20/02/2026
"One Home. Many Lives Changed"
Anthonyโs* story did not begin with DHS. It began years earlier, during a period of instability that deeply affected both him and his family.
Over a five year period, Anthony experienced two extended hospital admissions, each lasting more than 12 months. These admissions were driven by significant behaviours of concern.
While in hospital, he required the support of two staff members at all times, alongside security. It was an intense and highly restrictive environment, reflecting just how fragile his circumstances had become.
During this time, DHS CEO Ellen was working for Anthonyโs SIL provider and saw firsthand the complexity of his needs and the impact of repeated instability. She witnessed the toll it took not only on Anthony and his family, but also on frontline staff and the broader health system.
Extended hospital admissions of this nature come at enormous cost. Specialist hospital beds are among the most expensive resources in the health system. Supporting one individual with 2:1 staffing plus security for months on end consumes millions of dollars in taxpayer funds. It also occupies critical bed space that could otherwise be used for acute patients in urgent need of care. Anthonyโs instability was not just a personal crisis. It was a system level strain.
Anthonyโs previous home before coming to DHS was an SDA property. On paper, it met funding requirements. In practice, it fell short. The previous SDA provider demonstrated limited understanding of disability and complex support. Communication was poor. There was little collaboration with stakeholders. Over time, tension grew within the surrounding community. Instead of being supported to succeed, Anthony was effectively run out of town.
When Anthony and his family approached DHS, they were at breaking point. There had been ongoing property damage in the previous home. Multiple properties had been viewed without success. Suitable options were narrowing rapidly.
The risk of homelessness was real.
DHS approached the situation differently.
The team worked relentlessly to secure a property that could meet Anthonyโs support needs while restoring something far more important than accommodation: dignity and stability. The location was carefully considered. It needed to be in a quiet neighborhood to reduce environmental triggers, while still allowing Anthony to remain connected to the broader community.
The home that was secured was not perfect and required further modification. However, what ultimately made the difference was not just the house itself, but the way it was managed.
Laura, DHS Property Manager, engaged early and thoroughly with all stakeholders. She collaborated closely with Anthonyโs Occupational Therapist and Behavior Support Practitioner to design a structured and low stress transition plan. She worked transparently with the property owner to ensure realistic expectations and preparation for potential challenges. She invested time building understanding within the local community, fostering cooperation rather than conflict.
From day one, the transition was deliberate, supportive, and centred on Anthonyโs wellbeing.
The tenancy has not been without challenges. It would be unrealistic to suggest otherwise. However, over the past 12 months, the growth has been significant.
With the stability of a secure home has come regular contact with family and continuity of supports. These foundations have led to a dramatic reduction in behaviors of concern.
Previously, Anthony experienced at least two major escalations each month, often requiring the involvement of multiple police and ambulance teams. Since moving into his DHS managed home, he has experienced only two major escalations in total.
The impact extends well beyond Anthony himself.
Reduced escalations mean fewer emergency call outs, less pressure on police and ambulance services, and less trauma for frontline responders. Most importantly, Anthony has remained out of hospital. That means specialist hospital beds are now available for patients in acute medical crisis. It means highly skilled nurses and clinicians can focus on treatment rather than containment. It means significant taxpayer funds are no longer being absorbed by avoidable long stay admissions.
This is what effective housing does. It stabilises individuals. It strengthens families. It protects communities. And it relieves pressure on overstretched public systems.
Reaching the 12 month milestone in this home represents more than maintaining a tenancy. While this may not be Anthonyโs forever home, it has been a turning point. It has provided security, consistency, and the foundation for him to continue building the skills and confidence needed to live successfully within the community, in a place he can truly call his own.
For Anthony and his family, it has meant relief and renewed hope.
For the community, it has meant stability and understanding. For the health system and taxpayers, it has meant freed resources and restored capacity. And for those involved in supporting him over many years, it stands as a powerful reminder that when housing is delivered with expertise, collaboration, and genuine care, it can change not only one life, but the system around it.
