Thanks to the NDIS, disability no longer equates to limitations. With Individualised Living Options (ILOs), you can live a life just as you like it. You can choose where you want to stay, who you would like to stay with, and everything that comes after that. This blog provides you with all the details you need to know about ILOs if you’re from Melbourne.
Facts to Know About Individualised Living Options (ILOs) in Melbourne
What is an Individualised Living Option?
Individualised Living Options (ILOs) are specifically designed for disabled NDIS participants in a personalised manner, enabling them to live in a way that suits their preferences. Whether it is with a roommate, a group of roommates, or alone (with a host), they have the freedom to choose their living arrangement. Furthermore, they have the autonomy to select their support services and service providers based on their individual needs and preferences under Individualised Living Options, with funding provided by the NDIS. Contact District 360 to know more about the ILO options.
Stage 1 Individualised Living Options
In Stage 1, you have the opportunity to explore all available Individualised Living Options and design them according to your needs and preferences. During this stage, the NDIS states, "You’ll work out where you want to live, with who, what support you’ll need, and who you want to provide that support".
How much funding will you receive?
The amount of funding depends on the type of support required and the preferred area of residence.
Up to 100 hours will be allocated to design your living plan. This further depends on your situation.
Less funding will be provided if you know what you need and are going to stay in your region.
Additional funding will be available if you require more support or if you are relocating to another area.
What does the NDIS consider?
Do you have a disability that requires assistance?
Will these supports serve your needs?
Will the support be helpful and effective or will it be unnecessary?
Is the support legal, safe, and compliant with the Australian standard laws?
Will the support provide value for the money spent?
Can your family or friends assist you with this?
It is important to remember:
Your friends or family may help, but they may not be able to complete all tasks.
NDIS would fund this support, not other services (e.g., home modification, rent, electricity bills, food bills, etc.).
If you are under 18 years of age and are in out-of-home care, your guardians will help in making your living plan.
At the end of this stage, you will have a completed service proposal form, that fills up all the above-discussed scenarios and criteria. To download the service proposal form, visit individualised-living-options.
Stage 2 Individualised Living Options
During Stage 2, all the services outlined in the service proposal form will be implemented. However, the availability of NDIS funding support will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and requirements. There may be certain items or services that the NDIS will not cover, such as support from your friends and family, which will be your personal responsibility. Nevertheless, you have the freedom to adjust any of these service plans as your needs change or as per your discretion in the future.
Stage 2 provides support funding for different kinds of “support people” under the NDIS Individualised Living Option Plan. The categories have been explained hereunder:
Primary Support
Primary carers are the main people who accompany and assist the person with personal care, cooking, cleaning, and emotional support. This could be a host, just like a stranger who lets you live with them, or housemates who are strangers sharing a house with you.
Supplementary Support
Supplements are additional, more versatile individuals who provide extra support when the main support is unavailable. This could be from paid caregivers or from relatives and friends who volunteer to assist the person with a disability.
Monitoring & Adjustment Support
Monitoring is an ongoing process for determining whether the living environment and carers are suitable for you. An individual participant and their healthcare provider will create a plan to monitor progress and make necessary modifications, as per newly arisen requirements based on the monitoring.
Illustration 1
Sarah, a 34-year-old woman with high physical support needs and a moderate intellectual disability, has successfully transitioned from a group home to her own unit with the assistance of an NDIS provider offering ILO co-residency services. She lives with a primary co-resident, Emily, who provides personal care and companionship. Additionally, a secondary co-resident, Cheryl, stays with Sarah periodically for respite. The ILO provider plays a crucial role in matching co-residents and facilitating a smooth living arrangement, while Sarah maintains control over her choice of co-residents and household responsibilities.
Illustration 2
Chloe, a 22-year-old with high support needs, lives in a shared arrangement with Ethan and Mia. They provide constant care, including personal, medical, and nutritional support. Chloe attends a day program and has additional support hours for various activities. Ethan and Mia ensure Chloe's comfort and connection to her family, receiving training and support from an organisation. Additionally, Noah and Clare provide respite care. This living arrangement allows Chloe to reside in a larger town, receive tailored support, and maintain strong family connections.
List of Supports Available Under Individualised Living Options in Melbourne
Here is the list of supports available under Individualised Living Options (ILOs) in Melbourne:
1. Support to make informed decisions regarding where you would want to live and what support services you would want to avail for this.
2. Informal unpaid support from friends, family, or neighbours, who would love to help you on a regular basis.
3. Support to facilitate behavioural and emotional management.
4. Support to gain more autonomy and act independently.
5. Support to build connections and maintain them.
6. Support to manage and set up your own home.
7. Training support for people who will help you.
8. Support to make daily decisions.
9. Personal care.
When is the Right Time to Opt for Individualised Living Options in Melbourne?
Individualised Living Options (ILOs) in Melbourne may be suitable for you if:
You are 18 years or older, or if you are 17 and are making plans for your future.
You need at least 6 hours of home-based support each day, whether formal or informal.
You are prepared to make decisions about your living arrangements and are considering your options.
You are ready to invest time in creating a future home.
Disclaimer: Please avoid Individualised Living Options (ILOs) in Melbourne if you require 24/7 rostered support, frequent overnight support, or if your behavioural support plan includes restrictive practices.
Individualised Living Option (ILO) vs. Supported Independent Living (SIL)
In Melbourne, there is often confusion between services associated with Individualised Living Options (ILOs) and Supported Independent Living (SIL). To help you understand the difference, here’s a brief list of distinctions between the two:
Features | Supported Independent Living (SIL) | Individualised Living Options (ILOs) |
Support Focus | Personal assistance with daily tasks to promote autonomy | Enabling independence within one's own home |
Support Model | Rostered support model, facilitated through SIL providers | Support workers (including informal supports) visit the individual's home |
Level of Support | 24/7 paid support | At least 6 hours of daily support, can extend up to 24 hours |
Living Arrangement | Independent living or with a group of people with disabilities (SIL homes) | Individual's own home, with or without other housemates, but definitely with a host |
Decision Making | Depends more on the support coordinator | Depends more on the individual |
How to Choose a Compatible ILO Provider in Melbourne?
In Melbourne, when looking for an ILO Provider, consider these points:
Is the provider understanding your needs?
Is the provider a good listener?
Does the provider explain things clearly?
Does the provider give opinions and push your thoughts regarding selecting your appropriate home?
Can you work with the provider?
Is the provider flexible with exploring new possibilities with you?
Does the provider have the potential to fix your problems with ILO arrangements?
Contact District 360 to Know More About ILO Providers in Melbourne!
Please contact District 360 to learn more about the services associated with Individualised Living Options (ILOs). We will be more than happy to assist you. Furthermore, consider this blog as a guide before choosing ILO services and providers in Melbourne. Hopefully, it will provide you with the clarity you deserve.
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