Supported Independent Living can offer you more independence, a greater social life and 24/7 hour assistance
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a type of housing that means you can retain independence while receiving assistance with daily tasks such as moving home, household errands, preparing meals or taking medication.
With Supported Independent Living, you will either live in shared or individual housing, depending on your needs. This type of accommodation has its own private entrance, but staff are available throughout the day to provide support with specific tasks that residents may find challenging to do on their own
Supported Independent Living is different depending on your individual needs, but it can include help with:
- Moving out on your own for the first time
- Learning to live with housemates
- Keeping up with daily household tasks
- Getting ready for the day, cooking meals and keeping fit
What Are the Main Features of Supported Independent Living?
With Supported Independent Living you will live in a self-contained home that can be adapted for the needs of people with disabilities who wish to live independently but need extra support to do so.
The accommodation typically has a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room that are designed to make daily tasks as easy as possible and may be fitted with handrails, lower worktops, raised toilet seats, non-slip surfaces and wheelchair ramps.
Supported Independent Living services can include 24/7 help with:
- Washing
- Dressing
- Taking medication
- Personal hygiene
- Paying bills
- Washing clothes
- Tidying the home
- Socialising
What are the Benefits of Supported Independent Living?
Supported Independent Living Makes it easier to Socialise
Living independently will give you more opportunities to meet new people and explore new hobbies. In SIL accommodation, social activities are encouraged and your assistant can accompany you to social outings and help with things like public transport and budgeting if needed. As an added bonus, in SIL, you will usually share a house with other people who are close to you in age and have similar interests.
Supported Independent Living Ensures Safety and Security
In Supported Independent Living accommodation, your wellbeing and safety are a top priority. You will be able to relax knowing that you have a professional team nearby that is dedicated to your welfare. You will be surrounded by a caring community with the added comfort of knowing that extra help is there when you need it.
Supported Independent Living is a Cost-Effective Housing Solution
Supported Independent Living is a cost-effective housing solution. Tenants will have their own private apartment and personal care available based on the resident’s specific needs. In many cases, residents choose to share accommodation which means that costs such as utility bills and food are shared equally among tenants.
Supported Independent Living Offers Assistance with Daily Tasks
Having someone to help you with daily household chores can take a huge weight off your shoulders. A Supported Independent Living team member can take on the tasks that you find difficult so you can enjoy your everyday life and independence.
How Do I get Supported Independent Living Funding?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS funded model of shared accommodation. This means that the NDIS may help you with the cost of the care services that you receive. If you need care and support, you can request a needs assessment from your NDIS provider where they will assess your care needs and whether you meet the eligibility criteria during a friendly meeting.
What should I consider before moving to assisted living housing?
We know that moving into independent living accommodation can feel like a big step, which is why we are here to help you plan the move. We listen to the individual’s needs and follow a moving plan to ensure a stress-free and positive experience for new residents.
If you are thinking about moving into Supported Independent Living accommodation, there are a few things you should think about first to make sure that it’s the right choice for you. Some things to consider before moving into Supported Independent Living accommodation include:
- Managing your own finances
- More household tasks to complete
- Keeping to a tenancy agreement
- Having to share a living space with others
- Being away from family
Who is supported living suitable for?
Supported Independent Living services are an option for adults with disabilities who do not wish to live in residential care but are finding it difficult to live on their own or rely on the care of others.
When it comes to living alone, everyone is different and has unique needs. Below are three levels of support that the NDIS has outlined SIL funding under:
- Lower needs – support not usually needed 24/7. Supervision provided for living arrangements.
- Standard needs – Support provided 24/7. Most daily tasks are supervised and a Support Worker will sleep overnight.
- Higher needs – Active support provided 24/7. Staff members are available for managing challenging behaviours that require positive behaviour support as well as assisting with daily tasks.
You can speak with your local NDIS provider to determine whether or not Supported Independent Living is best for your needs or which level of support is appropriate for you.
How Can ConnectAbility Australia Help?
Everyone has the right to live the life that they choose for themselves and it’s our mission to help people to live happy and rewarding lives in their own homes, with their own tenancies.
ConnectAbility Australia offers advice to individuals who are thinking about moving away from the family home in order to gain more independence while still maintaining a level of care. Across New South Wales, our Supported Independent Living services help adults with a range of disabilities to live safely and independently in their local communities.
Find out more about our support today
If you’d like to find out more about Supported Independent Living and the services that ConnectAbility Australia offers, please call our Warabrook office on (02) 4962 1000 or our Central Coast office on (02) 4349 3700 to talk to one of our friendly team members.
You can also send us an email at contact@connectabilityaus.org.au or fill in our online contact form and we will be in touch with you shortly.
