You’ve likely heard the term Individualised Living Options (ILO), if you’ve been exploring about the NDIS. It’s sound a little complex because of the name, but essentially, it’s just about having one thing in mind, creating a living arrangement that works for you.
This is not about the standard, nor about what most people do. This is neither about what others are telling that is good for you. This is about you. Your home life, your independence, and your comfort, on your terms.
In Australia, more and more NDIS participants are choosing ILO because it gives them the independence to make their own living situation, with just the right combination of support. Explore what ILO actually is, what it offers, and why it may be exactly what you’re looking for.
What Is ILO in NDIS?
ILO under the NDIS is a flexible way of funding and arranging your home and living supports. Instead of having a fixed accommodation package, you have the ability to design your own living arrangement yourself. This could be:
- Being able to choose where you live and with whom, if with anybody.
- Being able to choose the type and amount of support that you have.
- Being able to make a plan that changes as your goals and needs change.
The NDIS doesn’t consider ILO to be “just housing”, it’s a custom-made arrangement centered around your life. If you prefer living alone, with a housemate, with family, or with a support group nearby, ILO is designed to fit your vision.
How Does ILO Work?
ILO usually happens in two stages:
1. Exploration and Design
This is where you think about what you want. You will share your situation with an intermediary, talk about your living, where you would like to live, your routines, and what kind of support helps you to live well.
2. Support Arrangement
Now that you have your plan, it’s time to put it into effect, locating your home, arranging your supports, and making everything mesh.
It’s not a “one size fits all” situation. If something in your life shifts, your ILO can shift too. That flexibility is one of its biggest assets. And you can always communicate that to your provider.
Benefits of Choosing ILO NDIS
Benefits of Choosing ILO NDIS1. More Control Over Your Life
One of the greatest benefits of ILO is choice. You’re free to live life as you choose, to decide who supports you in doing so, and to design your home life as you see fit. It’s not a case of conforming to a system, it’s a case of having a system work for you.
2. Flexibility As Your Needs Change
Life does turn. Your health, your habits, and your social contacts can change with time. ILO provides room to make modifications without needing to start from scratch.
3. Develops Your Self-Reliance
Having the right support isn’t about losing your independence. In fact, with ILO, support is designed to help you do more for yourself whether that’s managing your everyday life, learning new skills, or getting more integrated into your community.
4. Creates Your Support Network
ILO is not just a matter of formal supports like waged carers. It is feasible to encompass informal supports, family and friends, and neighbourhood connections. Together, they seem to form a healthier, more stable support network.
5. Personalised to Your Lifestyle
Whether you want a vibrant house with flatmates and plenty of action, or a quiet retreat with occasional visiting support if you need it, ILO accommodates your lifestyle. You will never be forced into a living situation that does not suit you.
Who Can Use ILO?
ILO can be used by NDIS participants who need assistance in their own home but do not need 24/7 rostered care (e.g., in Supported Independent Living). It’s generally a great choice for people who:
- Would like to be independent of the family home.
- Are looking for something other than group homes.
- Have their own plans and ideas about how they would like to live.
If you’re not convinced that ILO is for you, it is an option to have a sit-down with your support coordinator or provider.
How ILO Can Improve Quality of Life
ILO is not merely where you sleep at night. It’s how you feel during the day. Control of your housing can lead to:
- Improved emotional health.
- Greater confidence to navigate daily life.
- Deeper connections with your community.
- Feeling safe knowing your support is tailored for you.
When you’re living in a way that reflects your needs and values, it’s easier to focus on your goals whether that’s working, studying, making friends, or exploring new hobbies.
Making the Most of ILO
If you’re thinking about ILO, here are some tips:
- Be truthful about what you need and want – this is your opportunity to create your ultimate configuration.
- Consider the future – what is working now may need to be changed in the future.
- Involve others whom you have confidence in – their suggestions will help you create a plan that makes sense.
- Choose a vendor who listens to you – you need someone who is concerned about your choices and can make them happen.
Why ADCS Can Help You Achieve the Right ILO
Organising your ILO can be overwhelming, but don’t do it alone. With ADCS, we work with you to enable you to imagine home life and develop a plan that works for you. We value flexibility, control, and dignity, so your living arrangement feels yours, not something done to you.
Regardless of whether you are prepared to begin exploring possibilities or already have a good idea about what you are interested in, our friendly staff can guide you through the process and have your ILO set up so that you can achieve your potential.
Your home is more than just where you reside. With the support structures intact, it can be the beginning of the life you envision.
