STEPS Community Support has launched a new service called Individual Living Options (ILO) – exploration and design, to help you create a living arrangement that supports your independence, routines and goals.
We know that finding a home that suits your everyday life can feel stressful or even overwhelming, which is why ILO focuses on you: what you want and need, and how you want to live. We’ll work with you to design a support model that fits your ideal lifestyle, so you can feel confident and in control.
STEPS NDIS Services General Manager Rebecca Bowtell said STEPS ILO is about helping you live life on your own terms.
“Individualised Living Options gives you more choice and control over how and where you live,” Rebecca said. “STEPS is by your side every step of the way.”
What is Individualised Living Options?
Individualised Living Options (ILO) is an NDIS-funded support model that gives you flexibility in deciding how you want to live.
Unlike traditional housing supports, ILO doesn’t give you a list of set options. Instead, we start with you. You may choose to live on your own, with housemates, or in a host arrangement. From there, we help design supports around your goals, lifestyle and needs.
It’s important to note that STEPS ILO does not provide or fund the home itself, but it does fund the exploration and design phase of your support model, making sure the arrangement is safe and suitable.
Who Individualised Living Options is for
ILO may be a good fit for you if you are an NDIS participant looking for more independence or an alternative to your current home. Even if you are living with family or other people, and you aren’t ready to move out straight away, we can help you plan ahead and know your options for long-term stability.
You can access ILO funding under ‘Individualised Living Options – Exploration and Design’ in your NDIS plan, or you can choose to self-fund.
Why Individualised Living Options matters
Where and how we live shapes our sense of safety, our routines and our quality of life. Having a home that genuinely works for you shouldn’t be a luxury, and we know that no two people have the same needs and preferences. A support arrangement that works well for one participant may not suit you.
We place choice and control at the centre of the ILO process, allowing you to move away from one-size-fits-all models and towards something that actually reflects who you are.
How STEPS supports the process
The STEPS ILO process begins with you meeting a dedicated ILO Coordinator who will work alongside you the whole time.
Before any plan is designed, we take the time to understand your goals, needs, routine and preferences. From there, we shift our focus to exploring what living arrangements may be possible and practical. We may even uncover options you haven’t previously considered.
Once we’ve decided on the right living arrangements, the ILO Coordinator will work collaboratively with you, your family, carers and support network – whoever you need to be involved – to design a personalised support model. Every decision is guided by what is best for you.
Our number one priority is you and making sure that you feel supported, informed and confident.
Take the next step
If you or someone you know is ready to explore how STEPS Individualised Living Options can help you live life on your own terms, we would love to talk.
Reach out to our friendly team on 1300 131 965 to start the conversation or visit our ILO webpage to find more information and send an enquiry.
