Very wide access
Doorways and corridors are wider than other SDA categories. This gives you and your equipment genuine space to move, not just technical compliance with minimum widths.
Accessible bathrooms
Roll-in showers, space for two support workers to assist, properly positioned grab rails and fixtures. Everything is designed for safe, comfortable personal care.
Larger bedrooms
Room for your bed, wheelchair, equipment, and space for support workers to move around you safely. Not just bigger rooms, but usable space.
Emergency backup power
Built-in generator ensures critical equipment like hoists, ventilators or communication devices keep working during power outages.
Pre-installed cabling
Ready for automated blinds, door controls, and other technology you might add later. Future-proofed design.
Communication systems
Intercom or similar systems built in so you can call for help or communicate within the home easily.
HPS Vs Fully Accessible SDA Housing
Both HPS and Fully Accessible (FA) homes are designed for wheelchair users, but there are important differences.
Fully Accessible suits you if:
You use a wheelchair and need barrier-free access, but you don’t need ceiling hoists. You might transfer independently or with minimal assistance. You don’t need emergency backup power.
High Physical Support suits you if:
You need ceiling hoists for safe transfers, or may do in the future. You require hands-on help from support workers for most physical tasks. You use equipment that needs backup power. You need space for multiple support workers to assist you at once.
The practical difference:
FA homes give you accessible independence. HPS homes give you accessible space for significant support. It’s about how much physical help you need, not just whether you use a wheelchair.
Your NDIS plan will state which category you’re funded for based on your assessed needs.
Are you eligible for HPS?
The NDIA decides SDA eligibility and category, not providers.
HPS eligibility typically requires:
- You’re an NDIS participant under 65 years old
- You have high physical support needs that require extensive daily assistance
- You need ceiling hoists, or the ability to add them, very wide access, or other HPS-specific features
- Standard housing (even with modifications) can’t safely meet your needs
- SDA housing would improve your safety, reduce future support costs, or maintain your functional capacity
Beyond the basics:
Your Occupational Therapist typically provides evidence about your physical access needs, equipment requirements, and why HPS-level design is necessary.
Your Support Coordinator can help you understand whether HPS is the right category to explore with your NDIA planner.
We can’t write evidence or apply to NDIA on your behalf. What we can do is help you understand what HPS homes look like in practice and whether our homes might suit your needs.
For families and support coordinators
For families:
We know you’re often helping your loved one assess whether an HPS home will work. You’re welcome to attend inspections, ask questions about safety features, and discuss how the home supports daily routines.
We understand your concerns about whether the design truly meets your loved one’s needs.
For Support Coordinators:
We provide detailed accessibility specs, photos of hoisting equipment and bathroom setups, and can arrange builder or assessor contact if you need technical verification.
We’re used to working with allied health teams and respond quickly to information requests that help your participant make informed decisions.