Taking the step to explore Supported Independent Living (SIL) for your loved one is a big decision. Having a better understanding what this involves is crucial for making informed, confident choices that can positively impact your loved one’s future.
“What is SIL?” – Supported Independent Living, Explained
Funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), supported independent living is designed to help people with disability live as independently as possible. It involves assistance with daily tasks such as personal care, cooking, and medication management.
SIL can take various forms, including shared homes where individuals live with others who have similar support needs, or individual support in a private residence.
Typically, SIL is used by individuals with higher support needs who wish to live more independently. This support is tailored to each person’s unique requirements and goals, ensuring they receive the right level of assistance to thrive.
How Can SIL Support Your Loved One?
SIL provides a range of supports that can help improve your loved one’s quality of life. These supports include:
- Daily living assistance: Help with cooking, cleaning, and personal care tasks.
- Medication management: Ensuring medications are taken correctly and on time.
- Skill building: Encouraging independence by teaching new skills and building confidence.
- Social support: Facilitating community involvement and social interactions.
SIL is highly personalised, focusing on the individual’s needs and aspirations. This approach not only empowers your loved one but also ensures they have the necessary support to live safely and independently.
Debunking Common Myths About Supported Independent Living
Myth 1: “SIL means my loved one will be left alone without help.”
Fact: SIL ensures constant, personalised support services based on the individual’s needs.
Modern supported independent living models are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment, with workers available to assist with daily tasks, personal and hygiene care, and emergency situations.
Unlike the institutional settings of the past, today’s SIL homes are social, individualised, and person focused.
Myth 2: “SIL means giving up control.”
Fact: Participants and their loved ones are actively involved in all decisions regarding SIL. This collaborative approach ensures that the support provided aligns with actual preferences and needs. SIL is about empowering individuals to make choices about their own lives, while still having access to necessary assistance.
Myth 3: “SIL is only for young people.”
Fact: This is accessible to people of different ages. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports individuals from early childhood through to older age, ensuring that everyone who needs help can access it. It is not limited by age, and can be tailored to meet the needs of older adults as well.
Myth 4: “Once in SIL, you can’t change your mind.”
Fact: SIL arrangements are flexible and can be reviewed and adjusted as needed. A good provider will work with you to ensure your loved one is happy and well-supported at all times. If circumstances change or if the current arrangement is not suitable, adjustments can be made to better meet someone’s needs
Myth 5: “SIL is just like living in a group home.”
Fact: SIL offers a variety of arrangements, including individual units, shared homes, or even support within the home.
The primary goal of SIL is to provide a flexible, tailored approach that accommodates the personal preferences and unique contexts of each individual. This means that SIL can be as private or as communal as an individual desires.
Myth 6: “SIL is the same as residential care.”
Fact: Supported independent living is different from traditional residential care facilities. While residential care often involves a more institutional setting with less personal autonomy, SIL focuses on providing support in a way that promotes independence and personal choice.
SIL can be tailored to individual needs and preferences, whether in a shared home, an individual apartment, or even within your own home.
Myth 7: “It’s only for people with mild disability.”
Fact: SIL extends its benefits to a diverse range of people with varying disability types and functional capacity levels.
Regardless of the severity of a person’s disability, this living arrangement aims to provide tailored support that respects and nurtures their unique abilities, needs, and goals. This inclusive approach ensures that people with mild, moderate, or severe disability can benefit from more independent living.
How Does NDIS SIL Funding Work?
This funding is included in an eligible participant’s NDIS plan, and covers the cost of support workers. However, it does not cover rent, groceries, or other everyday living expenses. These are considered ‘reasonable and necessary’ supports that everyone must pay for.
A Support Coordinator can assist in setting up supported independent living. Mosaic offers support coordination to help families navigate the NDIS and ensure their loved ones receive the appropriate supports.
Related: What is a NDIS Support Coordinator and Do I Need One?
Signs Your Loved One Might Be Ready for SIL
Indicators that your loved one might be ready for SIL include a desire for more independence, interest in living with peers, or needing structured daily support. Observing these signs can help you determine if SIL is the right step.
Choosing the Right SIL Provider
When selecting a provider, consider factors such as experience, communication, flexibility, and participant involvement. Visiting homes and meeting support workers is crucial to ensure the environment is suitable and welcoming.
Finding the Right Accommodation
Encourage your loved one to ask questions and express their preferences. Finding the best fit is essential for their comfort and well-being.
Before moving into a SIL home, the Mosaic team ensures that both the home and any potential housemates are the right fit for the person and them.
As Mosaic’s Home and Community Manager, Jack Hannington, says: “The first step is to find out about you – your support needs, what you enjoy doing, and things like your age and gender. This helps us work out who you may like to live with. Ensuring compatibility is our priority and key to a happier, more sustainable living environment for our clients.”
Keeping You in the Loop
Family and guardians play a vital role even after the move to supported independent living. Staying connected, informed, and engaged is crucial.
Mosaic Community Care takes an open communication approach when it comes to SIL. We keep you involved in your loved one’s care process, so you can rest assured they are getting the best support services and accommodations.
How Mosaic Community Care Keeps SIL Running Smoothly
Mosaic offers trusted, reliable and 24/7 support in comfortable homes where your loved ones can build an independent life.
Choosing Mosaic Community Care as your provider means gaining a support system that encourages growth and autonomy. Mosaic’s expertise, person-first approach, and genuine care make the transition smoother for all involved.
Living independently can open wonderful opportunities for your loved one. Contact our friendly experts on 08 9314 8900 or enquire online today to get started on your supported independent living journey. Our friendly team would love to help!