Key Benefits of Shared vs. Individual Independent Living Options

ILOs are housing solutions for people with disabilities who require services to learn the skills needed to live more independently without daily supervision. A very important dimension to consider when selecting ILO housing is whether they want a NDIS shared housing or individual ILO housing. All the options have their advantages and drawbacks and the decision entirely depends on personal choices, need and social life as well as the support system. When making a choice from the ILO housing options available, compare shared ILO vs individual ILO focused on the pros and cons.

What Is Shared ILO?

Shared ILO agreements are preferred by people who like to have company and social interaction with other persons. Such arrangements include living as tenants where two or more people share a house, but still, get individualized attendants according to their need.

Pros of Shared ILO

• Social Interaction: Another advantage associated NDIS shared housing is the chance to develop friendly-sincere relationships with other occupants of the house. It can also help curb loneliness, promote psychological support besides fostering vigorous social interaction.
• Shared Responsibilities: If tenants live in group housing, there is an opportunity to divide chores like cooking, washing, cleaning, etc. This helps everyone to operate together and be cooperative.
• Cost-Effective: Living in a shared ILO is cheaper since costs of housing and some of the services are attended by the residents collectively.
• Group Activities and Peer Support: In shared independent living housing options there is much more opportunity for group level activities, for instance going out together, watching movies, or practicing common hobbies. Peer support also plays an additional role of ensuring the persons of concern remain motivated to engage in everyday activities.

Cons of Shared ILO

• Less Privacy: Staying with other people may limit personal space, and therefore personal privacy. As a result, people who want no interference may not like shared living arrangements since it is quite invasive.
• Compromises on Lifestyle Choices: In shared ILOs the residents may have to sue for things like noise levels, time of operations, and household regulations, which can be inconvenient for some people.
• Potential Conflicts: Living with other people creates conflict occasionally over such issues as who is supposed to do what, discipline and other related matters maybe due to different lifestyles.

What Is Individual ILO?

An Individual ILO allows the participants to maintain a totally independent living unit in a home, or an apartment, of one’s own choosing and provides better control on the physical environment and schedule. This is suitable for those who want more independence to a certain extent.

Pros of Individual ILO

• Increased Privacy and Control: Living alone helps one become a master of their own home and have as much privacy as possible. You decide when to work, how to arrange your environment including the room you live in, the environment etc.
• Autonomy: Living independently vs shared arrangements determines how a person can organize daily life without having to concern themselves with the others living in the house. It would be most advantageous for those who consider personal independence as a virtue.
• Customizable Support: Individual ILOs allow the user to apply the type and timing of the different support services in complete accordance with his/her schedule and needs. You may need to get help with cooking, bathing or walking, and you will be given care based on your needs and not that of the other patients.
• Peace and Quiet: An individual ILO offers a tranquil atmosphere, that will hardly call for any wreck, possibilities of noise and bustle accompanying dwelling differentials.

Cons of Individual ILO

• Higher Costs: Individual ILOs are usually costly than shared living since the participant meets all the accommodation and service expenses. This can again be a disadvantage to some of the NDIS participants.
• Potential for Isolation: Living alone means that one is on his or her own and that may sometime lead to loneliness or feeling of being alone.
• More Responsibility: When they are alone, every chore, from cleaning to buying groceries, is solely the occupant’s responsibility when he or she lives in any individual ILO housing options. This is not very acceptable especially for some participants depending on their support needs.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Shared ILO and Individual ILO

The decision to live independently vs shared arrangements depends on factors like personality, social connections, and self-sufficiency. Here is a comparison of the pros and cons of shared ILO living and individual ILO arrangements:

Factor Shared ILO Individual ILO Privacy Lack of privacy because many people share the space. Maximum privacy and control. Cost Cost-effective as expenses are shared. Higher costs. Social interaction High interaction. Limited interaction. Autonomy Compromised. Complete and own decision-making. Household responsibilities Shared. Only one individual is fully responsible for everything. Support customization Tailored to a groups needs. Much more flexible. Companionship Peer support and engagement. Potential loneliness.

Selecting the Appropriate ILO for You

In deciding between shared ILO vs individual ILO, some or all of the following considerations may apply, such as individual preference, company needs and support. If you are a social person and you like to be surrounded with people and do group tasks then NDIS shared housing should suit you perfectly. On the other hand, if confidentiality and autonomy surrounding your environment are important to you, an individual ILO may exactly fit the bill.

It is also possible to discuss with your NDIS planner or the support coordinator to know which option best suits your needs. They can direct you about ILO housing options and check that your assistance plan is according to the personal necessities.

Conclusion

The ILO housing options have their uniqueness in terms of lifestyle and support needs. Shared living provides company, joint responsibility, and cost savings while individual living offers privacy, self-determination, and control of the surrounding environment. Understanding what living independently vs shared arrangements entail shall assist a person in making the right decision.