Planning for Independent Living with Disability

Article Highlights

Planning ahead gives your adult child with disability more time to shape what independence looks like for them. The NDIS can fund home modifications, personal care and daily living supports, while Just Better Care's Support Workers act as a bridge to future independence, shifting focus from task assistance to building real skills. We can also help navigate the NDIS and connect you with local allied health professionals.

When planning for future living arrangements happens ahead of time, the adult participany with disability has more time and space to express what independence looks like to them — and more of a say in who they want involved in their support and where and how they want to live.

Planning ahead can be hard. The reality is that life is busy and early conversations about planning for independent living can be tricky, often resulting in unnecessary stress for the whole family, increased anxiety for the young person seeking independence.

90%

of adults with disability in Australia live in private dwellings rather than specialist accommodation

Source: ABS Survey of Disability, 2022

56%

of NDIS participants aged 18–24 have an identified goal around independence and community living

Source: NDIS Quarterly Report, 2023

1 in 3

family carers of adults with disability report significant stress related to planning for their child's future housing

Source: Carers Australia, 2022

Planning for independent living

Independence doesn't happen overnight. But like any major life-changing experience, it can be difficult knowing where to begin.

A great place to start is by identifying your adult child's strengths, needs and preferences to help build self-awareness and goals.

Take the time to discuss with them what independent living looks like to them.

Consider things such as:

Current strengths

What can they already do independently? What supports do they currently rely on? Identifying this helps build meaningful goals and realistic next steps.

Housing preferences

Are they drawn to shared housing, or would their preference be for supported living?

Support goals

What does a good day look like for them? What activities, routines and connections matter most? These conversations shape a meaningful independence plan.

Housing and living options - defined by your level of NDIS support

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

SIL provides funding for support in a shared or individual living arrangement. Support Workers assist with daily tasks and skill-building so participants can live as independently as possible. Suited to those with moderate to high support needs.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

SDA provides funding for purpose-built or modified housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. The accommodation is designed to support independence and is separate from the support services provided by a provider like Just Better Care.

Group Homes

Group homes are shared living arrangements where several people with disability live together and share on-site support. They offer a community environment with 24-hour support available, suited to those who benefit from social connection alongside structured care.

Short Term Accommodation (STA) / Respite

STA provides short-term accommodation and support away from the participant's usual home — typically for up to 14 days. It is often used as respite for family carers and can also provide an opportunity for participants to trial more independent living arrangements.

Private living with in-home support

For participants living independently such as in a private rental or their own home they can combine their NDIS funding with Private care up to 24/7. Support is tailored to the individual's NDIS plan and goals.

Good to know

Starting these conversations early well before a transition is needed, gives your adult child more time to explore their options, build confidence, and make genuinely informed choices about their future.

Understanding NDIS support

It is also worthwhile having a fresh look at the options to support independent living under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). As part of the services it offers approved participants, the NDIS can work alongside adult children and their families to discuss their home arrangements and living goals as part of their planning conversation.

A participant's plan typically includes the supports the NDIS will fund, as well as the supports the participant will need to access through the housing system. Most young adults with disability who are considering moving out of the family home will likely access housing in the private market by owning or renting, or through social housing.

Depending on your Assessed needs, the NDIS can help fund independent living

Home modifications

Ramps, grab rails, bathroom modifications and other changes to make a participant's home safe and accessible.

Personal care Learn more

Support with showering, dressing, grooming and other daily personal care tasks.

Domestic assistance Learn more

Help with preparing meals, cleaning and maintaining a safe home environment.

Community participation Learn more

Support to access community activities, social connections, education and local transport.

Meal preparation Learn more

Assistance planning, preparing and cooking nutritious meals to support health and independence at home.

Travel and transport Learn more

Support to travel to appointments, community activities and everyday destinations safely and confidently.

Overnight support Learn more

Awake or sleepover overnight support for participants who need assistance or reassurance during the night.

In-home nursing Learn more

Clinical nursing support delivered in the home, including wound care, medication management and health monitoring.

Respite for carers Learn more

Short-term relief for family carers, giving them time to rest while their loved one receives quality support.

NDIS plan management Learn more

Financial management of your NDIS plan, processing invoices, tracking budgets and ensuring your funding is used effectively.

Support coordination Learn more

Help understanding and implementing your NDIS plan, connecting you with the right providers and services to meet your goals.

Important to know

Most NDIS participants are responsible for day-to-day living costs including rent, groceries, utilities and general household items. There are some limited circumstances where the NDIS may contribute - your local Just Better Care office can assist you with finding out if this funding is available to you.

How in-home support can build independent living skills

While in most cases the NDIS provides the funding, an in-home support provider such as Just Better Care can be another important partner in your adult child's journey to independent living. Our Support Workers often act as a bridge between your family member's current situation and their future independence.

Practical coaching. Aside from assisting with daily tasks such as showering and transport, our Support Workers can serve as a practical coach as your adult child transitions toward independent living. Where possible, we work in partnership with them to shift the focus from assisting with tasks to supervising their efforts to build skills.

NDIS navigation. Just Better Care can assist you in navigating the administrative complexities of the NDIS, helping connect you with the relevant local occupational therapists needed for assessments. This ensures the information gathered during your in-home sessions accurately reflects the support needed once your adult child moves into their next place.

Flexible private services. Should you require immediate in-home support or want to top up services delivered via a government-funded plan, we can also provide services privately. Many families across Australia use our flexible private services to help transition their loved one through what can be a busy and sometimes challenging time.

Allied health connections. Your local Just Better Care office can also connect you with a range of local providers and allied health professionals — occupational therapists, physiotherapists and more — so you can pursue your goal for independent living with the right team around you.

Frequently asked questions

When should we start planning for independent living?

The earlier the better. Starting conversations well before your adult child is ready to move gives everyone more time to explore options, build skills and ensure the right supports are in place. Early planning reduces stress and leads to better long-term outcomes for the whole family.

What housing options are available for people with disability?

Options include private rental with in-home support, shared housing with other NDIS participants, Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) for those with very high support needs, and Short Term Accommodation (STA) for respite or trial stays. Your local Just Better Care office can help explore which pathway suits your adult child's goals and NDIS funding.

Can the NDIS fund support for someone moving out of the family home?

Yes. The NDIS can fund a range of supports to help participants live independently, including personal care, domestic assistance, community participation and home modifications. Your NDIS plan will outline what is funded — your Just Better Care team can help you understand and make the most of your funding.

What if my adult child isn't ready to move out yet?

That's completely fine — and very common. Just Better Care's in-home Support Workers can start building independent living skills right now, in your family home, as part of their regular support hours. When the time does come, your adult child will be better prepared and more confident to make the move.

Can Just Better Care help with NDIS plan management?

Yes. Your local Just Better Care office may be able to provide NDIS plan management, support coordination, accommodation pathways, and support services in an established supported independent living home or specialist disability accommodation. Contact your local office to find out what's available in your area.