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What is Supported Independent Living
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a support category under the NDIS designed to help those with a disability to live as independently as possible. This type of funding provides support workers to assist you with daily tasks like personal care, cooking and social activities.
“Having a regular support team around me makes me feel safe and reassured.”
What are the benefits of Supported Independent Living?
There are many benefits to utilising SIL, including:
- Confidence to live independently out of home
- Assistance with daily tasks like cooking, showering, shopping and booking appointments
- Shared support and supervision including overnight stays
- Provision of screened support workers
- Trained support workers who can assist in adhering to behaviour support plans
- Support with medication and attending medical appointments
What does Supported Independent Living funding cover?
SIL covers the cost of a support worker to help with daily tasks, building skills and providing overnight support. It does not cover other living costs such as rent, groceries, transport or other bills.
“SIL provides a level of stability and predictability to the people we support which is often very comforting.”
Who is Supported Independent Living for?
If you require assistance and supervision with daily living tasks and one of your goals is to live as independently as possible, either in your own home or with housemates, then SIL may be the appropriate funding for you.
There are a range of home and living supports that you can access however SIL might be the best option for those who:
- Require active support for at least 8 hours per day
- Require continuous support or supervision
- Are aged 18 years or older
- Have higher support needs
How can I access Supported Independent Living?
Consider the supports you need and the goals you want to achieve. If one of those goals is to be independent from your family, then start the discussion with your NDIA Planner to include this in your next plan. They will also discuss with you in more detail what is needed and required to ensure you are eligible for Supported Independent Living.
“SIL provides opportunity for the people we support to live safely, independent from family members, so those relationships can be nurtured and enjoyed more freely.”
What does Mercy Community do differently to other providers?
At Mercy Community, we take an individualised and supportive approach to our Supported Independent Living services.
As a participant, we’ll give you the opportunity to:
- Have a more personal connection where you can talk with the team leader as well as your support team
- Interview and choose the support team that you want to work with
- Have a say in choosing your housemates and making decisions about your home
- Build connections to your community and enjoy engaging in activities that are meaningful to you
- Be at the centre of every decision—it’s your life, and you tell us how you want to live it
Contact our Disabilty Supports team and chat with an expert about Supported Independent Living today.
