NDIS participants can receive Individualised Living Options (ILO) funding, and use it to live independently in a way that best suits the participant. With ILO funding, NDIS participants can choose where to live, how to live and who they want to support them. Using his ILO funding and support from Hireup, David found his perfect flatmate, Goran.
Four months ago David posted a flatmate advertisement with the support of Hireup and his brother Clark. Looking for a life change, Goran applied. “I was looking to do something different,” says Goran. “A calling of some sort. I don’t have a background in support work or had done something like this before.”
From their second meeting, it was clear they’d found a great match. “We just gelled, it was meant to be,” says Goran. “We have many things in common including sports, music and movies.”
Together, David and Goran love spending time watching TV, going to the gym and having a punt at their local pub. For David, choosing where to live and choosing Goran as his housemate has meant feeling both free and secure. “I know that my flatmate will be here for me at the end of the day,” says David. “No matter what’s happened, my flatmate will always be here, and I’ll be safe.
“I like living with Goran because it’s freedom.”
Goran says that living with David has meant a new calling and sense of purpose to his day to day. “It’s a great, fulfilling role. It’s a pleasure that I’ve met David and that we’ve connected. I’d encourage people to try this living arrangement, it’s really rewarding and we get to do many fun activities together, which we both love.”
Housemate relationships can sometimes be tricky to navigate as sharing a living space can present new challenges. But “so far so good,'' says David. “He’s clean as a whistle. Goran never leaves a mess - the only mess is mine”. This feeling is mutual for both David and Goran. “He’s really not messy, but I'm a little messy as well,” says Goran.
Goran recommends trying this living arrangement to anyone, even those without disability support experience. “Because David and I clicked so well, it’s really been smooth sailing with this arrangement. I recommend even those that don’t have experience in support work give it a go because you could find a great buddy.”
Here's how Hireup can help
Hireup's Home and Living Consultants are here to help you access a home and a life you choose.
We work with you and your support network to design your ideal living solution and access the funding to make it a reality.