In the journey of living with disability, having the right home environment that supports independence, choice, and personal growth is paramount. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises this fundamental need through its Individualised Living Options (ILO) program, a flexible and person-centred approach to home and living arrangements that puts participants firmly in control of their living situation.

Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all housing models, Individualised Living Options represent a paradigm shift in how we think about supported living arrangements. ILO is not about fitting people into existing housing structures or predetermined support packages. Instead, it’s about designing living arrangements and support networks that adapt to the individual’s preferences, needs, and aspirations. This innovative approach acknowledges that where and how we live profoundly impacts our quality of life, sense of belonging, and ability to participate in the community.

The beauty of ILO lies in its flexibility and personalisation. Whether you prefer living with housemates who provide support, residing in a host’s home, or establishing another creative living arrangement, ILO funding can help make it possible. The program recognises that meaningful living arrangements often involve a complex interplay of formal supports, informal networks, and community connections—all working together to create a stable, supportive home environment.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of Individualised Living Options under the NDIS. We’ll walk through the two-stage process of exploring, designing, and implementing ILO supports, examine the different types of support structures available, understand the funding mechanisms, and provide practical guidance on how to get started. By the end of this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how ILO can open new possibilities for living arrangements that truly reflect individual choice and control—a cornerstone principle of the NDIS.

Whether you’re an NDIS participant exploring housing options, a family member supporting a loved one, or a provider seeking to understand ILO better, this guide aims to demystify the process and highlight the potential of this person-centred approach to home and living supports.

What are Individualised Living Options?

Individualised Living Options (ILO) represent a groundbreaking approach to home and living arrangements for NDIS participants. At its core, ILO is support to live the way that suits you—a fundamental shift from traditional models where people with disabilities often had limited say in their living arrangements. This person-centred framework acknowledges that housing and support needs are deeply personal and should be tailored to individual preferences, goals, and circumstances.

It’s important to understand from the outset what ILO is and isn’t. ILO funding does not pay for a house or physical accommodation. Rather, it funds the exploration, design, and implementation of personalised support arrangements that enable participants to live in their preferred way. Using ILO funding, participants can explore different living options—such as sharing with housemates or living in a host’s home—and design supports that facilitate their chosen living arrangement.

The purpose of ILO is fundamentally about enabling choice and control. It recognises that where and how we live significantly impacts our quality of life, independence, and community participation. Through ILO, the NDIS aims to ensure that participants can live in a way that best suits their individual needs, preferences, and aspirations. The funding provided is specific to each participant’s requirements and falls into one of three bands for both stages of the ILO process.

What makes ILO truly different from other support models is its highly individualised nature. Unlike pre-packaged support programs or standardised living arrangements, ILO is designed specifically for each participant. It works in conjunction with other funded supports and services, as well as informal supports from family, friends, and community. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a person’s support network are considered and integrated into their living arrangement.

The flexibility of ILO allows for diverse living situations. Some participants might choose to share their home with housemates who provide varying levels of support. Others might prefer to live in the home of a host who offers more comprehensive support. The common thread is that these arrangements are chosen by the participant rather than prescribed by service providers or determined by available housing stock.

ILO is not about funding for the physical dwelling itself or home modifications—these are covered under different NDIS supports. It doesn’t fund activities outside the home, such as work, study, or recreation. Importantly, ILO is not an arrangement where participants don’t get to choose who they live with, nor is it a standardised program of supports that doesn’t reflect individual preferences or needs.

The transformative potential of ILO lies in its recognition that meaningful living arrangements often involve a complex interplay of formal supports, informal networks, and community connections. By funding the design and implementation of these personalised arrangements, the NDIS empowers participants to create living situations that truly work for them—fostering independence, wellbeing, and community inclusion in ways that generic housing models simply cannot achieve.

“Individualised Living Options have revolutionised how we think about supported living. Instead of asking ‘Which existing housing option is the best fit?’, we now ask ‘What would the ideal living arrangement look like for this person?’ This shift in perspective opens up possibilities that simply weren’t available before.” – Dr. Emma Thompson, Disability Housing Specialist

The Two-Stage Process of ILO

Individualised Living Options are implemented through a carefully structured two-stage process that ensures participants have the time, support, and resources to explore, design, and implement their ideal living arrangement. This methodical approach recognises that creating sustainable, personalised living arrangements requires thorough exploration, thoughtful planning, and ongoing support. Let’s delve into each stage of this process to understand how ILO transforms from concept to reality.

Stage 1: Exploration and Design

The Exploration and Design stage forms the foundation of a successful ILO arrangement. This initial phase is all about discovering possibilities, understanding preferences, and crafting a detailed plan for your living arrangement. During this stage, you’ll work closely with your family, friends, support coordinator, and providers to explore various living options and design a support structure that aligns with your goals and needs.

This exploration process is inherently collaborative and involves numerous conversations and meetings with your support network. The NDIS recognises the importance of this discovery phase by funding up to 100 hours of support, typically capped at 30, 50, or 100 hours depending on your specific circumstances. This funding ensures you have adequate professional support to navigate this critical planning stage.

During the Exploration and Design stage, you’ll engage in a comprehensive information-gathering process. This includes articulating your goals, mapping your social network and community connections, identifying existing supports, reflecting on what has worked well in the past, and envisioning what you want your life to look like. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of your life and support needs are considered in designing your living arrangement.

The activities in this stage are varied and thorough. You’ll explore where and how you want to live, including helping those around you understand your preferences and how they might work in practice. You’ll gain insights into your strengths and capabilities, identifying opportunities to build skills through your ILO supports. Crucially, you’ll make informed choices about where you live, who you live with, and how you’re supported—exercising genuine choice and control over your living situation.

This stage also involves understanding how different types of supports can work together in your ILO arrangement. You’ll explore how informal supports from friends and family, community supports, and paid supports can complement each other to create a comprehensive support network. Additionally, you’ll assess potential risks in your preferred living arrangement and develop strategies to manage them effectively.

By the end of Stage 1, you should have reached a decision about your preferred home and living arrangement and the support you need. This culminates in the completion of a service proposal form—a crucial document that outlines how you want to live and who you want to support you. This proposal becomes the blueprint for the next stage of the ILO process.

It’s worth noting that the provider you work with during the Exploration and Design stage doesn’t necessarily need to be the same provider who delivers your ILO supports in Stage 2. However, it’s strongly recommended that your Stage 2 provider is involved in preparing the service proposal to ensure a smooth transition between stages.

Stage 2: Supports

Once your service proposal is complete, you move into Stage 2: Supports—the implementation phase of your ILO arrangement. During this stage, the NDIS considers your individualised living option design as outlined in your service proposal when deciding what supports to include in your plan. Based on your proposal, they might provide funding for specific arrangements such as housemate support or a host arrangement.

Stage 2 is where your carefully designed living arrangement comes to life. The NDIS will determine the appropriate funding based on your service proposal and the level of support you require. This funding is allocated to implement the primary supports, supplementary supports, and monitoring arrangements outlined in your proposal.

Your ILO supports in Stage 2 are structured around three key components: Primary supports, Supplementary supports, and Monitoring and adjustment. Primary supports are delivered by the people you live with, such as hosts or housemates, and help with everyday needs in your home. Supplementary supports provide additional flexibility, allowing you to access extra or different support when needed. Monitoring and adjustment ensure your arrangement continues to meet your needs over time, with regular check-ins and mechanisms to address any issues that arise.

The transition from design to implementation requires careful coordination. While you can choose different providers for Stage 1 and Stage 2, it’s beneficial to have your Stage 2 provider involved during the design phase. This ensures they fully understand your vision and can effectively deliver the supports you need. The implementation process involves establishing agreements between all parties, setting up payment arrangements, and putting monitoring systems in place.

What makes Stage 2 particularly valuable is its flexibility. Your ILO arrangement isn’t set in stone—it can evolve as your needs and circumstances change. The monitoring component of Stage 2 allows for ongoing assessment and adjustment of your supports, ensuring your living arrangement continues to serve you well over time.

Throughout both stages of the ILO process, the emphasis remains on your choice and control. Decisions about your living arrangement should be made by you, with support to be involved and make decisions as much as possible. This person-centred approach ensures that your ILO truly reflects your preferences, needs, and aspirations—creating a living situation where you can thrive.

Types of ILO Support Structures

The flexibility and personalisation of Individualised Living Options are made possible through a thoughtfully designed support structure that adapts to each participant’s unique needs and preferences. This structure consists of three interconnected components: Primary supports, Supplementary supports, and Monitoring and adjustment. Together, these elements create a comprehensive framework that enables participants to live in their preferred way while ensuring they receive the right level of support. Let’s explore each component in detail to understand how they work together to create a holistic living arrangement.

Primary Supports

Primary supports form the foundation of an ILO arrangement. These are the essential, day-to-day supports delivered by the people you live with—whether that’s a host or housemates. Primary supports help with the everyday activities and needs that arise in your home environment, providing the stability and assistance necessary for you to live your chosen lifestyle.

There are two main types of primary support arrangements under ILO. The first is a host arrangement, where you live full-time with a host who is not related to you, in their home. This option provides a family-like environment where your host offers various levels of support based on your needs. The second option involves housemates, where you live full-time in your own home or a shared rental property with one or more people who are not related to you. In this arrangement, your housemates provide support as part of the living situation.

The level of support that hosts or housemates provide varies significantly between different ILO arrangements, reflecting the individualised nature of the program. For some participants, primary supports might involve substantial assistance with personal care, meal preparation, and daily activities. For others, it might focus more on companionship, emotional support, and minimal practical assistance.

These help-at-home supports can encompass a wide range of activities, including personal care, cooking, cleaning, emotional support, assistance with getting ready for work, and ensuring safety at home. The specific mix of supports depends entirely on your needs, preferences, and goals as outlined in your service proposal.

What makes primary supports particularly valuable is their integrated nature—they’re provided within the context of a shared living arrangement rather than as external services. This creates a more natural, relationship-based support system that enhances quality of life and fosters genuine connections between participants and their supporters.

Supplementary Supports

While primary supports provide the foundation of an ILO arrangement, supplementary supports add an essential layer of flexibility and resilience. These are extra supports put in place alongside your primary support, designed to provide additional assistance when needed and ensure your arrangement can adapt to changing circumstances.

The flexibility of supplementary supports is one of their greatest strengths. You can use them to access extra or different support from time to time, or to fill gaps when your primary support is unavailable. This might occur when your primary supporters have other commitments such as work, medical appointments, or holidays. This adaptability ensures that your support needs are consistently met, even as circumstances change.

Supplementary supports can be either paid or unpaid, reflecting the diverse nature of support networks. Paid supplementary supports might include respite care or having support workers stay in your home on an ad hoc or regular basis. These formal supports provide professional assistance that complements your primary support arrangement.

Unpaid supplementary supports often involve your informal network—arrangements to stay with family or having more regular drop-in visits from friends or family when your primary support is away. These informal supports play a crucial role in many ILO arrangements, providing valuable assistance while strengthening community connections.

Examples of supplementary supports are diverse and tailored to individual needs. They might include back-up support for your primary support, on-call arrangements for emergencies, support from a mentor, assistance from volunteers or neighbours, paid “drop-in” support for specific activities, or structured supports from family or friends. This variety ensures that supplementary supports can be customised to complement your primary support arrangement effectively.

The integration of primary and supplementary supports creates a robust support system that can adapt to your changing needs and circumstances. This flexibility is a hallmark of the ILO approach, ensuring that your living arrangement can evolve over time while continuing to provide the right level of support.

Monitoring and Adjustment

The third component of ILO support structures—monitoring and adjustment—ensures that your living arrangement remains effective, safe, and aligned with your goals over time. This ongoing process of review and refinement is essential for the long-term success of any ILO arrangement.

Monitoring is a shared responsibility between you and your provider, though the level of monitoring needed varies between different ILO arrangements. It involves regular checks to ensure your supports are working as intended and addressing any issues that arise. Your service proposal must include a monitoring plan that outlines what will be monitored and how.

Effective monitoring tracks several key aspects of your ILO arrangement. It assesses whether your supports are helping you become more independent at home and meeting your goals. It gauges your satisfaction with your living arrangement and ensures you feel safe in your home. Monitoring also confirms that you and others involved in your arrangement know how to raise and discuss concerns, and identifies any problems with the people you live with or support workers coming to your home.

A comprehensive monitoring plan includes practical details such as the frequency of monitoring, whether it will occur face-to-face or virtually, how different stakeholders will contribute to the process, how issues will be raised and resolved, and the process for adjusting your ILO supports. This structured approach ensures that monitoring is consistent and effective.

Importantly, you don’t have to wait for scheduled monitoring to raise concerns—you can discuss issues with your provider at any time. This responsive approach ensures that problems can be addressed promptly before they impact your wellbeing or the effectiveness of your arrangement.

The adjustment aspect of this component acknowledges that circumstances, needs, and preferences change over time. The flexibility of ILO allows you to modify the mix of primary and supplementary supports as needed, ensuring your arrangement continues to serve you well. Your provider plays a crucial role in coordinating and maintaining your monitoring plan, supporting you to identify and implement any necessary changes to your ILO arrangement.

Together, these three components—Primary supports, Supplementary supports, and Monitoring and adjustment—create a comprehensive and adaptable support structure that enables you to live in your preferred way. This holistic approach ensures that your ILO arrangement provides the right balance of support, independence, and flexibility to enhance your quality of life and help you achieve your goals.

Funding ILO Supports

Understanding how Individualised Living Options are funded is crucial for participants, families, and providers navigating this flexible support option. The NDIS has developed a structured funding approach that recognises the personalised nature of ILO arrangements while ensuring accountability and sustainability. Let’s explore the intricacies of ILO funding to help you understand how financial support works across both stages of the ILO process.

Funding for Stage 1: Exploration and Design

The NDIS recognises that designing an effective ILO arrangement requires time, expertise, and thorough exploration. To support this critical planning phase, the NDIS provides funding for up to 100 hours of professional assistance during the Exploration and Design stage. This funding is typically capped at 30, 50, or 100 hours depending on your individual circumstances and the complexity of your support needs.

This funding allocation reflects the NDIS’s understanding that different participants require varying levels of support to explore and design their ideal living arrangement. Someone with more complex needs or limited experience with independent living might require the full 100 hours to thoroughly explore options and develop a comprehensive service proposal. Others with clearer preferences or existing support networks might need less time to complete this stage.

The funding for Stage 1 can be managed in different ways according to your preference. You can choose to self-manage this funding, have it managed by the NDIS Agency, or opt for plan management. This flexibility allows you to engage with providers in a way that suits your circumstances and capabilities.

Further information on specific funding amounts and criteria can be found in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document, which is regularly updated to reflect current pricing structures. The ILO Guidelines also provide valuable insights into how the NDIS approaches funding decisions for Individualised Living Options.

Funding for Stage 2: Supports

Once your service proposal is complete and you move into the implementation phase, the NDIS will consider your individualised design when determining what supports to include in your plan. The funding allocated for Stage 2 is based on your specific needs and the living arrangement outlined in your service proposal.

The NDIS might provide funding for various aspects of your ILO arrangement, such as support from housemates or a host arrangement. The level of funding depends on the intensity and frequency of support required, as well as the specific mix of primary and supplementary supports outlined in your proposal.

It’s important to note that ILO funding in Stage 2 is allocated to three key components: primary supports, supplementary supports, and monitoring and adjustment. The distribution of funding across these components reflects the specific design of your ILO arrangement and ensures all aspects of your support structure are adequately resourced.

Payment Arrangements

The payment arrangements for your primary and supplementary supports will depend on the specific support they provide. Each ILO package and the payments to your support providers are different, reflecting the individualised nature of these arrangements.

Payment structures need to be discussed and agreed upon by you and your provider. This collaborative approach ensures that financial arrangements are transparent, fair, and sustainable for all parties involved. The flexibility of ILO allows for creative payment solutions that reflect the unique nature of each support relationship.

Given the financial implications of these arrangements, both you and your supports should seek independent financial advice before agreeing to an ILO arrangement. This precaution helps ensure that all parties understand the financial aspects of the arrangement and can make informed decisions.

It’s worth noting that payments received through an ILO arrangement may be assessable for tax purposes. The Australian Taxation Office can provide information about assessable income and allowable deductions, helping support providers understand their tax obligations.

“The funding flexibility of ILO is one of its greatest strengths. Rather than forcing participants into rigid funding categories, it allows for creative solutions that truly reflect individual needs and preferences. This person-centred approach to funding is transforming how we think about disability supports.” – Michael Chen, NDIS Financial Specialist

Agreements in ILO

Agreements form a critical foundation for successful Individualised Living Options arrangements. These formal documents clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations for all parties involved, creating transparency and stability in what can be complex living situations. Well-crafted agreements help prevent misunderstandings, establish clear communication channels, and provide mechanisms for resolving issues that may arise. Let’s explore the importance of agreements in ILO and what they typically entail.

The Role of Agreements in ILO

Agreements are not merely administrative formalities—they’re essential tools that help structure and sustain ILO arrangements. They serve multiple purposes: documenting mutual expectations, clarifying financial arrangements, establishing boundaries, outlining support responsibilities, and creating accountability mechanisms. In essence, agreements transform conversations and intentions into clear commitments that all parties can reference and rely upon.

The provider plays a central role in developing these agreements, ensuring they capture all necessary aspects of the arrangement while remaining accessible and understandable to all parties. This facilitation role is crucial, as providers bring expertise in structuring sustainable living arrangements while ensuring the participant’s voice and preferences remain central.

Types of Agreements

A comprehensive ILO arrangement typically involves multiple agreements between different parties:

1. Participant-Provider Agreement: This foundational agreement outlines the relationship between you and your ILO provider. It covers the provider’s responsibilities in coordinating your ILO arrangement, the services they’ll deliver, quality expectations, communication protocols, and dispute resolution processes. This agreement also details how the provider will monitor and adjust your arrangement over time.

2. Participant-Host/Housemate Agreement: This agreement defines the relationship between you and the people you live with, whether that’s a host or housemates. It covers practical aspects of the living arrangement such as household responsibilities, personal boundaries, support expectations, financial contributions, and processes for addressing concerns. This agreement is particularly important as it governs your day-to-day living situation.

3. Provider-Host/Housemate Agreement: This agreement establishes the relationship between your provider and your host or housemates. It outlines the support expectations, payment arrangements, reporting requirements, training opportunities, and oversight mechanisms. This agreement ensures that your primary supporters understand their responsibilities and receive appropriate guidance and compensation.

These interconnected agreements create a comprehensive framework that supports all aspects of your ILO arrangement. While each agreement focuses on a specific relationship, together they form a cohesive structure that enables your living arrangement to function smoothly.

Key Elements of Effective Agreements

Effective ILO agreements share several important characteristics:

Clarity and Accessibility: Agreements should be written in clear, straightforward language that all parties can understand. Technical jargon should be minimised, and complex concepts explained in accessible terms. The provider should ensure that agreements are explained to you in a way that is easy for you to understand, possibly using visual aids or simplified formats if helpful.

Comprehensiveness: Agreements should address all significant aspects of the living arrangement, including practical details, support expectations, financial arrangements, and processes for addressing issues. This thoroughness helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures all parties have a shared understanding of how the arrangement will work.

Person-Centredness: Your preferences, goals, and needs should be clearly reflected in all agreements. The documents should demonstrate how the arrangement is designed to support your chosen lifestyle and promote your independence and wellbeing.

Flexibility: While providing structure, agreements should also acknowledge that circumstances and needs may change over time. They should include provisions for reviewing and adjusting arrangements as needed, ensuring the living situation can evolve with you.

Respect and Dignity: Agreements should be framed in respectful language that recognises the dignity and agency of all parties. They should emphasise collaboration and mutual respect rather than imposing conditions or restrictions.

Developing and Reviewing Agreements

The process of developing agreements is as important as the documents themselves. It should be collaborative, involving meaningful input from all parties. For you as the participant, this means having opportunities to express your preferences, ask questions, and suggest modifications before finalising any agreement.

Agreements shouldn’t be static documents that are created once and filed away. They should be living documents that are regularly reviewed and updated as needed. Most ILO arrangements include periodic reviews of agreements as part of the monitoring process, ensuring they continue to reflect current circumstances and expectations.

If issues arise that aren’t adequately addressed by existing agreements, it’s appropriate to revisit and amend them. This flexibility allows the arrangement to adapt to changing needs or resolve emerging challenges.

Resolving Disagreements

Even with well-crafted agreements, disagreements may occasionally arise in ILO arrangements. Effective agreements include clear processes for addressing concerns and resolving disputes. These might involve informal discussion as a first step, followed by more structured mediation if needed.

Your provider plays an important role in facilitating resolution when disagreements occur. They can help clarify misunderstandings, mediate conversations, and suggest compromises that respect everyone’s needs and perspectives. In some cases, external mediation might be appropriate for more complex or persistent issues.

The goal of dispute resolution in ILO is not simply to end conflict but to strengthen the arrangement by addressing underlying issues and improving communication. Successfully navigating disagreements often leads to more robust and sustainable living situations.

Well-structured agreements provide the foundation for successful ILO arrangements, creating clarity and stability while still allowing for personalisation and flexibility. By understanding the role and components of these agreements, you can ensure your ILO arrangement is built on a solid foundation that supports your chosen lifestyle and promotes positive relationships with all involved parties.

Getting Started with ILO

Embarking on the journey toward an Individualised Living Option can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and support, it can be a rewarding process that leads to a living arrangement perfectly tailored to your needs and preferences. This section provides practical guidance on how to get started with ILO, from initial conversations to choosing the right provider and navigating the planning process.

Initial Steps to Explore ILO

The journey toward an ILO arrangement typically begins with a conversation about your home and living goals. If you’re interested in exploring ILO as an option, your first step should be to talk to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS planner about your interest in exploring different home and living options. This initial conversation allows you to express your housing goals and begin the process of determining whether ILO might be suitable for your circumstances.

For ILO to be considered, you’ll need to have a goal in your NDIS plan related to exploring home and living options. If you don’t currently have such a goal, you might need to request a plan review to include it. Having a clear, documented goal related to housing provides the foundation for accessing ILO supports.

Once you’ve established this goal, the NDIS will gather information to assess your eligibility for ILO funding. You’ll likely be asked to complete the Supporting Evidence Form – Home and Living, which collects detailed information about your current living situation, support needs, and housing goals. This comprehensive form helps the NDIS understand your circumstances and determine the appropriate level of support for your exploration process.

Based on the information you provide, the NDIA will consider your request against the NDIS funding criteria. If your request meets these criteria, they’ll determine how much support you need for the Exploration and Design stage of ILO. This decision will be communicated through the plan reassessment process before funding is approved and added to your plan.

Choosing the Right ILO Provider

Selecting the right provider is a critical decision that significantly impacts the success of your ILO arrangement. ILO providers play an essential role in helping you explore options, design your arrangement, and implement your chosen living situation. When evaluating potential providers, consider several key factors to ensure you find a provider who can effectively support your journey.

Look for a provider who demonstrates a genuine understanding of your needs and preferences. They should listen attentively to your goals and concerns, explain concepts clearly, and help you think creatively about potential living arrangements. The right provider will focus on your unique circumstances rather than trying to fit you into existing service models.

Flexibility and innovation are important qualities in an ILO provider. They should be willing to explore new possibilities and think outside conventional housing models to find solutions that truly work for you. This might involve adapting existing approaches or developing entirely new arrangements based on your specific needs and preferences.

Consider the provider’s approach to problem-solving and their willingness to address challenges that might arise in your ILO arrangement. A good provider will have systems in place to identify and resolve issues promptly, ensuring your living arrangement remains stable and effective over time.

It’s also worth considering the provider’s experience with ILO or similar individualised support models. While ILO is relatively new, providers with experience in person-centred approaches to housing and support might bring valuable insights to the process.

Remember that you don’t have to use the same provider for both Stage 1 (Exploration and Design) and Stage 2 (Supports) of your ILO journey. However, it’s strongly recommended that your Stage 2 provider is involved in preparing your service proposal to ensure a smooth transition between stages.

Sources of Advice and Support

Navigating the ILO process doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Various sources of advice and support can help you make informed decisions and develop an effective ILO arrangement:

Family and Friends: Those who know you well can offer valuable perspectives on your needs, preferences, and potential living arrangements. They might also provide practical support during the transition to your new living situation.

Peers with ILO Experience: People who have already established ILO arrangements can share insights from their own experiences, offering practical advice and inspiration for your journey.

Support Coordinators: Experienced support coordinators can help you navigate the ILO process, connect with suitable providers, and ensure your arrangement aligns with your broader NDIS goals.

Capacity Building Organisations: These organisations can help you develop the skills and confidence to participate actively in designing and implementing your ILO arrangement.

Advocacy Organisations: Advocates can help ensure your voice is heard throughout the process and that your rights and preferences are respected in all decisions.

Each of these sources brings different perspectives and expertise to the table. By drawing on multiple sources of advice, you can develop a more comprehensive understanding of your options and make more informed decisions about your living arrangement.

Preparing for the ILO Journey

As you prepare to embark on the ILO journey, several practical steps can help set you up for success:

Clarify Your Housing Goals: Reflect on what’s most important to you in a living situation. Consider factors like location, privacy, social connections, and support needs. The clearer you are about your priorities, the more effectively you can communicate them to providers and supporters.

Document Your Support Needs: Create a detailed picture of the support you currently receive and what you might need in different living situations. This information helps providers understand how to design an arrangement that meets your needs effectively.

Explore Your Network: Consider who in your existing network might play a role in your ILO arrangement, whether as primary supporters, supplementary supports, or sources of advice and assistance.

Research Potential Providers: Investigate providers in your area who offer ILO supports. Look at their websites, read reviews if available, and consider arranging initial conversations to assess their approach and compatibility with your needs.

Prepare Questions: Develop a list of questions to ask potential providers, covering topics like their experience with ILO, their approach to designing arrangements, how they handle challenges, and what support they offer during the transition to a new living situation.

By taking these preparatory steps, you can approach the ILO process with greater clarity and confidence, increasing the likelihood of developing a living arrangement that truly enhances your quality of life and supports your independence.

The journey toward an Individualised Living Option is unique for each person, reflecting the highly personalised nature of these arrangements. By understanding the initial steps, choosing the right provider, accessing diverse sources of advice, and preparing thoroughly, you can navigate this journey successfully and create a living situation that genuinely reflects your preferences, needs, and aspirations.

Conclusion: Embracing the Potential of Individualised Living Options

Individualised Living Options represent a transformative approach to home and living arrangements for NDIS participants. Throughout this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the many facets of ILO—from its fundamental principles to the practical steps of implementation. As we conclude, it’s worth reflecting on the profound impact that personalised living arrangements can have on the lives of people with disability and the broader significance of the ILO approach within the disability support landscape.

At its core, ILO embodies the NDIS’s commitment to choice and control. By enabling participants to design living arrangements that reflect their unique preferences, needs, and aspirations, ILO shifts the paradigm from standardised housing models to truly individualised solutions. This shift recognises that where and how we live profoundly affects our quality of life, independence, and community participation.

The flexibility of ILO is perhaps its greatest strength. Whether you prefer living with housemates who provide support, residing in a host’s home, or creating another innovative arrangement, ILO provides the framework and funding to make it possible. This adaptability ensures that living arrangements can be as diverse as the individuals they serve, accommodating different support needs, personal preferences, and life circumstances.

The structured two-stage process of ILO—Exploration and Design followed by Supports—provides a methodical pathway to developing sustainable living arrangements. This process acknowledges that creating effective living situations requires thorough exploration, thoughtful planning, and ongoing support. By funding both the design and implementation phases, the NDIS ensures participants have the resources needed to create and maintain living arrangements that truly work for them.

The comprehensive support structure of ILO—encompassing primary supports, supplementary supports, and monitoring and adjustment—creates a robust framework that can adapt to changing needs and circumstances. This holistic approach recognises that effective living arrangements involve multiple layers of support working together seamlessly to enhance independence and wellbeing.

For participants considering ILO, the journey begins with a conversation about housing goals and preferences. By engaging with LACs, planners, providers, and other sources of advice, participants can navigate the process of designing and implementing their ideal living arrangement. While this journey requires time and effort, the potential reward is significant: a living situation that genuinely reflects individual choice and supports personal growth and community inclusion.

As the NDIS continues to evolve, ILO stands as a powerful example of how individualised funding can create opportunities for genuine innovation in support delivery. By moving beyond traditional service models and embracing personalisation, ILO opens new possibilities for participants to live the lives they choose in homes that truly feel like their own.

For participants, families, and providers exploring ILO, this guide serves as a starting point for understanding the possibilities and processes involved. Each ILO journey will be unique, reflecting the individual at its centre. By approaching this journey with clarity about goals, openness to creative solutions, and commitment to genuine choice and control, participants can harness the full potential of Individualised Living Options to create living arrangements that support them to thrive.

The path to an ideal living arrangement may not always be straightforward, but with the right support, information, and determination, ILO offers a framework for creating homes where people with disability can live on their own terms—exercising choice, building connections, and pursuing their vision of a good life. In this way, ILO represents not just a funding mechanism or support model, but a powerful tool for advancing the rights, inclusion, and self-determination of people with disability in Australia.

“At Lumin Care Services, we’re committed to supporting NDIS participants to explore and implement Individualised Living Options that truly reflect their preferences and needs. Our experienced team can guide you through the ILO process, helping you create a living arrangement where you can thrive. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your ILO journey.”