Choosing the right home and living supports for you can sometimes feel more complicated than it needs to be.
Individualised Living Options (ILO) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) are often confused with one another, used interchangeably, or recommended before the full picture is understood. Choosing the right model early, however, can prevent delays, reduce stress, and avoid mismatched placements that are difficult to unwind later.
Both living options are valid supports under the NDIS; they simply suit different needs, goals, and stages of a person’s life.
In this article, we break down the practical differences between ILO and SIL, and provide guidance to help support coordinators determine the best fit, especially in regional and remote regions like the Kimberley.
What is an Individualised Living Option (ILO)?
Independent living through the ILO model is designed around flexibility.
ILO supports the creation of a living arrangement that reflects the person’s goals, relationships, and natural supports. Rather than fitting someone into a structured model, the model is shaped around them.
An ILO arrangement may include:
- Living in an own home with tailored paid supports
- Sharing with a chosen housemate
- A host-style arrangement
- A mix of informal and formal supports
The funding for ILO typically supports the design and coordination of the arrangement, as well as the ongoing supports required to maintain it. It is not simply about rostered support hours, it’s about sustainability and long-term fit.
ILO generally suits a NDIS participant who:
- Wants to live independently with the right structure in place
- Has informal supports that are reliable and sustainable
- Does not require 24/7 on-site staff presence
- Is building skills toward greater independence
In remote communities, ILO can be especially valuable. It allows flexibility within existing housing stock and encourages strong community participation. When designed carefully, ILO supports can offer stability without over-servicing.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is more structured.
SIL involves regular, often 24/7 support staff in a shared or individual setting. It is designed for participants with higher daily support needs who require consistent supervision and assistance.
SIL funding covers the support component, not the housing itself, and may be delivered in:
- Shared homes
- Individual dwellings
- Settings linked with specialist disability accommodation where applicable
SIL generally suits a participant who:
- Requires significant daily assistance
- Needs ongoing personal care and active overnight support
- Benefits from structured routines
- Has complex behavioural, medical or support needs
In regional towns, supported workers and stable rosters are critical to making SIL sustainable. When well-structured, SIL provides safety, predictability, and long-term stability.
ILO vs SIL – Key differences at a glance
Below is a simplified comparison to help clarify decision-making:
Level of Support
ILO: Flexible, based on agreed supports and informal networks
SIL: Higher and often 24/7 structured support
Living Arrangements
ILO: Customised arrangement (own home, host, shared by choice)
SIL: Shared or individual setting with rostered staff
Staff Presence
ILO: Support staff attend as required
SIL: On-site support staff 24/7
Flexibility
ILO: Highly adaptable
SIL: Structured and roster-driven
Funding Structure
ILO: Funding supports design and coordination of the model
SIL: Funding covers daily rostered support
Suitability for Remote Contexts
ILO: Often useful where housing is limited and informal supports are strong
SIL: Appropriate where safety, supervision, and consistency are essential
Key takeaway: Neither model is “better.” The question is always about fit.
Case scenarios – Which option fits best?
Scenario 1: Independence with Informal Supports Nearby (ILO)
A participant in Derby wants to live independently but has strong family connections nearby. They require moderate daily assistance but not overnight staffing.
An ILO arrangement combining informal supports with paid supports allows them to receive support while maintaining cultural and community connection.
Scenario 2: Complex Needs Requiring 24/7 Support (SIL)
A participant in Broome has complex medical and behavioural needs requiring overnight supervision. SIL provides structured staffing that can support their complex needs, consistent oversight, and safety safeguards.
Scenario 3: Transition from Hospital (SIL → ILO)
A participant transitioning from Perth hospital care initially requires intensive supports. SIL offers stability during transition. Over time, as capacity builds and assistive technology is introduced, the long-term goal may shift toward independent living options with reduced staffing.
Transitions are not uncommon. What matters is planning ahead.
Key questions Support Coordinators should ask
For support coordinators, clarity comes from asking the right questions early:
- What level of daily support is required?
- Are informal supports available and sustainable long-term?
- Is 24/7 staffing necessary for safety?
- What are the participant’s long-term housing goals?
- Does the participant want to live independently in the future?
- How does location impact staffing availability?
- Is specialist disability accommodation required, or is mainstream housing suitable?
- What evidence supports the recommended model within the NDIS plan?
Good assessment prevents mismatched placements. It also ensures funding is used effectively and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Can participants move between ILO and SIL?
Yes, transitions are possible.
Home and living supports under the NDIS are designed to evolve. A participant’s needs may change due to health, skill development, informal support shifts, or personal goals.
Moving between models requires:
- Clear evidence
- Updated functional assessments
- Planning within the participant’s NDIS plan
- Open communication between providers and coordinators
The most successful transitions are proactive, not reactive.
How Kimberley Care Group supports both models
Kimberley Care Group has extensive experience delivering both ILO and SIL across Broome, Derby, Geraldton, and surrounding regions.
We focus on matching support to goals, not forcing a model to fit.
Our approach includes:
- Person-centred planning
- Local support staff who understand community dynamics
- Stable rosters and trained supported workers
- Clear communication pathways with coordinators
- Long-term planning for sustainability
Whether a participant is establishing an ILO arrangement or entering SIL, our priority is safety, stability, and genuine independence.
We understand the realities of remote WA, housing limitations, workforce pressures, and distance from services. Our living supports are designed with these realities in mind.
The consistency we deliver is not accidental. It’s structured.
Independent living Is about the person, not the label
The “right” option is never about choosing ILO over SIL in principle.
It is about:
- Safety
- Sustainability
- Alignment with long-term goals
- Clear understanding of support needs
When support coordinators take time to ask questions, gather evidence, and plan early, outcomes improve significantly.
In remote and regional Western Australia, quality support is absolutely achievable. With the right provider, strong local workforce, and realistic planning, participants can live safely, build independence, and participate fully in their communities.
Choosing between ILO and SIL is not about ticking a box.
It is about ensuring the person, and their life, remains at the centre of every decision.
Experience home and living support that makes a real impact
If you’re searching for ILO or SIL for a participant in Broome, Derby, Geraldton or surrounding communities, the KCG team is here to help. We deliver stable, culturally responsive home and living supports backed by local staff, strong governance, and genuine community connection.
We work alongside participants and Support Coordinators to design arrangements that are safe, sustainable, and aligned with long-term goals.
If you’re ready to get started, make a referral or contact our team to start the conversation, the right fit begins with the right planning.