Living Together, Deciding Together: Consent and Choice in Supported Homes

In shared supported living environments, where individuals with disabilities or additional support needs live together with the assistance of carers or support workers, the principles of consent and choice are foundational. Ensuring every individual has the right to make decisions about their life, no matter the level of support they require, is not just good practice—it’s a matter of dignity, respect, and human rights.

Understanding Shared Supported Living

Shared supported living typically involves a group of individuals living in a home-like setting where support staff are present to assist with daily tasks such as personal care, cooking, budgeting, and accessing community resources. While support is available, the environment is not institutional—it’s designed to promote as much independence as possible.

The Importance of Consent

Consent means giving permission for something to happen or agreeing to do something, and it must be:

• Freely given: without pressure or coercion

• Informed: the person understands what they are agreeing to

• Specific: relevant to a particular situation or decision

• Reversible: the person can change their mind at any time

In supported living, consent applies to many areas—from personal care routines to who enters someone’s room, medical decisions, and participation in activities. Everyone has the right to give or refuse consent, and this right must be respected, regardless of a person’s communication style or level of understanding.

Supporting Choice

Choice goes hand-in-hand with consent. It means having options and the freedom to decide what you want. In a shared living environment, it covers:

• Daily routines: what to eat, when to sleep, how to spend time

• Social life: choosing friends, relationships, and leisure activities

• Personal space: decorating one’s room, deciding who can visit

• Staff interactions: having a say in who supports them and how

Supporting choice isn’t always easy—especially when choices may seem risky or when individuals have complex needs—but it is essential. With the right support, everyone can participate in decisions about their own lives.

Overcoming Barriers

Challenges to consent and choice often arise due to:

• Communication difficulties

• Assumptions about capacity

• Risk-averse cultures in care settings

• Limited resources or staffing

To overcome these barriers, support providers should:

• Use accessible communication methods (e.g. visuals, easy-read materials, technology)

• Offer time and space for decision-making

• Provide training to staff on supported decision-making and capacity

• Involve families and advocates where appropriate—without overriding the individual’s wishes

Creating a Culture of Respect

Building a culture that values consent and choice involves:

• Listening actively to what people want

• Recognizing each individual’s right to take risks

• Reflecting regularly on practice and policies

• Ensuring consistent, person-centred support

By centering the voices and preferences of the people who live in supported housing, we move closer to creating genuinely inclusive communities where everyone feels empowered to live life on their own terms.

Final Thought

Everyone deserves a say in their own life. Whether you're receiving support, providing it, or standing alongside someone you care about, you’re part of a shared living community. And in that community, consent and choice aren’t optional—they’re essential.

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This article is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional advice. Always consult with your NDIS planner or support coordinator for personalized guidance.