There is no place like home – Everyone needs a place to call their own. A place where we can relax and unwind. Where we can make choices and gain a sense of independence. Or maybe a place where we feel part of a family.

At Interchange, we know there is no one size fits all and we can support you in finding a home that suits your individual needs so you can live as independently as possible. From assisting family and friends to help you stay in your family home, to moving into your own place, sharing with others or finding a Host Arrangement in Perth and or the Peel region – our range of individualised living options means we’ll find the right solution for you.

Other people thought I can’t grow up but I knew I can grow up. When I moved into my own home I felt so happy. – Shane, Maddington Neighbourhood

Housing Exploration

We can support you with your housing needs through Living and Housing Exploration, we take not only your needs into account but your goals and dreams. We are here to help you explore your Individual Living Options (ILO) and find what is right for you. We get to know you to ensure you have informed choices to make decisions about where and with whom you want to live and how your supports can enable you to live a good life – a life you choose.

We divide your Housing Exploration process into two main steps.

Step 1: Exploration and Design. Together we will:

• explore where and how you want to live,
• exploring your strengths and capabilities,
• learn how ILO supports can improve and build your skills,
• choose where you live, who you live with and how you want to be supported,
• understand how supports from other parties can play a role in your ILO,
• explore options and assess any risks related to your preferences,
• design and make decisions about your ILO, with the people who support you.

Step 2 – Supports. Together we will:

• find housemates, co-residents or hosts,
• assist where possible to find the right home,
• build and organise the support package,
• prepare and action the move to your new living arrangement,
• ensure that you achieve your ILO goals,
• undertake dispute resolution and problem solving,
• ensure your safety in the living arrangement and ensure compliance with NDIS Practice Standard and Code of Conduct Ongoing monitoring,
• review and redesign your living arrangement in response to changes in your life or capacity.

Interested to find out more? Send us an email to enquiry@interchangewa.org.au and we will get back to you shortly.

Supported Independent Living

Supported and Independent Living (SIL/ILO) is help with and/or supervision of daily tasks to develop the skills you need to live as independently as possible.

With years of experience, we can assist you to find a home of your own, supporting your growing independence while also being there whenever you need us. We have many specialist disability accommodation options available. From supporting you for a few hours a day to 24 hours/ 7 days a week – We provide you with the support you want and need to feel comfortable and secure living in a home by yourself.

Your Support Team works with you to build your independent living skills such as:

• Cooking and Shopping
• Managing your money and budgeting
• Nutrition and health
• Medication Management
• Cleaning and maintaining your home
• Transport
• Connecting with your community
• Exercise, hobbies and other activities

Shared Living

Shared living is where you choose to share a home with other people. This could be your home or someone else’s.

We can help you with:

• Finding the right people for you to live with ensuring a good match.
• Locating a property that meets your individual needs.
• Supporting you with your transition.
• Provide individualised support within your home and beyond.

Your Support Team takes the time to get to know you, your needs and wants. We know it’s important that people click, get along and ultimately choose to live together. Tell us what you like or don’t like in a housemate, and we’ll do our best to match you with people who tick your boxes and have similar personalities, interests and goals.

Host Arrangements

A Host Arrangement is a living arrangement where a host welcomes you to live in their home. This can be full-time or short break (respite) basis. The host may be a single person, couple or family. Each Host Arrangement is unique, according to your and the host’s circumstances. But they all have one thing in common – They provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home environment for you and welcome you to become part of their lives.

Being a host is all about connecting with the person and making them part of your family and life.
– Eleisha, Host Interchange

Dalton (left), Host Eleisha (right) and family dog Bella (middle) enjoying some quality time together.

Through living in a natural home environment, you experience an enhanced sense of connection, participation and belonging. People within Host Arrangements value companionship and contributions to each other’s lives. Your living supports will be tailored specifically to your needs and are simply part of your everyday life with your host. Support Workers can also assist you with your daily activities or community outings when the host is not around, or you prefer other supports.

Interchange will connect you to a range of carefully chosen and suitable hosts. Using our individualised living options, we consider your personality, interests, support needs and preferences. We assess the home and its occupants to ensure the living arrangement will be safe and welcoming for you. We’ll also offer direct and indirect support where needed.

Individual Living Options Success Story

They are nice, take good care of me and make me feel at home. – Natasha, Osborne Park Neighbourhood

Natasha’s been living in a host arrangement with Lynne, Martin, their son Bran, and nephew Dale, for the past three years. An active participant in their home and family life, she enjoys going on adventures with them and feels included and safe in a home environment. Friendly and energetic, Natasha loves dancing, swimming, and gardening and would like a Karaoke party for her upcoming 21st birthday party.

Transitioning to adulthood with great success, Natasha now uses public transport on a regular basis (with the support of Interchange staff) and has secured and maintained a volunteer placement at Riding for the Disabled, where she also participates in lessons. Natasha has many interests and has started to learn sign language so she can communicate with some of her non-verbal friends. Instrumental in the initiation of the kitchen garden at our Morley office, Olive Tree House, Natasha takes great pride in its upkeep.

Natasha’s made friends and regularly participates in activities, demonstrating a level of focus and commitment in learning new skills. One of her goals was to feel comfortable, safe and a sense of belonging. Feeling she’s achieved this, Natasha now plans to enrol in a TAFE course, and has long term ambitions of becoming a dance teacher or dog trainer. For the future, she would like to continue developing essential skills like cooking, laundry and managing her finances, so she can reach her goal of living independently.

Find out more about how our individual living options can help find the right home for you, Contact Us at enquiry@interchangewa.org.au and we will be in touch shortly.