Inside Independent Living Trials: A Journey with the BIS Team

In this BIScussions episode, Natalie and Eky are joined by Cam, BIS's ILT coordinator, to explain independent living trials (ILTs) for people after brain injury: their purpose, how BIS runs them, and the staffing, evidence, and practical challenges involved. They describe ILTs as structured, safe opportunities for positive risk-taking that establish a client's long-term support needs, with success defined by evidence gathered rather than perfect performance. Drawing on lessons from "The Link," a community-style, non-clinical smart-tech house, they explain why BIS shifted from a single property to delivering a portable 12-week Independent Living Trial Assessment (ILTA) in clients' own communities. They outline a three-phase approach that scaffolds skills, introduces strategies and assistive tech, then reduces supervision to test independence, emphasising client buy-in, MDT collaboration, family involvement, and skilled observation by rehab assistants. Key barriers include property sourcing, funding delays, and recruitment/matching needs, including cultural considerations.