Across the world, a change is happening. People with disabilities are moving into individualized housing rather than living in unsuitable accommodation. But what is Individualized living I hear you say! Individualized living is about choosing where you want to live, and having the support available for you to reach that goal. The supports in other homes, like group homes, often revolve around those giving the care, rather than the individual receiving it. Individualized living is caring that’s revolved around you. A person with a disability may choose to live with their friends or on their own. The place you live needs to be life-stage appropriate, like someone in their 20’s moving out of their parent’s house for the first time.
The benefits of individualized living revolve around human rights. People with disabilities have greater self-determination and autonomy, both of which are contributing factors to quality of life.
The current bulk range of housing options for those with complex needs ranges from institutions to group homes to living with parents beyond the age when someone would normally leave. These options are usually age-inappropriate. The bulk range of housing options also doesn’t let individuals choose small things, like when to wake up or go to sleep, and big things like who they receive support from.
Although group homes try to resemble a Surburban home, they have power imbalances as care revolves around rosters and priorities not focused on the individual receiving care. People with disabilities cannot choose who they live within a group home, nor where they live. There’s also evidence in some cases where people with disabilities receive inadequate engagement or in worst cases, neglect and abuse in a group home. There are also positives that come from group homes, it is often safer for people with disabilities and the individual is better able to manage their money.
Individualized living gives choice to people with a disability, whether this is to live in a home with friends or within a group home, the choice is what matters.
This news article draws information from the report “The outcomes of individualized housing for people with disability and complex needs: a scoping review.” by Oliver, S., Gosden-Kaye, E., Winkler, D., and Douglas, J.