Finding greater autonomy through independent living programs
Supported independent living (SIL) is a type of self-support program offered to people with high support needs. It aims to offer supervision with daily tasks while participants can live in their own home, whether alone or shared with other NDIS participants.
Supported independent living allows people to live as independently as possible while still receiving the support they need to maintain their health and wellbeing. It can be tailored to each individual’s needs, and can include support with daily living activities, personal care, medication management, and community access.
People accessing supported independent living find ways to live on their terms. As they progress through the program, they will learn the skills they need to function more independently, with the ultimate goal being a better life.
HealSoul is experienced at meeting the support needs of NDIS participants. We can create a supportive environment within which to deliver support coordination with empathy and a focus on aiding. To learn about the range of independent living options we have available, get in touch for a free consultation.
This article will examine some of the key questions about supported independent living, and why it is such an important resource for NDIS participants.
Who can access supported independent living?
Supported independent living is available to people with high support needs who meet the eligibility criteria for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS criteria for accessing SIL funding are:
- People who are 18 years or older are eligible for participating in the Supported Independent Living plan.
- Disabled people who are willing to develop independence skills to improve their independence.
- Someone who has high support needs and requires some assistance at home every day.
What tasks can SIL assist with?
SIL can assist with a range of daily tasks, including:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Cooking meals
- Cleaning and other chores
- Life skills like communication
- Shopping
- Social activities
There is some overlap between the daily tasks supported by SIL and home and living supports offered through the NDIS. If you live with other NDIS participants, then SIL would be the ideal choice. If you live by yourself, then home and living supports would be a better fit.
What can’t I use SIL funding for?
SIL funding cannot be used for day-to-day expenses rent, groceries, or other bills.
If your coordinators concluded that SIL funding is not right for you, there are many other types of support you can access. For more information about these supports through the NDIS, get in touch with the team at HealSoul. We’ll be able to advise you on exactly what you need to get the most out of your life at home.
What do support coordinators do in SIL?
SIL funding pays for support workers to help you with day-to-day tasks, like showering and getting dressed, or eating and cooking meals. Support workers can come at any time it suits the participants, including morning visits, afternoon sessions, and staying overnight.
What are the benefits of supported independent living?
Supported independent living can offer people greater independence, control over their lives, and the opportunity to live in their own homes. It can also help people to build skills and confidence, and to develop social networks and support systems. supported independent living can improve mental and physical health, and overall wellbeing.
There are a whole range of other ancillary benefits to accessing SIL:
- 24/7 assistance, including overnight support
- An opportunity to meet friendly, like-minded people
- Specialised support workers to make you feel at home
- Development of life skills
- Safe, secure, and supportive environments
- Around-the-clock supervision from an experienced support worker
- An excellent way to establish a productive routine
- Healthier, more productive ways of approaching daily tasks
Why should I access supported independent living?
As well as the benefits described above, there are also a number of personal reasons why you might want to access supports in the SIL program. SIL supports can help you pursue your goals, while improving your functional capacity and reducing your need for person-to-person supports.
In the end, this can help you become a more independent person, which can have a number of positive flow-on effects, including:
- Improved relationships with family and friends
- Better connections to the local community
- Greater access to health services, education, and employment
How do I access supported independent living (SIL) funding?
If you are a NDIS participant, you can discuss your supported living options with your support coordinator. Specialist disability accommodation providers can also provide supported independent living services. Here are some things to think about before you access SIL funding:
- What core supports do I need?
- What goals do I want to achieve?
From here, you can get started on your journey towards receiving funding through SIL and the NDIS. Here is how the process goes:
- Meet with a NDIA planner to plan what supports your needs through the NDIS
- Meet with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) who can help you find services and supports
- Contact the team at HealSoul to organise a free consultation for SIL services
SIL supports through HealSoul
Accessing supported independent living funding will allow you to exist more freely in your own space. HealSoul is proud to help focused SIL supports that can improve your capacity while you enjoy your life on your terms.
Our NDIs support coordinators are highly trained and professional. They know what it takes to assist you in finding more autonomy to live on your own. they’ll work with you every day to achieve your goals.
For even greater independence at home, we can also help you access assistive technology, as well as other assistive products for personal care and safety. With the right supports delivered by the right people, you can create a better way of living.
We deliver SIL supports with compassion and empathy in every case. We know your situation is unique – that’s why we offer supports that are tailored to what you need.
Get in touch with us today to establish a better life for yourself through supported independent living. It all begins with a free consultation with our disability support team.
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