How Does Supported Independent Living (SIL) Work? (Full Guide)
30 May 2023
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has brought about a significant shift in the way key support services are provided to people with disabilities. Under the NDIS, one of the key provisions is Supported Independent Living, or SIL.
SIL aims to empower individuals by offering them the necessary assistance to live independently while maintaining greater control over their lives.
Let’s explore how SIL works, what its benefits and eligibility criteria are, and the other aspects which need to be understood.
Table of Contents
What is Supported Independent Living?
Supported Independent Living is a crucial component of the NDIS. SIL helps individuals with disabilities who require support to live independently. It enables participants to have greater control and autonomy in their lives, while still receiving the necessary help tailored to their unique needs.
SIL services encompass a range of support activities such as personal care, household tasks, meal preparation, transportation, and community engagement. The primary goal of SIL is to assist individuals in achieving their personal goals and promoting their overall well-being.
Eligibility criteria for SIL
To be eligible for Supported Independent Living under the NDIS, individuals must meet certain criteria. These include:
- NDIS Eligibility: Participants must be eligible for the NDIS and have their physical and/or mental disabilities and support needs assessed and approved by the National Disability Insurance Agency, the NDIA.
- Age requirements: SIL services are generally available to However, there are several exceptions. People younger than 18 may be eligible for SIL if their parents are unable to provide the support necessary for the child.
- Need for support: Participants must demonstrate a genuine need for assistance with daily living activities due to their impairment.
- Housing: The service is provided to the individuals residing in shared living arrangements, such as group homes, apartments, or other suitable SIL accommodation options as well as to complex clients who need to reside by themselves & cannot share accommodation.
How Supported Independent Living actually works
Supported Independent Living operates through a collaborative approach involving the participant, their support coordinator, NDIS service provider, support workers, and the NDIS as the supervising agency.
Here’s an overview of how SIL works:
- Care Planning: Once approved for SIL disability housing, the participant, along with their support coordinator and relevant stakeholders, develops an individualised care plan. This plan outlines the participant’s goals, support needs, and preferences.
- Support Workers: Based on the care plan, support workers are assigned to provide assistance to the participant. These support workers may be employed directly by the participant or engaged through a registered NDIS service provider.
- Daily Living Support: Trained support workers assist with various daily living tasks, including personal care, household chores, meal preparation, managing finances, and accessing the community. The level and frequency of support are tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
- Skill Development: SIL also focuses on empowering participants to build their skills and independence. Support workers may provide training and guidance to enhance the participant’s abilities in areas such as budgeting, cooking, maintaining a routine, and accessing community resources.
Benefits of SIL
Supported Independent Living offers numerous advantages to individuals with disabilities, such as:
- Enhanced independence and control: SIL enables participants to live independently while receiving tailored support, allowing them to have much greater control over their lives and decisions.
- Community integration: SIL encourages community participation and engagement, enabling participants to actively participate in social, recreational, and educational activities.
- Improved skill development: SIL fosters an environment where individuals with disabilities can enhance their skill sets and gain valuable life skills.
- Personalized growth and self-determination: SIL recognises and respects the individuality of each participant, fostering an environment that promotes personal growth and self-determination. Through collaborative planning and support, individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to set their own goals, make choices, and actively participate in decision-making processes related to their daily lives.
Funding and budgeting
Funding for Supported Independent Living is allocated through the NDIS, and participants receive financial support to cover the cost of their support workers and related expenses. The funding is based on the participant’s individual needs and is outlined in their NDIS plan.
Participants and their support coordinators work together to manage the allocated funds effectively, ensuring they meet the participant’s support requirements while adhering to budgetary constraints.
Budgeting plays a vital role in SIL, as it helps participants track their expenses and ensure they have adequate funding to maintain their desired level of independence. Support coordinators can assist participants in creating budgets, tracking expenses, and exploring cost-effective options for support services.
Finding suitable accommodation
Finding suitable SIL accommodation is a collaborative process that considers the participant’s preferences, needs, and compatibility with other housemates.
The NDIS provides support to support coordinators and housing specialists who can assist participants in finding appropriate housing options that align with their requirements. NDIS service providers can arrange for suitable accommodation available for SIL, including STA, MTA, and SDA. These specialists can also provide guidance on tenancy agreements, rights, and responsibilities.
When selecting accommodation, factors such as accessibility, proximity to amenities, transportation options, and community support services are taken into consideration. The aim is to ensure that participants have a safe and comfortable living environment that facilitates their independence and social inclusion.
Assistance with social inclusion
Supported Independent Living places a strong emphasis on nurturing independence and promoting social inclusion. By providing the necessary support tailored to the participant’s needs, SIL enables individuals to develop and enhance their independent living skills.
Support workers play a vital role in assisting participants in building their capabilities and fostering their sense of self-reliance. They can provide guidance on managing personal finances, developing household management skills, accessing public transportation, and engaging in social and community activities.
Additionally, SIL promotes social inclusion by encouraging participants to shed their inhibitions in community events, join local clubs or organizations, and connect with their peers. This helps to combat isolation and fosters a sense of belonging within the wider community.
Evaluating and reviewing Supported Independent Living
Periodic evaluations and reviews are essential in SIL to ensure that the participant’s needs are being met effectively and that the support provided aligns with their evolving goals and aspirations. Evaluations may include discussions with the participant, support coordinators, and support workers to assess the participant’s progress, satisfaction levels, and any necessary adjustments required in the care plan.
Reviews of the NDIS plan occurs regularly, typically every 12 months, allowing participants to reassess their goals, needs, and funding allocations. These reviews provide an opportunity to make modifications to the plan to ensure continued improvements.
Wrapping up
SIL is a cornerstone of the NDIS, providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live independently while receiving tailored support. Through SIL, participants gain greater control over their lives, develop essential life skills, and actively participate in their communities.
Are you looking for Supported Independent Living in Melbourne? Perhaps you know someone who does?
As a respected NDIS service provider specialising in supported accommodation, we can help you out with all your SIL needs. Contact us today for further details!