Supporting Independent Living (SIL)

Supporting Independent Living in Sydney, NSW

NDIS Supporting Independent Living (SIL) is a type of support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) designed to help people with disabilities live as independently as possible in the community. SIL provides funding for the assistance required to live in shared accommodation or other supported living environments.

SIL (Supporting Independent Living) at WesternCare Enterprise:

  1. Accommodation Assistance:

    • SIL funding can be used to help individuals live in shared housing or other types of accommodation, where support is available to assist with daily living tasks.

    • This may include sharing a house or unit with other NDIS participants, where support workers help with personal care, cooking, cleaning, and other daily activities.

  2. Types of Support Provided:

    • Personal Care: Assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility.

    • Meal Preparation and Cleaning: Support with cooking, meal preparation, and maintaining a clean living environment.

    • Health and Medication Support: Assistance with managing health needs, such as medication administration or physical health activities.

    • Community Participation: Help with accessing the community, attending appointments, social activities, or engaging in educational or recreational opportunities.

    • Life Skills Training: Support to develop skills that help participants live more independently, like budgeting, using public transport, or managing appointments.

  3. Eligibility for SIL:

    • SIL is for NDIS participants who require regular support to live independently but cannot do so on their own without assistance.

    • It's suitable for individuals who need more intensive, ongoing support, such as assistance with personal care, household tasks, or community involvement.

    • To be eligible, participants must have significant support needs, and SIL funding will be provided if it is necessary to help them achieve their goals of independence.

  4. How SIL Works:

    • Accommodation: SIL funding is typically linked to a person’s accommodation arrangements. This could be a group home, a shared living arrangement, or even supported independent living apartments.

    • Support Hours: SIL funding provides for the hours of support required each day, which can vary depending on individual needs. For example, someone who requires assistance throughout the day might have higher SIL funding than someone who only needs support during certain times.

    • Support Workers: SIL supports are typically delivered by trained support workers who assist with day-to-day living and personal care. The amount and type of support will be tailored to each participant's needs.

  5. SIL vs. Other NDIS Supports:

    • SIL vs. Individual Living Options (ILO): While SIL involves supported accommodation with staff present to assist with daily needs, ILO is a more flexible option that might involve different living arrangements with less intensive, but still tailored, support.

    • SIL vs. Core Supports: Core supports fund more general everyday assistance with things like transport, social activities, or daily tasks that don’t necessarily involve living arrangements.

How to Access SIL Funding:

  1. Planning Meeting: During your NDIS planning meeting, discuss your current living situation, the level of support you need, and your goals for living independently. The NDIS planner will assess whether SIL is appropriate for you based on your needs and goals.

  2. Assessment and Eligibility: The NDIS may need to conduct an assessment (or work with a support coordinator or provider) to determine if SIL is the right support for you. This may include a detailed analysis of your daily living needs, goals, and current living circumstances.

  3. Support Coordination: If you have SIL in your plan, a support coordinator can help you find appropriate housing options and suitable providers who offer SIL support. They can also assist you in managing the service to ensure it meets your needs.

Examples of Living Arrangements for SIL:

  • Group Homes: Participants share a house with other people and receive around-the-clock or part-time support from staff.

  • Shared Living: Participants share a home with other NDIS participants and have access to staff support as required.

  • Supported Apartments: Participants live independently in their own apartment but receive regular support as needed (for example, personal care assistance or assistance with life skills).

If you’re considering SIL, it’s important to ensure that it aligns with your goals of independence and that it meets your unique needs. You can discuss these options with your NDIS planner to ensure it’s included in your plan.

Feel free to contact us if you'd like more help or if you need further information about SIL!