What is Supported Independent Living
Supported Independent Living is one of the NDIS packages that are available to help people living with a disability, to live a more independent life, either by themselves or in a group environment and home.
Finding and accessing NDIS providers and SIL facilities can be a daunting process, so we have put a simple resource guide together for you to help in making the step in supported Independent Living a little easier.
Supported Independent Living gives you, the individual flexibility and control over the level and type of support you would live to received, which ensures that your needs are supported, whether this is daily, weekly or weekend assistance.
Online information for SIL
Reading and researching the resources that are available online can help in preparing you for the road ahead, if your goal is find a SIL home that is well suited to your and your needs.
NDIS.gov.au – https://www.ndis.gov.au/
The government website is the first place to start, you can find out about funding options, pricing arrangements and look at the compliance legislation that providers must adhere too. A good place to start is the Supported Independent Living Provider Guidance page here
Nds.org.au – https://www.nds.org.au/resources
You may find interesting and useful articles in this news style website, that may help in making you create an informed decision.
Finding a Support Coordinator to help with your application
Once you have a NDIS plan and have been allocated funding for housing solutions, you need to find a Support Coordinator to help find the best solution for your housing needs.
The NDIS provider tool allows you to search for Registered Support Coordinators in your area. This can be an invaluable tool especially if you are new to the area and don’t know where to begin.
Accommodation Options for Supported Independent Living
Shared Housing
Moving into a share home is a great option for those individuals who require daily social interaction besides from a visit from their carer’s, the family environment can really help with intellectual, and psychosocial disabilities. In addition, the shared home option can feel safer for some people especially if you’re prone to forgetting or feelings of loneliness and isolation. With shared living arrangements you can live with people you choose while embracing your independence all while getting the perfect amount of support you need or want. Our clients can choose from a variety of options tailored to your individual needs including:
- Drop-ins by staff
- Staff onsite for emergencies
- Living with a career in the home 24/7
With shared accommodation you can even choose to live with one or more people who have similar needs and personalities, while being supported by our staff to assist with daily life.
Living alone
Many people chose to stay in their own homes, where they are more comfortable, and this is a great option for those individuals. Our team can provide a concierge model where if you are living in an apartment on your own and your regular support provider isn’t rostered there is still someone onsite in case of emergencies. Living alone can be an exciting opportunity or simply more comfortable for you and we want to be able to help you live your life to the fullest. Just like with shared housing, members of our community are supported by staff drop-ins as well as the option for onsite emergency support for you and your career.
Supported Independent Living Services
Depending on your level of needed support, our staff is here to support you across a wide range of daily living conditions and activities. SIL providers aim to offer a range of services available to clients, many of which can be available 24/7 and can include:
- Helping you with cooking meals or snacks
- Assisting you with cleaning
- Personal Care when you need help dressing and showering
- Travel Options such as catching public transport, going shopping, or having a holiday
- Support in trying new activities
- Support in getting involved in the local community
Many clients also choose to get help with managing their money and making budgets for the household.
Choosing a level of support
Keeping in mind that everyone is unique and has different needs, NDIS outlined three levels of support for SIL funding that your provider can help you decide which is perfect for you and your needs.
- Low Needs – typically more independent and without 24/7 support (except for emergencies), including supervision of your living arrangements
- Standard Needs – includes 24/7 support, overnight sleepovers from Support Workers, and assistance/supervision of daily tasks
- Higher Needs – active 24/7 support from staff to assist with daily tasks, manage challenging behaviours, and overnight care
What option is right for me?
A part of supported independent living is finding the provider and career that is right for you and your needs. While you could easily go with the first provider you meet with, you should never feel pressured to choose as this is a very personal decision and you want to work with people who will not only support but respect you and your needs. After you’ve chosen your NDIS and SIL provider, it’s time to decide what level of support you want and find you the perfect place to live. Whether it’s a share house or living alone, our team of careers are ready to help support you in the journey to increase or maintain your independence and are here to help determine your eligibility and planning preparations.
Contact the friendly reception staff at ConnectAbility Australia today on 02 4962 1000 for Warabrook or 02 4349 3700 for our Central Coast team to make that positive change for your future.
You can also view our current available properties on our Supported Independent Living information page.
Don’t forget you can visit our offices: 26 Warabrook Boulevard, Warabrook or 4 Karalta Lane, Erina or send us an email at contact@connectabilityaus.org.au if you’re more comfortable talking in person or through email.
