A home for every need

Published: 

6 December 2024 4:15PM

Michael and Ivy were living in a rental home, but with continually rising rents and Ivy’s significant mobility needs, they had very few housing options available.

'I was really nervous, but I went down on the off-chance they could help us,' Michael says, describing his first visit to the local Housing Service Centre.  'I was really listened to by people who really understood what I was going through – the anxiety, the agony.'

Michael and Ivy had the help of Suze, an occupational therapist with the Bayside Housing Service Centre, to assess the options based on their current and future needs.

The husband and wife of 57 years are now feeling very happy, safe, and secure in their new home – an accessible unit complex in Wynnum.

'There’s nothing Ivy can trip over here – all flat floors, no high doorsteps I don’t have to lift Ivy in and out of the bath anymore – we’ve got railings and everything in the shower for her. Everything that a person with disability needs to live,' Michael says. 'We’re right next to the shops. We don’t have to get on buses and trains like I used to. I just go out, do my shopping and I’m back home within half an hour. Ivy doesn’t have to worry, and I don’t have to worry about leaving her at home alone.'

Michael also says that their neighbours provide the community connection he and Ivy longed for.

'It’s tremendous. They love gardening and they love talking. Me and Ivy, we used to miss all that and now life is normal. We’re happy and content. We’ve just fitted in beautifully.’

Michael has plenty of praise for the Bayside Housing Service Centre staff for their care, professionalism, and ongoing support.

'Look, I’ve never bought another woman a box of chocolates in my life,' Michael says. 'But I bought the whole team down there a box for their efforts. They’re like angels, every single one.’

Disability Housing Action Plan

We’re committed to creating more accessible and sustainable housing options for people with disability.

That’s why we’re working on a framework that will support people with disability to receive modifications in around their homes.

If you or someone you know needs housing help

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your local Housing Service Centre.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out more about housing help and support.