Updated on January 20, 2025
Individual Living Options (ILO) is an initiative under the NDIS that empowers people with disabilities to take charge of their living arrangements, promoting independence and personal choice. Moving beyond traditional residential care models, ILO provides a flexible, personalized approach that aligns with individual preferences, needs, and goals. It is designed to help individuals live in flexible settings that enhance their quality of life across different stages.
What are Individual Living Options (ILO)?
ILO as a framework prioritizes individual choice in living arrangements. It allows individuals with disabilities to decide where, how, and with whom they live, offering an alternative to rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether someone prefers to live alone, with friends, and family, or in a host setting, ILO facilitates these options by tailoring support services to meet unique circumstances. The model emphasizes collaboration, with individuals playing a central role in designing their living arrangements and support structures.
Benefits of ILO
1. Personal choice and control
A primary benefit of ILO is the power it gives individuals to make decisions about their living arrangements. From choosing who they live with, to determining the type of support they receive, ILO places the individual at the center of the decision-making process. This autonomy promotes a sense of ownership and control over their lives, which is vital for personal empowerment and well-being.
2. Enhanced independence
ILO provides individuals with the tools and resources to live independently in their chosen environments. This independence helps them build confidence, acquire life skills, and fully engage in daily activities. For young adults, ILO can be a key step in transitioning out of the family home, while for older adults, it ensures they can maintain autonomy as they age.
3. Flexibility to adapt to life changes
One of the most appealing features of ILO is its flexibility. Life circumstances, preferences, and needs often change over time, and ILO arrangements are designed to adapt to these changes. From an individual’s health situation evolving, developing new personal goals, or wishing to alter their living situation, ILO offers the support to make these transitions smooth.
4. Customized support systems
ILO is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it tailors support to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Support structures can range from daily assistance with household tasks to occasional check-ins for safety and well-being. This customization ensures that individuals receive the level of help they require without feeling over-supported or under-supported.
5. Improved quality of life
By living in environments they have chosen and helped design, individuals often experience improved quality of life. The comfort of being in a familiar, supportive, and empowering setting reduces stress and promotes a sense of belonging. Additionally, the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with housemates, support workers, or host families further enhances emotional well-being.
Who can get ILO funding?
- NDIS participants: The person must be eligible for and actively participate in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
- Capacity for independent living: They should have the ability and desire to live independently with appropriate support.
- Living goals: The individual’s NDIS plan should include goals related to independent living or transitioning to a new living arrangement.
- Suitable support needs: ILO funding is designed for those who require flexible, tailored support rather than high-intensity, 24/7 care.
- Approval by NDIS planner: The funding must be deemed reasonable and necessary by the NDIS, based on the individual’s goals, preferences, and support needs.
Difference between ILO and SIL
| S/N | Individual Living Options (ILO) | Supported Independent Living (SIL) |
| 1. | It is a flexible, person-centered living arrangement that allows individuals to choose their living setup, support, and companions. | It is a structured, shared living arrangement where individuals with disabilities live together and receive 24/7 support. |
| 2. | It focuses on customization and personal choice to suit individual preferences and needs. | It focuses on shared living with consistent support for participants requiring high levels of assistance. |
| 3. | The living arrangement can include living alone, with family, and friends, or in a host arrangement. | The living arrangement typically involves shared housing with other NDIS participants. |
| 4. | It provides a high degree of choice and control over living arrangements, companions, and services. | There’s limited choice in living arrangements due to shared settings and group support dynamics. |
| 5. | It is ideal for individuals seeking independence with tailored support. | It is suited for individuals requiring continuous, intensive support for daily living activities. |
Stages of ILO implementation
1. Exploration and design
This initial phase involves understanding the individual’s goals, preferences, and support needs. Collaboratively, a personalized living arrangement is designed, considering factors like desired living companions, location, and the type of support required.
2. Establishing support networks
Building a reliable support network is important. This may include selecting suitable housemates, host families, or support workers who align with the individual’s lifestyle and preferences.
3. Implementation
Once the plan is in place, the living arrangement is established, and supports are activated. Continuous monitoring ensures that the arrangement meets the individual’s needs effectively.
4. Ongoing review and adjustment
Regular reviews are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the living arrangement. Adjustments are made as needed to accommodate any changes in the individual’s circumstances or preferences.
ILO benefits across life stages
Young adults
For young adults, it provides an opportunity to leave the family home and build independence in a supportive environment. This stage of life often involves learning essential life skills, such as managing finances, cooking, and navigating social interactions, and ILO provides the necessary scaffolding for success.
Adults
For adults, ILO supports diverse living arrangements, whether they prefer living alone with periodic assistance or sharing a home with others. This flexibility ensures that individuals can align their living situations with their evolving needs, such as pursuing employment, education, or personal interests.
Older adults
As individuals age, ILO remains a reliable framework for maintaining independence. Older adults can adjust their support structures to accommodate changes in mobility, health, or social needs. This ensures that they can age in place while continuing to enjoy a high quality of life.
Does ILO get funding?
Yes, Individual Living Options (ILO) get funding through the NDIS. The funding is tailored to support the development and implementation of an individual’s chosen living arrangement. It covers various aspects, including planning, establishing support networks, and ongoing adjustments to ensure the arrangement meets the participant’s evolving needs. However, ILO funding is typically focused on the support services required to maintain independence rather than the cost of housing itself.
What is an ILO host?
An ILO host is a person or family who welcomes an individual with a disability into their home as part of an Individual Living Option arrangement. The host provides a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where the person can live independently while receiving tailored support. This arrangement promotes a sense of community and belonging while allowing the individual to maintain their autonomy.
Conclusion
Individual Living Options (ILO) represents a transformative shift in how support is provided to individuals with disabilities. By placing choice, flexibility, and independence at its core, ILO ensures that people can live their lives on their terms, in settings that enhance their well-being and happiness. Across every stage of life, from young adulthood to older age, ILO provides the tools and support needed to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and autonomy.
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