Finding the right living environment is one of the most important factors in supporting independence, safety, and wellbeing. For many NDIS participants, determining the right type of housing and daily support requires a Home and Living Assessment completed by an occupational therapist.
A Home and Living Assessment (NDIS) is a comprehensive occupational therapy assessment that helps determine the most appropriate housing supports for a person living with disability. The report provides the evidence the NDIS requires when considering funding for supports such as Supported Independent Living (SIL), Individualised Living Options (ILO), and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
At its core, the assessment aims to understand how a person functions in their daily life and whether their current living environment supports their needs.
What Is a Home and Living Assessment?
An NDIS Home and Living Assessment is a detailed functional capacity evaluation that explores a person’s ability to live safely and independently within their home environment.
The assessment is usually conducted by an occupational therapist (OT) who evaluates how a person manages everyday activities such as:
Personal care tasks like showering and dressing
Cooking and meal preparation
Household tasks such as cleaning and laundry
Managing medication and health routines
Community access and social participation
Safety awareness and decision-making
The therapist also reviews the current living environment to determine whether it supports independence, accessibility, and safety.
If the current housing arrangement is not suitable for the person’s needs, the assessment can recommend alternative supports or living arrangements that better align with their goals and functional capacity.
Why the NDIS Requires a Home and Living Assessment
The NDIS requires strong clinical evidence before approving housing and daily living supports. A Home and Living Assessment report provides the professional documentation needed to demonstrate what supports are reasonable and necessary.
Without this type of assessment, it can be difficult for the NDIS to determine:
The level of daily support required
Whether housing supports like SIL, SDA, or ILO are appropriate
The type of environment needed for safety and independence
Whether assistive technology or home modifications are required
Because of this, the Home and Living Assessment often becomes the key document used during NDIS planning and plan reviews when housing supports are being considered.
Housing Supports That May Be Recommended
Depending on the outcomes of the assessment, an occupational therapist may recommend different types of NDIS housing supports.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SIL provides assistance or supervision with daily tasks to help individuals live as independently as possible. This support can include help with personal care, household activities, and daily routines. SIL supports are typically provided within a person’s home and can occur in shared living arrangements or individual housing options.
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
ILO provide flexible living arrangements that allow participants to choose where they live, who they live with, and how their supports are structured. ILO arrangements may involve living with housemates, hosts, mentors, or other informal supports combined with funded support services.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA refers to housing specifically designed for people with significant functional impairment or very high support needs. These homes are built to improve accessibility and enable the delivery of complex support services.
What Happens During the Assessment?
A Home and Living Assessment usually involves several steps:
Initial discussion
The occupational therapist meets with the participant and key supports to understand their goals, current living situation, and challenges.Functional assessment
The therapist evaluates how the individual manages everyday activities and identifies the level of support required.Environmental review
The home environment is assessed to identify accessibility barriers, safety concerns, or environmental factors affecting independence.Support analysis
Current formal and informal supports are reviewed to determine whether they are sustainable and appropriate.Comprehensive report
The occupational therapist prepares a detailed report outlining housing and support recommendations for the NDIS.
The Value of a Home and Living Assessment
Beyond supporting funding decisions, a Home and Living Assessment provides clarity and direction for individuals and families navigating the NDIS.
The report helps:
Identify the right living environment for long-term stability
Provide evidence for NDIS housing funding
Clarify the level of daily support required
Support greater independence and participation
Guide future planning and transitions between living arrangements
For many participants, the assessment becomes a roadmap that helps translate everyday experiences into clear recommendations that decision-makers can understand.
When a person’s living environment, supports, and goals are aligned, it creates the foundation for greater independence, stability, and meaningful participation in the community.
Need a Home and Living Assessment?
If you or someone you support is exploring NDIS housing options such as Supported Independent Living (SIL), Individualised Living Options (ILO), or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), a Home and Living Assessment can help provide the evidence needed to move forward.
At Firm Foundation OT, we complete comprehensive assessments that translate everyday experiences into clear, evidence-based recommendations for the NDIS.
If you would like to learn more or discuss whether a Home and Living Assessment may be appropriate, we welcome you to submit a referral or contact our team to explore the next steps.
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