How Families Benefit from Flexible ILO Support Models
Families want their loved ones with disabilities to live in a safe, happy and comfortable home. They also want them to have choice, independence and the right support. NDIS Individualised Living Options, support, also called ILO, can help make this possible. It is a flexible home and living support model that helps a person decide where they want to live, who they want to live with and how they want to be supported. ILO can include both paid and unpaid supports. Paid supports may include support workers, drop-in support or help with personal care and household tasks. Unpaid supports may include family, friends, neighbours or other trusted people. This means families can still be involved, but they do not have to carry all the responsibility alone. It can make support more balanced and easier to manage over time.
Every person is different, so their living supports should be different too. Some people may want to live with housemates. Others may prefer a host arrangement or another type of support. With ILO, the person, their family and their support team can work together to design a living arrangement that suits the person’s goals, daily routine and support needs. ILO usually starts with an exploration and design stage. This gives families time to consider what will work in real life, not just on paper. They can help identify risks, routines, preferences, communication needs and the types of support that make their loved one feel secure. ILO can also help the participant feel more independent. With the right support, they can learn daily living skills such as cooking, cleaning, making decisions and managing routines. They can have more say in their own life while still getting help when they need it. This can improve confidence and give the person a stronger sense of belonging. Flexible ILO support models can also change when the person’s needs change. For example, someone may need more help at first and less help later as they build skills and confidence. Some participants may need extra support during a difficult time. In such instances, ILO can be reviewed and adjusted so the participant continues to feel safe and supported at home. In the end, flexible ILO support models benefit families because they provide choice, safety and support in a way that fits the participant’s life. They help families plan for the future, reduce pressure on carers and support the person to live more independently.
Classy Life supports people and families to create flexible Individualised Living Options, support that feel safe, comfortable and truly personal. As a registered NDIS service provider, we work closely with participants, families and support networks to understand each person’s goals, daily needs and preferred way of living to deliver a support plan that ensures positive NDIS outcomes. Contact us today to know more about our NDIS home and living supports.