Individualised living options are flexible NDIS-funded living arrangements designed around a person’s unique needs, goals, and relationships rather than a fixed housing model.
If you’re exploring Individualised living options, you’re probably looking for something more personalised than traditional disability housing. This guide walks you through how ILO works, who it suits, and how to choose the right ILO provider.
What Are Individualised Living Options?
Individualised living options NDIS (often called ILO) focus on designing a living arrangement that fits your life, not the other way around.
Instead of moving into a standard setup, you can choose:
- Where you live
- Who you live with (or if you live alone)
- How support is delivered
The goal of NDIS Individualised living options is simple: give people with disability more choice, control, and independence in everyday life.
The 4 Types of ILO Arrangements
ILO is not a one-size-fits-all model. There are several ways it can be structured, depending on what works best for the individual.
Living independently with drop-in support
This option suits you if you want your own space but still need some assistance. Support workers visit as needed to help with tasks such as personal care, cooking, or appointments, while you maintain full control of your home and routine.
Living with family
For many, staying in the family home is the preferred option. ILO funding can support this arrangement by reducing pressure on family members and ensuring the right level of care is in place.
Living with a chosen housemate
This involves sharing a home with someone you trust, such as a friend or a carefully matched companion. The arrangement is based on compatibility and mutual agreement, rather than a structured program.
Living with a host family
A host family provides a supportive, home-like environment within an existing household. This can be ideal if you enjoy a more social and family-oriented setting.
Each option offers flexibility. The right choice depends on your goals, preferences, and support needs.
ILO vs SIL vs SDA: What’s the Difference?
Many people get confused between ILO, SIL, and SDA. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Individualised Living Options (ILO) | Supported Independent Living (SIL) | Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) |
| Focus | Flexible living arrangements | Daily assistance in shared housing | Purpose-built accessible housing |
| Customisation | Highly personalised | Moderate | Low (property-focused) |
| Living Setup | Alone, with family, or chosen housemates | Usually shared homes | Specialist housing for high support needs |
| Support Style | Tailored to lifestyle | Rostered support | Housing only (support funded separately) |
| Ideal For | People wanting choice & flexibility | People needing daily structured support | People with extreme functional impairment |
In short:
- Individualised living options = flexibility and choice
- SIL = structured support in shared living
- SDA = specialised housing
In some cases, these supports can be combined.
Who Is Eligible for Individualised Living Options?
You may be eligible for Individualised living options NDIS if:
- You have an approved NDIS plan
- You need support with daily living
- You want a more personalised living arrangement
- You can show how ILO will help you achieve your goals
The NDIS looks at whether the arrangement is reasonable and necessary, and whether it improves your independence and quality of life.
How does the NDIS Fund ILO?
ILO funding comes under the NDIS Home and Living supports category. It is not automatically included in every plan and usually requires a request with supporting evidence.
There are two key stages of funding:
1. Exploration and Design
This is the planning phase. A coordinator works with you, your family, and your support network to design a living arrangement that aligns with your goals. This includes:
- Understanding your preferences, routines, and long-term goals
- Mapping your current support network (family, friends, community)
- Exploring different living options that suit your lifestyle
- Identifying the level and type of support you need
- Plan how everything will work in real life
The outcome is a detailed proposal submitted to the NDIS.
2. Supports to Live Your Life
Once your arrangement is approved, funding is provided to deliver the agreed-upon supports. This may include:
- Help with daily routines
- Skill-building for independence
- Support to maintain relationships
- Assistance to stay connected to your community
Unlike traditional models, Individualised living options NDIS are built around your lifestyle, not just your care needs.
Benefits of Individualised Living Options
You’re in control of your life
You decide how your day looks, from where you live to who supports you and how your routine is structured.
Stronger, more meaningful relationships
Because supports are built around you, there’s more opportunity to form genuine connections with housemates and support workers.
Build real-life independence
Supports are designed to help you learn and grow, building confidence and practical life skills over time that carry into everyday living.
Support that evolves with you
ILO allows flexibility, so your arrangement can adapt as your goals, preferences, or circumstances shift.
More stability in the long run
Because everything is tailored to your lifestyle and preferences, ILO arrangements often lead to more sustainable and long-term living outcomes.
Flexibility in who you live with
Whether it’s living alone, with friends, or in a host arrangement, ILO gives you the freedom to choose what feels right, not what’s available.
Challenges to Consider
While NDIS Individualised living options offer a high level of flexibility, they also require planning.
- It can take time to design the right living arrangement that truly fits your needs
- Ongoing communication with your support network is important for long-term success
- Finding the right support worker match is crucial
The effort upfront often leads to better, more sustainable outcomes.
How to Choose the Right NDIS Provider for ILO
The success of your ILO journey depends heavily on the provider you choose.
Here’s what to look for:
Do they take the time to understand you?
The right provider listens first. They should focus on your goals, preferences, and relationships, not push pre-designed solutions.
Do they personalise support?
ILO is not a fixed model. The provider should build supports around your lifestyle, not expect you to adapt to theirs.
Do they focus on real-life outcomes?
Support should go beyond daily tasks. Look for providers who prioritise independence, relationships, and meaningful community connection.
Do they match support workers?
Ask how they consider personality, communication style, and shared interests, not just availability.
Do they operate in your area?
Reliable local support is essential, especially for people in regional areas. Make sure they are available where you live.
Your Personalised ILO Provider in WA
If you are based in Perth or regional WA, including Kalgoorlie, Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, or Margaret River, and want to explore what ILO could look like for you or someone you care for, the team at Cam Can is here to help. Contact Cam Can today to start building a living arrangement that truly works for you.
Is ILO right for me?
If you value independence, flexibility, and meaningful support, Individualised living options NDIS could be the right path.
What is the difference between SIL and ILO?
ILO is flexible and personalised, designed around your individual goals and living preferences. SIL provides structured support in shared housing for people with higher daily support needs.
What is the difference between ILO and SDA?
ILO focuses on how you live and the supports around you, while SDA is the funding for the physical home itself. In some cases, ILO support can be delivered within SDA housing.
How long does it take to set up ILO?
It varies, but the Exploration and Design phase can take several weeks to a few months, as it involves careful planning, coordination, and NDIS approval before support begins.
Are you available in regional areas?
Yes. Cam Can supports people across Perth and regional WA, including Como/Perth, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, and Margaret River.
