Individualised Living Options (ILO)

A flexible home-and-living support built around how and with whom you want to live.

What it means

Individualised Living Options (ILO) is a home-and-living support that is built around how you want to live and who you want to live with, rather than fitting you into a standard shared setup. The focus is on your choices: whether you live alone, with a housemate, with a host family, or near people you know. ILO funds the support and arrangements that make your chosen living situation work, not the housing itself. That means it pays for things like help from paid workers, the involvement of unpaid supporters, and the planning that ties it all together. Rent, a mortgage or everyday household bills are still your responsibility, the same as they would be for anyone.

In practice

ILO usually happens in two stages. First is an exploration and design stage, where you and a provider work through what a good week looks like for you, what supports you need, and how formal and informal help can fit together. This stage produces a plan for your living arrangement. The second stage is set-up and ongoing support, where the arrangement is put in place and reviewed over time as your needs change. ILO can suit people who want more control and creativity in their living situation, and it often draws on family, friends and community alongside paid support. Because it is so personalised, it is worth talking with your planner or support coordinator about whether ILO fits your goals before it is included in your plan.

A real example

For example, Priya wanted to live in her own unit rather than a group home, with a housemate for company and drop-in support during the day. Through the ILO exploration and design stage, her provider mapped out how a paid worker, her sister and a friendly housemate could each help. The arrangement was then set up and reviewed a few months later to adjust the support hours.

Individualised Living Options (ILO) — FAQs

Does ILO pay for my rent or house?
No. ILO funds the support and arrangements that make your chosen living situation work, not the housing. You are still responsible for rent or a mortgage and everyday household costs, just as anyone would be. The funding covers things like paid support, planning, and coordinating formal and informal help so your preferred way of living can actually happen.
How is ILO different from a group home?
A group home is a fairly standard shared arrangement, while ILO is designed around your own choices about how and with whom you live. With ILO you might live alone, with a housemate you choose, or with a host, and the support is built to suit that. It gives you more control and often blends paid support with help from family and friends.
What are the two stages of ILO?
ILO usually starts with an exploration and design stage, where you work out what a good living arrangement looks like and how different supports fit together. This produces a plan. The second stage is set-up and ongoing support, where the arrangement is put in place and then reviewed over time so it keeps matching your needs as they change.
Can family and friends be part of my ILO?
Yes. ILO often blends paid support with informal help from family, friends and community. During the design stage you map out who can help and how, so unpaid supporters and paid workers complement each other. This mix is one of the strengths of ILO, though the arrangement should be sustainable and not place unfair pressure on the people who care about you.
How do I get ILO in my plan?
Talk with your planner or support coordinator about whether ILO suits your goals for how you want to live. Because it is highly personalised, they will look at your situation and preferences before it is included. It helps to be clear about the living arrangement you are aiming for and why standard options do not meet your needs.

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