Do you need a helping hand to live on your own or with friends? Our supported independent living (SIL) team can help!  

As a registered supported independent living provider, we’re here to help you get the most from your NDIS Plan. We do this by supporting you with daily tasks and teaching you new skills to make your everyday life better. 

With trusted people around for support, you can focus on what’s important, work towards your goals and be confident that you can live freely on your own or with housemates. 

What is supported independent living? 

Supported independent living, also known as SIL, is an NDIS funded support. It is practical help or guidance with everyday tasks provided by trained support workers to make living in your own home easier. 

SIL is designed for people who have high support needs and require help throughout the day. It includes things like having someone help you with personal care, housework or cooking. SIL can help you build these skills too, so you can be more independent. 

 

Flexible supports 

You’re one of a kind, so the mix of supports you need to live the lifestyle you want will be unique.  You can access our support no matter how complex your care needs are. However, we’re commonly asked to provide help with: 

  • Daily planning and decision making 
  • Budgeting and paperwork 
  • Getting ready for the day  
  • Personal care 
  • Medical appointments 
  • Taking medication 
  • Housework and shopping 
  • Planning and cooking healthy meals 
  • Catching up with family and friends 
  • Going to community events 
  • Overnight support 

Your SIL supports are completely flexible. We work with you, your loved ones and care team to create a support plan that suits your lifestyle.

 

Build your skills 

Your goals are unique. You might want to participate more in your community, connect with friends and family, learn to cook or manage your budget better. Capacity building is an important element of SIL. We will work with you to make sure we can support you to learn new things and practice your skills to live a more independent life. 

 

Professionals you can trust 

When you’re looking for a supported independent living provider, it’s critical to pick people you trust.  

Our team of supported independent living coordinators and residential support staff are highly qualified. They have experience working with support coordinators, families and other professionals to develop rosters of care based on available assessments and other support documentation. You can trust we know our stuff and have checks and controls to make sure your care is managed per NDIS guidelines. 

More importantly, you need to feel comfortable with the people who work in your home. For this reason, we recruit support workers based on your individual needs and match you with people who will make you feel confident and at ease. 

 

How do I get SIL from the NDIS? 

SIL is designed for people who have high support needs and need assistance every day. This means that not everyone is eligible for SIL via the NDIS.  NDIS has some useful information about who’s eligible for SIL on its website.

If you think SIL is the right option for you, you need to talk to your NDIS planner about your home and living goals.

You may also need to work with an allied health professional, such as an occupational therapist, to gather the right type of evidence and reports to support your request for SIL. 

You and your planner will work together to determine if you are eligible for SIL funding based on your goals, diagnosis, professional reports and daily life. If SIL isn’t the best option, your planner will help you understand what other supports are available. 

Your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator can help you find a SIL provider. They can also help you find community, public, or private housing. An allied health professional may be able to help too. 

 

Starting the SIL journey 

Our process 

Initial meeting 

You meet with our team and share your goals for your home and living arrangements, and the support you need for daily tasks to help you live as independently as possible. 

2. Gather information 

We need some information about you and your needs to start planning your care. 

3. Roster of Care 

We work with you to make a Roster of Care based on your support needs. A roster of care is a document used to identify the type of supports you need throughout the week.  

It shows how you (and your housemates) share supports throughout the week. It also includes which support workers will help you, and at what times.  

Once the roster is complete and you’re happy, we will ask you or your nominee to sign a form saying you agree with the roster of care. Then we send it and any supporting information to the NDIA for approval. 

4. NDIS approval 

The NDIS will look at your roster of care and decide what reasonable and necessary support funding is appropriate. If you share support with other people, the NDIS also look at their needs to make sure the roster of care is right for everyone. 

Once the roster of care is agreed upon, SIL funding will be included in your NDIS plan. 

5. Countdown to living independently 

Now your roster of care is approved, we can start working with you to set up your supports, get your house ready for workers and recruit new staff. On average, it takes 12 weeks from when the NDIS approves your roster to have your new SIL service up and running in your home. 

 

NDIS Support Categories 

Support Independent Living is funded under the following category in your NDIS plan: 

  • Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life