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What is Individualised Living Options?

Jul 11, 2023 | Individualised Living Options | 0 comments

What is Individualised Living Options

Understanding Individualised Living Options (ILO) under the NDIS

What is Individualised Living Options?

Individualized living options (ILO) is a support that gives you the control to choose the home you live in and set up support in a way that works for your needs. It offers a range of options and supports designed to assist individuals with disabilities in living their lives as they desire.  With a support plan, you can determine how, where, and with whom you wish to live. An ILO arrangement does not provide you with the house itself or assist with the cost of your home eg rent or mortgage that you may wish to live in, but helps you to live in the environment and with who you may wish to live with.

What are the stages of Individualised living Options ILO? 

Individualised living options providers will support participants to make decisions about where and with whom they live and how their support can enable them to live a full life. 

You will receive funding for your ILO in two stages – Exploration and Design (stage 1) and Implementation of your Support (stage 2).

 

Stage 1: Exploration and design 

During stage 1, your needs must be identified, and every necessary step is determined. Furthermore, as a part of the services, the NDIS partner can help you find suitable residents and access other funded community or mainstream services (subject to price limits).

How does NDIS support stage 1? 

The stage will be explored, and a suitable option is developed for the participants through a network of support items. Support service delivered includes: 

  • Examine the possibilities and potential risks in the context of the participant’s preferred lifestyle; 
  • Explore the insurance scheme alternatives that might be more appropriate; 
  • Design an individual option around the NDIS goals, emphasizing participants’ strengths with an understanding of community needs. 
  • Identify ways to support the participant in choosing a contemporary residence, a loving companion, and a living situation; 
  • Participate in the decision-making process with the participant. 
  • Assess the participant’s goals for their future home with flexible support options in their community. 

Stage 2: ILO Support Package implementation 

This stage is about implementing the support allocated to your NDIS Plan. 

The funding can be used flexibly, including every kind of support (substitute agency, friends, family, and community). 

You can entertain it by monitoring and redesigning the individualized option. As stated, funding for this stage must be accompanied by a quotation, which means it can only be used for intended purposes. 

How does NDIS support stage 2?  

During Stage 2, the ILO service proposals will outline the need for your ILO.  

The ILO provides services in the following areas: 

1. Primary Support 

You can receive immediate support at home in the form of: 

  • Emotional support 
  • Personal care (Cooking and cleaning) 
  • Getting ready for work 
  • Ensuring you’re safe at home 

2. Supplementary Support 

You may also need additional support jointly with your primary support with: 

  • Commute service (pick up and drop service) 
  • Mentorship support 
  • A volunteer 
  • A neighbor 
  • Provide paid “drop-in” support 
  • Support from family members or friends 

3. Monitoring and Adjustment Support  

Your ILO needs to be monitored and adjusted to ensure you receive the support you need. You must agree with your ILO agency on the frequency of every check-in. 

ILO NDIS Price Guide

NDIS provides 3 bands of funding for ILO Support to help deliver your ILO arrangement, normally capped at $105,000, $150,000, or $230,000 depending on your circumstances. 

What are the benefits of Individualised Living Options?

An Individual Living Option (ILO) offers several advantages:

  • Enhanced Transition: ILO support can be highly beneficial if you desire to move out of your family home or a group home, facilitating a smooth transition to an independent living arrangement.
  • Flexibility: Compared to Supported Independent Living (SIL), which is commonly used for shared housing, ILO provides a more flexible package that can cater to a wider range of individual needs. The ILO package can be adjusted as your requirements evolve.
  • Similar Supports: While ILO and SIL cannot be funded simultaneously, they do offer some similar supports, such as personal care and assistance in developing essential life skills.
  • Eligibility: According to the NDIA, ILO is designed for individuals with disabilities who are 18 years or older and require more than six hours of daily assistance at home, including support for problem-solving and decision-making. To benefit from ILO, you should be ready to explore your housing and living needs and be willing to invest time and effort into designing your future home.
  • Planning Ahead: The initial portion of ILO funding, intended for exploring living support options, can also be utilized by 17-year-olds with disabilities who aim to start planning their transition from home as part of their NDIS goals.
  • Personalized Support: One of the key benefits of ILO is its ability to incorporate your preferences regarding the involvement of family and friends in your support network. It enables collaboration with funded services to ensure seamless integration of various supports.
  • Geographical Freedom: ILO offers an attractive option for individuals who wish to live in areas beyond the confines of traditional group homes. With ILO, you have the freedom to utilize the package to establish your residence anywhere you desire.
  • Funding Flexibility: The flexibility of ILO extends to the management of funding as well. You have the choice to self-manage the funding, seek assistance from a plan manager, or opt for management by a service provider, enabling you to select the most suitable approach for your needs.

What formal or informal support is included? 

For the NDIS participants, the following supports are included: 

  • Personal care with the support of paying bills and home cooking 
  • Support in making crucial decisions 
  • Establish and manage your own home 
  • Assist you in becoming more independent 
  • Develop and maintain relationships with others 
  • Everyday decision-making assistance  
  • Emotional and behavioral support 
  • A regular helper or an unpaid caretaker  
  • Calling someone for help when needed (on-call) 
  • Train the supporters 

What is not covered under the Individualised living options? 

Though the NDIS scheme permits greater access to the fund, the following is not covered; 

  • A support program for independent living 
  • Accommodation for those with disabilities (SDA) 
  • Remodeling your home 
  • Repayments on your reduced rent or mortgage 
  • The costs of food, electricity, and the internet you incur regularly 
  • Round-the-clock support  
  • Assistance with getting to work, school, or community activities 
  • Developing a behaviour support plan (if needed). 

How do you include the ILO fund in your NDIS plan? 

If you are interested in keeping your freedom through individualised living options, then you need to follow the given procedure: 

  • Complete a request form  

You must complete a “Request for Home and Living Support” form. By filling out the form, NDIS allows you to decide about your needs and situation in a formal pattern.  

  • Carefully fill in your needs 

You need to fill out the given form carefully, mentioning your clear requirements, support needs, and living situation. By getting through the lengthy procedure, the NDIS will understand the importance of support in strengthening your independence and capacity.  

  • Take immediate support  

If you are unable to understand the form or are unable to locate your needs, you can either take help from an experienced NDIS member or the NDIS service agency.  

What does your ILO appear like? 

The scheme entirely focuses on the individual. They include the following: 

  • Co-residency: Your primary caretakers and helpers live with you for a fee or discounted charges. 
  • Host – Usually, you live with a family or friend who isn’t related to you. You are provided with a safe and welcoming environment. 
  • Living together option: Two or more two NDIS participants live together, sharing the support.  
  • Support circle – There is a volunteer who supports NDIS participants to live more independently.  

What are the ways to ensure safety with the provider? 

The living option is delivered in compliance with the NDIS Act, NDIS Code of Conduct, and NDIS quality and safeguard.  

Nevertheless, there are some strategies that you should follow for your safety and independence.  

  • Agreement – A vital document that clearly outlines the role and responsibilities of every NDIS individual living under certain situations. The document prepared must be easily understood by the participants. You can easily assign responsibility to your agency to frame an agreement between the host or housemate.  
  • Premises – One must ascertain the safety of your living.  
  • Health and well-being – One must ensure the living and community are safe and well-off.  
  • Training & development – Before assigning any caretakers, they must ensure sufficient training and information about their role.  
  • Complain process – A simplified complaint process should be developed. 
  • Emergency context– Clear guidance must be provided about the possible emergency to the caretakers or family members. 

For whom are Individualised living Options not suitable? 

 Several NDIS Participants may not be suitable for ILO, including: 

  • Under 18 years of age 
  • Do not qualify for Supported Independent Living or may not qualify in the future. 
  • Do not need help solving problems other than 6 hours per day at home. 
  • A 24-hour roster of support workers is required. 
  • Your daily support needs to include registered nursing care. 
  • In need of frequent overnight help. 

Why choose our ILO Services?

At Bridges Care, we offer a range of shared accommodations for people with a disability. Our properties include apartments, villas, and houses. We can provide support to people with different needs – from low through to complex needs. Whether you need 24/7 support, or just for a few hours a day, we can make sure our supports suit you.

Our ILO services not only provide you with a secure and comfortable home. They can also help you:

  • Stay healthy and safe
  • Make friends
  • Get involved in activities

For further inquiries and support for ILO, you can easily contact us. Our experts are available to guide you to make the most of the support.

Reference

More on ILO

NDIS Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

For more information on NDIS ILO Operational guidelines kindly visit: NDIS ILO Guidelines