Individualised Living Arrangements: A Better Way to Live, Backed by New Research

The Summer Foundation Report [2025]

A new report from the Summer Foundation calls on government leaders to take meaningful action in growing better housing and living options for people with disability – specifically, by supporting Individualised Living Arrangements (ILAs).

The research shows that ILAs not only lead to better outcomes for individuals, but are also more cost-effective than traditional group homes.

The Problem with Group Homes

More than 40,000 Australians with disability have high support needs. Most currently live in group homes, where choice and control over daily life are often limited. The Disability Royal Commission uncovered serious concerns about abuse and neglect in these settings.

Group homes are also placing increasing financial pressure on the NDIS, with costs rising 28% over the last five years. Many people are actively turning away from this model—and providers are struggling to fill vacancies.

Why ILAs Offer a Better Alternative

Also known as Individualised Living Options (ILOs), Individualised Living Arrangements put the person first – starting with where they want to live, who they want in their home, and what support looks like to them.

These arrangements can take different forms:

• A Housemate or Homeshare, where someone lives alongside a person with disability in their home
• A Host arrangement, where the person with disability lives in someone else’s home with support

The report shows that ILAs lead to stronger relationships, greater independence, and a higher quality of life. There are also some amazing stories of those who have benefitted from ILAs, worth reading.

What Needs to Change

The Summer Foundation is calling for:

• Updated NDIS pricing to better support ILA models
• Investment in workforce capacity and training
• Stronger awareness of ILA options—especially among people with disability, families, and frontline NDIS workers

At My Supports, we’ve seen first-hand how impactful Individualised Living Options can be when built around real relationships and personal choice.

📄 Read the full Summer Foundation report
👉 Learn more about Individualised Living Options at My Supports