Individualised Living Options (ILO)

Yooralla works with you to create a living situation that reflects your life, routines and goals. We combine a mix of paid and informal supports and help you build a structure that can evolve as your needs change.

ILO is not about a specific property — it’s about choosing the supports you need to live independently and feel at home.

ILO is an alternative to traditional shared living or Supported Independent Living (SIL) models. Instead of moving into a fixed model like shared living, it focuses on designing a living arrangement that works for you, supported by a mix of paid and unpaid supports. ILO arrangements are designed to be flexible and evolve as your needs or preferences change over time.

ILO supports may include:

• Daily check-ins or drop-in supports
• Help with household tasks or personal care
• Assistance from hosts, housemates, family or community members
• A structure that adapts as your goals grow

Important to know: ILO funding covers the support around your living arrangement — not the cost of rent, mortgage, or utilities.

ILO may be suitable if you:

• Are 18 years or older
• Are an NDIS participant with home and living goals
• Need regular in-home support each day
• Prefer a more personalised, flexible living model (instead of shared living)
• Want to design your future home in a way that reflects your lifestyle
• Are ready to invest time into shaping your support structure

If you’re unsure whether ILO is right for your home and living needs, our team can help you explore options.

ILO funding is delivered in two stages:

Stage 1 — Exploration and Design

This is the first step of your ILO journey. We work with you and your support coordinator, your family and friends to explore:

• Where you want to live
• Who you want to live with (if anyone)
• What kinds of formal and informal supports you’ll need
• What a typical day looks like for you

This stage is typically funded through Core Supports (if pre-approved), Capacity Building funding or other parts of your NDIS plan, depending on approval. At the end of this stage, we assist with submitting an ILO Service Proposal to the NDIA for approval.

Stage 2 — Implementation and Monitoring

Once your ILO package is approved, we help put it into action:

• Establishing formal supports
• Helping you settle into your chosen living arrangement
• Ongoing monitoring and review to ensure your ILO support model is working well
• Adjustments as your goals and needs change

This is where your ILO supports work together to help you build independence in your chosen living situation.

There is no one-size-fits-all model. Some examples include:

• Living with Housemates: Choose your own housemates who provide informal support or companionship (friends, family, partner).
• Living with a Host: Share a home with a host who provides support and a family-style living environment.
• Living Alone: Live independently with flexible drop-in support tailored to your daily routine.

ILO funding can include:

• Design and planning of your support model
• Drop-in supports or regular support worker visits
• Host or housemate supports
• Coordination with informal supports
• Monitoring and adjustments to your arrangement

It does not cover:

• Rent, utilities, or bond
• Purchase or lease of a property
• Household expenses such as food or personal items

At Yooralla, we have:

• Experience delivering complex Support Coordination, including ILO exploration and design
• A strong history supporting people through personalised home and living options
• A collaborative approach focused on designing your supports with you

Our team understands both the operational and personal elements of ILO — and we’re committed to helping you shape a life that reflects your goals.

“Designed by you, supported by us, achieved together.”

• ILO (Individual Living Options) offers flexibility in choosing housemates, allowing individuals to select their preferred companions, while SIL (Supported Independent Living) often has more limited choices for housemates.
• ILO provides flexible support options that can be tailored to the individual’s needs, whereas SIL generally has more fixed support arrangements.
• In ILO, support is customised to align with the individual's lifestyle, giving them more control over their daily routines, while SIL offers a more standardised approach to support.
• ILO actively encourages informal supports, like family and friends, to be involved in the care process, whereas SIL places less emphasis on informal support systems.

ILO is generally more flexible and participant-led, while SIL typically involves shared supports in staffed homes.

ILO can offer greater autonomy but it takes time, effort, and a strong support network. Consider:

• The time needed for design and approval (3–12 months)
• The level of involvement from family or friends
• Your readiness to shape and manage your own supports

If ILO isn’t the right fit, there are other Home and Living supports we can help you explore.