What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) involves providing continuous support provisions for eligible NDIS participants. If the individual’s home environment is not suitable for them (or an alternate type of accommodation is more suitable), then SIL funding may also cover accommodation transition into a SIL specified dwelling. These accommodation and support provisions are generally funded through a participants NDIS plan.
How can Supported Independent Living help?
Constant support provisions and a specialised living environment that caters for their disability, can increase functionality and wellbeing for certain individuals. This support will also enhance their ability to build their capacity in valued areas of their life.
Accommodation could be modified for various reasons, and may include:
- Safety for the individual and their support staff
- Increased usability of specific areas of the home that they would usually not have access to. For example, single level homes or having a pre-installed device for safe access to upper levels of the accommodation.
SIL could also be great way to reduce informal carer burnout. It is common for informal care providers (family, friends, etc.) to become burnt out when they are working hard to ensure an individual with a disability is safe and their needs are met. This can in some cases lead to the carer neglecting their own needs and intensifying burnout.
Who is eligible for SIL?
There are a few eligibility criteria for an individual to receive SIL funding. If eligible, this will allow the individual to transition into SIL accommodation and receive support. The eligibility criteria includes:
- Assessment on if they require active disability support for more than 8 hours per day to complete daily activities
- Requiring some level of support for the other hours, i.e. in total requiring 24/7 support in some capacity
- Aged 18 years or older (please note that if you are aged 16-17, an assessment may still be appropriate to prepare for SIL)
An Occupational Therapist (OT) generally assists in completing a SIL review and compiling a report to determine whether a person is eligible. If deemed eligible, a home and living form can be completed by yourself or a nominee. SIL is overall a fantastic tool within the NDIS space to assist individuals with high support needs, who otherwise would not have the supports in place if not assisted via their NDIS funding. It can optimise quality of life, both for the individual with a disability and their families/friends. But most importantly, it may increase the chances of an individual to work towards their goals more proactively in a supported and safe environment.
Furthermore, it is important to highlight that even though SIL may not be suitable for your situation, there are other awesome support mechanisms of the NDIS that could be considered. These will be covered in future blogs. Watch this space!
How We Can Help
Here at Ability Partners, we offer Supported Independent (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
Our friendly support team are ready to assist you. Call us on 1800 AP NDIS (1800 27 6347) or email enquiries@abilitypartners.com.au.
Please note, that the above commentary does not encompass everything about SIL, but gives a snap shot and guide to the space, in hope that more individuals, and families can seek out and obtain the support that is ideal. For more information, you could review the NDIS information pack on SIL speak with your LAC, Support coordinator or therapist.
