If you are a potential NDIS participant, a family member, or a care provider, understanding the ins and outs of supported independent living is key to making informed decisions about care and independence.
Whether you’re an NDIS participant, family member, or care provider, a thorough understanding of supported independent living is crucial for making well-informed choices about care and independence.
What is Supported Independent Living?
Supported independent living is a funding model designed to provide customised support for individuals with disabilities. Instead of a fixed dollar amount, funding is allocated based on an individual’s assessed needs. This approach ensures that every person receives a level of support that matches their unique circumstances—ranging from minimal oversight to round-the-clock assistance.
The idea behind supported independent living is straightforward: enable people to thrive in their own homes while receiving the right level of support to manage daily tasks and participate actively in the community.
What Does Supported Independent Living Include?
Supported independent living funding is specifically allocated for the following services:
- Personal Care: Assistance with daily routines such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Meal Preparation: Support with cooking and ensuring nutritional needs are met.
- Household Maintenance: Help with cleaning and maintaining a safe home environment.
- Medication Management: Support to ensure that medications are taken correctly and on time.
- Community Engagement: Assistance with participating in social, educational, and work-related activities.
- Appointment Support: Coordination for medical or therapy sessions, helping ensure that all appointments are met.
It is important to note that while supported independent living funding is comprehensive, it does not cover all household expenses. For instance, costs like rent or mortgage payments, groceries, utilities, transportation, and leisure activities remain outside the scope of SIL.
A common misconception is that all aspects of living are covered, but in reality, SIL focuses solely on providing necessary support to enable independence.
Eligibility for Supported Independent Living
Not everyone with a disability qualifies for supported independent living. Eligibility under the NDIS is determined by several criteria, including:
- Severity of Disability: The participant must have a significant and permanent disability that impacts their ability to live independently.
- Level of Support Required: SIL is generally aimed at those who require 24/7 assistance or high-intensity support.
- NDIS Plan Approval: The individual’s support needs must be recognised and funded in their NDIS plan.
What are the Levels of Support in SIL?
Supported independent living funding is structured to meet varying levels of need, which are typically categorised into three levels:
Lower Needs
This level is suitable for individuals who require minimal support. The focus here is on supervision rather than direct assistance, ensuring that basic daily tasks can be managed with a light touch of oversight.
Standard Needs
For many, standard needs involve 24/7 support that covers most daily tasks. This includes active assistance with personal care, meal preparation, and other routine activities, along with overnight support if needed.
Complex Needs
For individuals requiring intensive care—including medical support, behavioural management, and constant supervision—the complex needs level offers highly frequent and specialised assistance. This level of support is tailored for participants with the most challenging care requirements.
Each level is carefully designed to align with the individual’s assessed needs, ensuring that every participant receives a custom plan that reflects their lifestyle and goals.
Types of SIL Living Arrangements
The type of accommodation available under supported independent living is flexible and can be tailored to personal preferences and support needs. Common options include:
Shared Living Arrangements
In shared living settings, individuals with disabilities live together in a home supported by professional care workers. This model encourages social interaction and shared experiences, making it easier to build community ties.
Independent Living with Support
For those who prefer a private setting, independent living allows participants to reside on their own while still receiving necessary support through visits from care workers.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Specialist Disability Accommodation is available for individuals with high physical support needs. These accommodations are specifically designed to be accessible and cater to the unique requirements of participants with complex disabilities.
The choice of accommodation is made in consultation with NDIS-approved providers, ensuring that the participant’s living environment is both comfortable and supportive.
How to Get SIL in Your NDIS Plan?
Navigating the application process for supported independent living might seem daunting, but understanding the steps can simplify the journey. Here’s an overview of the process:
1. Assessment and Planning
The first step involves a thorough assessment by professionals such as occupational therapists and support coordinators. These experts evaluate the participant’s needs and help determine the level of support required.
2. Finding a Suitable Home
Once the assessment is complete, participants work with their support coordinators to explore housing options that best match their needs. Whether it’s a shared home or a private rental, the goal is to find a comfortable and accessible environment.
3. Developing a Support Plan
Based on the assessment, a detailed support plan is created. This plan outlines the daily support requirements, including personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, and community engagement.
4. Approval and Implementation
The support plan is then submitted to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) for approval. Once approved, the SIL provider coordinates with the participant to finalise housing arrangements and allocate the necessary staff.
5. Ongoing Review and Adjustments
Supported independent living is not a static arrangement. Regular reviews ensure that the support remains aligned with the participant’s evolving needs.
Making the Most of Supported Independent Living
Supported independent living is more than just funding—it’s about creating an environment where individuals with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives with the support they need. Here are a few tips to make the most of this model:
Personalise Your Plan
Work closely with your support coordinator to develop a plan that reflects your lifestyle, goals, and the level of assistance you require. A personalised plan will lead to better outcomes and a more satisfying independent living experience.
Stay Informed
With changes such as the disability support pension increase 2024 eli on the horizon, staying informed about policy changes can help you plan better and make the most of available resources.
Advocate for Your Rights
Use the principles of supported independent living to advocate for your rights. Remember the legacy of advocates like Elizabeth Hastings Australia disability rights commissioner, whose work continues to inspire improvements in disability support and care.
Engage with Experienced Providers
Partner with providers who have a deep understanding of supported independent living. Their expertise can make the application process smoother and ensure ongoing support is tailored to your needs.
Your Independence Starts with the Right Home of Choice & Care
Home of Choice & Care believes everyone deserves to live with dignity, independence, and the right level of support. As a trusted NDIS provider, we specialise in SIL solutions tailored to your lifestyle, goals, and unique care needs. Whether you’re seeking shared living or one-on-one assistance, our compassionate team works closely with you every step of the way—helping you thrive in a safe, empowering environment.
Reach out to Home of Choice & Care today and discover how our SIL services can help you achieve your goals with confidence.
