Supported Independent Living: Your Questions Answered

December 21, 2023

Supported independent living, often abbreviated as SIL, is one of the many valued services offered by the NDIS. It is a form of support that assists individuals to live as independently as possible, while receiving oversight and assistance from a qualified support worker. 

There are different categories of supported independent living based on the outcomes required. These categories are:

Basic: Basic support for independent living is provided to those who need a helping hand with daily tasks like budgeting, chores, meals, and personal care. 

Standard: Standard SIL offers more support for daily activities, such as personal care, medication management, meal planning, transportation, and household tasks. 

High: High SIL provides substantial support for individuals. Here, the focus is on safety, well-being, and quality of life, which may include 24-hour assistance. 

The purpose of supported independent living is to foster independence, build skills, and help participants achieve their short and long term goals. Supported independent living includes assistance with activities such as preparing meals, personal care, and daily tasks such as shopping.

Are you wondering if supported independent living is right for you or your loved one? If so, then read on to get answers to some commonly asked questions about this form of NDIS supported independent living: 

• What is the goal of supported independent living?
• What does supported independent living look like?
• What are the benefits of supported independent living?
• What is the difference between SDA and SIL?
• How can supported independent living be accessed?

What is the Goal of Supported Independent Living? 

Supported independent living was designed to provide individualised assistance and support that meets the specific needs of each participant. While independence is the goal, participants still have the security of knowing that someone is available if there are any difficulties or changes that cannot be dealt with on their own. 

There are many benefits for those who take part in supported independent living – first, they are able to keep control over their lives despite being reliant on independent living support services. It also creates social opportunities for those who may find it difficult to access them under other circumstances. Supported independent living can also provide a sense of connection and independence that helps people to cope with the challenges associated with disability. 

What Does Supported Independent Living Look Like?

Whether it’s a low impact activity like going to a cafe or round the clock support, supported independent living provides a range of different services for a wide variety of needs and requirements. These services for independent living are tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring the best possible outcome. Support workers are dedicated professionals who understand how to provide effective, tailored support for the best possible outcome for each individual they work with. 

Here’s a quick snapshot of what supported independent living could include: 

• Diverse Services: SIL offers various services tailored to different needs and requirements; this could include supporting participants with cooking, cleaning, walking the dog, personal care and companionship. 
• Dedicated Team: The NDIS network consists of dedicated professionals focused on providing effective and personalised support for individuals.
• Customised Support Levels: Depending on an individual’s home and living goals, SIL can customise support levels, ranging from drop-in supports  to 24/7 assistance.
• Qualified Staff for High Needs: For more complex  needs, SIL provides qualified staff for supports with challenging behaviours and complex medical care, offering round-the-clock support if required.
• Skillful Planning and Capacity Building: SIL staff excel in creating person-centred plans, addressing social, emotional, and practical housing needs. They also provide capacity building services to help individuals achieve short and long-term goals, including access to mental health support if needed.

On top of this, support workers have a range of skills available including creating person-centred plans that meet the social, emotional and practical supported housing requirements. They also provide capacity building services that focus on helping individuals learn the skills they need to achieve both short term and long term goals, such as learning new hobbies or accessing educational opportunities. 

At Interaction , we believe that the right support can make a major difference to someone’s life. Through a range of disability services in Sydney, we support people of any age, ability, need or background. 

What are the Benefits of Supported Independent Living?

Supported independent living can provide participants of the NDIS with valuable opportunities for self-sufficiency and increased independence. SIL often means living in shared accommodation with other NDIS participants, so you are surrounded by support workers who know and understand your needs, as well as housemates in similar situations.

Maintaining independence through supported independent living  allows participants to have more choice and control over their  daily schedule and activities. In other words, if personal care assistance such as dressing or showering is required, having an onsite support worker  gives participants the autonomy to manage their own life without relying on family or friends for help. These benefits of supported independent living empower individuals with tailored support for fulfilling lives.

With expert support staff at hand 24 hours a day 7 days a week, you can get the most out of life while having the security of knowing there is someone there when you need them most. 

What is the Difference Between SDA and SIL?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are both forms of disability accommodation options. As their names suggest, SIL is designed to enable people with a disability to live independently, while SDA provides more specialist support for people with complex needs.

SDA refers to the home or the apartment that a participant  would live in. SDA funds are not targeted towards support services. These funds are used for the accommodation in which the supports are delivered.

In SDA-funded housing, participants can either live independently or share with others, depending on personal needs. They can also choose the housing solutions that are appropriate for their individual needs and requirements.

Interaction values diversity, and we understand that no two people are the same. This is why we offer flexible and practical support that meets each person’s individual needs. For disability support services in Sydney and surrounding areas, get in touch with our friendly team. 

How Can Supported Independent Living be Accessed?

Step 1: Eligibility Check and Understanding SIL

Determine if you meet the independent living criteria for supported independent living by assessing your need for supports throughout the day, including overnight support. Recognise that SIL is tailored for individuals with higher support needs, offering assistance with daily tasks to promote independent living.

Step 2: Coordinating Support with a Provider

If eligible, work with a Support Coordinator to identify a suitable SIL provider. Use NDIS funding to develop a roster of care, ensuring alignment with your specific requirements and independent living criteria. Explore available resources for a comprehensive understanding of SIL processes and support options.

Step 3: Assessment and Funding Decision

Provide necessary information about your support needs, housing needs, and daily support requirements. The assessment considers your goals, ability to perform tasks independently, and overall connections within your community. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will then determine if SIL or alternative home and living supports meet the funding criteria, ensuring a tailored approach to support your immediate and long-term needs.

Interaction Services: Empowering People Through SIL

Thanks to NDIS providers like Interaction, supported independent living exists as an invaluable resource for individuals across Australia. This type of service can be tailored to the individual’s needs and provide a range of support services, from basic daily living activities to more complex therapies. It can help individuals to improve their quality of life and make participating in everyday activities easier.

To access supported independent living and a range of disability support services in Sydney, get in touch with Interaction.