The way support is delivered in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is evolving.
Across Australia, more participants, families and support coordinators are looking for options that balance independence with safety, without defaulting to fully rostered, around-the-clock care.
One model that continues to gain traction is the On-Site Support (OSS) model, sometimes referred to as concierge support. For the right participant, it offers a more flexible and individualised way to access support while still living independently.
This guide breaks down what OSS is, how it works and when it might be the right fit.
What Is the On-Site Support Model?
On-Site Support (OSS) is a shared, flexible support model delivered within SDA environments.
It allows multiple participants living within the same site, often in separate apartments or villas, to access support staff on demand, rather than having a worker rostered in their home at all times.
Think of it as a layer of support that sits in the background:
- Available when needed
- Not intrusive when it is not
- Designed to complement, not replace, existing supports
OSS is typically funded as a separate line item in an NDIS plan, often referred to as unplanned on-site shared supports.
How OSS Works in Practice
In an OSS model:
- Support staff are based on-site or nearby
- Participants can request assistance as needed
- Support is shared across multiple residents within the same development
This support can include:
- Short, scheduled daily tasks
- Ad hoc assistance throughout the day
- After-hours or emergency support
The key difference from more traditional models is that support is not continuously present inside the home. Instead, it is there when required, giving participants greater control over their space and routine.
Who Is OSS Best Suited For?
OSS is not a one-size-fits-all model, and understanding suitability is important.
Participants who are typically well suited:
- Can live independently for periods of time
- Do not require constant 24/7 supervision
- Can safely wait a short period for support
- Want greater privacy and autonomy in their home
For participants with very high or constant support needs, Supported Independent Living (SIL) may still be more appropriate.
OSS vs SIL: Understanding the Difference
This is where confusion often happens.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
- Rostered, ongoing daily support
- Often delivered in shared homes
- Higher level of supervision
On-Site Support (OSS)
- Shared, on-demand support
- Typically delivered in independent dwellings
- Designed to fill gaps between scheduled supports
OSS allows participants to live in their own space while still having reliable support nearby when it is needed.
Key Benefits of the OSS Model
Greater Independence
Participants are not tied to a fixed roster and can live more freely in their own home.
Privacy and Control
Support is available without being constantly present, creating a more typical home environment.
Flexibility
Participants can access support when they need it, rather than working around a schedule.
Cost Efficiency
Because support is shared across multiple residents, it can be a more sustainable alternative to fully rostered models.
Safety and Reassurance
Participants and families know that support is close by if something unexpected happens.
How KinKera Delivers On-Site Support in SDA
At KinKera, we see the On-Site Support model as more than just a service structure. It is a practical way to deliver what the NDIS is aiming for, real independence, choice and control, within a setting that still provides the right level of safety and support.
Our approach is centred around one simple principle. The home comes first, and the support wraps around it.
That means creating environments where participants can:
- Live in their own self-contained space
- Build routines that reflect their lifestyle, not a roster
- Access support when they need it, without it being intrusive
Importantly, the On-Site Support model is completely optional.
It is an opt-in, opt-out service, which means participants are not locked into using it. They can choose to access on-site support when it suits their needs or rely on their existing supports instead.
This flexibility allows participants and their support networks to trial what works, adjust over time and maintain full control over how support is delivered in their home.
We work closely with support providers, support coordinators and families to ensure the model is set up properly from the outset, including clear expectations around response times and how support is accessed.
Where We Offer On-Site Support
KinKera currently delivers the On-Site Support model within our High Physical Support apartments in Auburn and Southport.
These developments have been designed to support OSS in a way that feels natural and sustainable for participants.
In both locations, residents live in fully self-contained apartments, with features such as:
- Accessible kitchens and bathrooms
- Assistive technology provisions
- Thoughtful layouts that support independence and mobility
At the same time, support staff are based on-site, allowing participants to:
- Request assistance when needed
- Access support for short, targeted tasks
- Have peace of mind knowing help is nearby
For participants who choose to opt in, OSS provides a reliable layer of additional support. For those who choose not to, their home remains a private, independent space supported by their existing arrangements.
Why This Model Works in Practice
What we have seen across our Auburn and Southport apartments is that the combination of environment and flexibility makes a real difference.
Participants are:
- Spending more time in their own space
- Building confidence in daily routines
- Making decisions about when and how support is involved
Families and support coordinators often value the reassurance of having support on-site, without compromising independence.
From a delivery perspective, the model also supports:
- More efficient use of support resources
- Consistent response times
- Strong collaboration between housing and support teams
A Model That Puts Choice First
At its core, the On-Site Support model is about giving participants options.
It does not replace existing supports or dictate how someone should live.
It simply adds another layer that participants can choose to engage with, or not, depending on what works best for them.
Explore SDA Apartments with On-Site Support
If you are supporting someone who may benefit from the On-Site Support model, or simply want to understand how it works in a real-world setting, we are always open to a conversation.
KinKera currently offers High Physical Support apartments with optional On-Site Support in Auburn and Southport, designed for participants who value independence while having support close by.
Whether you are:
- Exploring SDA eligibility
- Looking for current vacancies
- Planning ahead for a participant’s next move
- Comparing support models like OSS and SIL
Our team can walk you through what is possible and help determine whether this model is the right fit.
Get in touch to start the conversation:
- Speak directly with our team about current availability
- Request a walkthrough of our Auburn or Southport apartments
- Register your interest for upcoming opportunities
Email: enquiries@kinkera.com.au
Call: 1300 082 353
Or reach out via our website and our team will come back to you.
