Group homes are a major source of financial pressure on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), with Supported Independent Living (SIL) costs increasing by 28% over the past five years. Providers of group homes for people with disability are struggling to maintain the viability of the service model with increasing vacancies, as people reject group homes for better options. 

This report finds that increasing Individualised Living Arrangements (ILAs) for people with disability as an alternative to group homes could save the NDIS $260 million over five years and deliver better outcomes. Built around the choices and preferences of the person with disability, ILAs allow people to decide how and with whom they live – including with a supportive housemate, a host or another arrangement. ILAs foster greater independence, connection and safety.

Key findings

• 520 NDIS participants are living in ILAs supported by NDIS providers in Australia.
• People with intellectual disability, Acquired Brain Injury and autism were most commonly supported in ILAs.
• ILAs have been a key part of the UK and Canada’s move away from institutional settings but have been held back in Australia by outdated pricing and a lack of commitment by Government. 

Recommendations to grow ILAs

• Locking in a secure pricing and regulatory framework.
• Raising awareness amongst people with disability and their families.
• Supporting the workforce and growing the pool of potential live-in supporters.