Moving towards independent living: plan your home and support

Living More Independently

By Summer Foundation · Originally published 14 March 2018

A person reading while resting on a sofa

Original article and dated context

Summer Foundation works to influence health, housing, aged care and disability services policy and practice related to young people in nursing homes.

Moving house is a big deal for anyone, but what if you are moving from a place where you’ve had very little choice to a new type of housing where you suddenly have lots of choice?

What type of housing would I like to live in?
How will I get the support I need?

Using the experience gained from its own housing demonstration projects, the Summer Foundation has developed a guide for people with disability who are getting ready to live more independently. The guide aims to help people with disability reach their goals and live an ordinary life.

The guide*, Living More Independently,* explains how to plan for and move from residential aged care (RAC), a group home or parents’ home into appropriate mainstream housing or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). It is an easy-to-read companion along the journey to more independent living.

The guide highlights the many things that will be different for people when they move into their own houses. It covers the entire spectrum; from everyday things like choosing when and what to eat, when to go to bed and when to get up, to the bigger questions like how you want to live your life and who will provide the supports you need.

In any move there will be hiccups, and there’s a good chance that new obstacles will arise, but the guide aims to help people to prepare for these challenges.

Living More Independently is in four parts:

Thinking about moving sets out the first steps, from talking to family, friends and support networks, to working out what types of housing options might be suitable. The guide includes an outline of many of the different types of housing options available with handy links for more information.
Planning your move can take up to six months. This section looks at what help is available and the kinds of things that need to be considered, such as employing support workers, developing a support network, arranging the supply or purchase of equipment and furniture and developing daily living skills such as budgeting.
Making it happen gets down to the nitty gritty of moving into a new home. There’s a lot to get used to – from new care routines with new support staff to having a whole new neighbourhood to explore and plenty of “me” time to do it. The guide offers tips and advice on how to help cope with it all. Not least of all, to ensure the pantry is stocked with favourite foods.
Finally, the Moving plan checklist is a comprehensive list of all the things that need to be done to make sure that the move goes smoothly and people have the best possible chance of making life in their new houses a success.

[Clickability update, September 2026: A move can take more or less time. Housing availability, support arrangements and equipment needs differ; plan the steps around your circumstances rather than treating six months as a fixed limit.]

Living More Independently<span> is available on the Summer Foundation website. You can check it out here.

Clickability editorial update: September 2026

How participants can plan the first week in a new home

Think through an ordinary day: getting up, meals, personal care, shopping and time alone. Identify what will be different in the new place and which support needs to be ready before you move. Include the things you enjoy, rather than making the plan only about tasks.

Separate the home from the support delivered there. NDIS home and living supports do not generally pay rent or ordinary bills. The NDIA explains the different options. Ask what is approved and available before making commitments.

What families can help prepare before moving day

With permission, help put the practical steps in order: who confirms a booking, who checks equipment access and who will be available if a support visit changes. Keep the person’s choices about privacy and routines central.

Agree when to check how the move is working. A problem in the first week may call for an adjustment to support rather than an assumption that living more independently cannot work.

Questions readers ask

Does living more independently mean doing everything alone?

No. It can involve chosen support, equipment and other people. Start with the life you want and the help needed to make it workable. Official guidance

Does the NDIS pay ordinary rent and household bills?

NDIS home and living supports do not pay ordinary rent or bills. Check your approved supports and private living costs separately. Official guidance

Arrange support around your new daily routine

Tell Clickability the daily support you want to organise. Explore rated and reviewed providers as you prepare for the routines in your next home.

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