Supported Independent Living (SIL) under NDIS refers to support that is funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for one with high disability support needs for living an independent life in their home. This support helps disabled individuals on the scheme by helping in daily or overnight work such as cleaning, cooking, personal care, and overnight assistance. The entire cost of support staff or support workers is covered by Supported Independent Living under the scheme. Qualified NDIS participants living alone or in shared accommodation get this support if they are eligible for the support plan.
In this blog, we provide you with detailed information related to what Supported Independent Living (SIL) under NDIS is and how it supports individuals under the NDIS scheme. The information on how Supported Independent Living works under NDIS, the eligibility requirements for SIL participation, the steps to access the programme, and its benefits is also explained.
Understanding Supported Independent Living
Understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL) is important for individuals with disabilities or NDIS participants. SIL is an NDIS funded service that offers daily support and assistance to make disability life easy and independent. It covers assistance during daily activities like cooking, cleaning, personal care and other tailored support needs.
However, the SIL does not cover funding for rent, groceries, vehicle costs, and purchase of daily utilities. It also excludes support costs that are funded or provided by another support system, like paid personal support.
Who Is Eligible for Supported Independent Living?
An individual with a disability who is also a participant in the NDIS scheme is eligible for Supported Independent Living. The key eligibility criteria for Supported Independent Living are mentioned below:
- NDIS participant: Individual seeking for SIL must be active NDIS participant
- Support needs: NDIS participants are eligible for SIL when they require complex support requirements with their daily tasks.
- Disability: Individuals are eligible for Supported Independent Living when they have a permanent or significant level of disability.
- Support levels: NDIS participants who require support with cooking, cleaning, and personal care support.
How Supported Independent Living Works Under NDIS
The Supported Independent Living works under NDIS as it is funded by the NDIS scheme as specific “Assistance in Daily Life” to develop independence. The SIL operates under NDIS through the following ways:
- The Supported Independent Living works are funded by NDIS through providing direct support or supervision an individual requires in daily life
- The SIL are provided by NDIS registered providers to support and meet your support needs
- The NDIS support coordinator helps you to choose SIL providers and submit roster of care or support proposal to NDIA
- The NDIS provides continuous funding to support your goals and needs under Supported Independent Living until there is a change in your circumstances and situations.
Steps to Access Supported Independent Living
If you are an NDIS participant requiring access to a Supported Independent Living plan, you must follow the steps below:
- Eligibility check: Verifying your eligibility is the first step to getting access to the SIL care plan. Verification involves meeting age requirements, NDIS participant requirements, and other criteria.
- Identify support coordinator: After the eligibility check, discuss your support goals with the NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
- Document management: Gather documentation that includes proof for your disability and support requirement needs.
- Coordinate with SIL provider: Coordinate with the SIL support provider to develop a Roster of Care (ROC). The ROC determines the hours of support you require for daily work.
- Submit document for review: Submit documents such as disability proof, Roster of Care, and NDIS participation documents to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) for review.
- Agree on service delivery: After your documents are approved, agree with your selected SIL service provider and agree on service delivery.
Benefits of Supported Independent Living
Supported Independent Living (SIL) offers several benefits to one requiring care and disability support. The key benefits of Supported Independent Living are provided below:
- Tailors support: Supported Independent Living offers customised or tailored daily support to needy individuals based on their NDIS goals. Such support includes managing medication, cooking, cleaning, and budgeting requirements.
- Improve independence: SIL benefits individuals by helping in improving independence through involving disabled individuals in skill-building and confidence-building activities. It reduces reliance and dependence on individuals over time.
- Preferences: Individuals with support needs can choose their SIL provider according to their preferences and needs. They can choose how their support is delivered and aligned according to their plan.
- Safety and security: Supported Independent Living offers 24/7 support and assistance to individuals. It improves the safety of disabled individuals by minimising the risks of accidents.
- Social and community participation: SIL care plans support community participation as they encourage individuals to build social connections and reduce isolation.
Conclusion
The NDIS system provides funding for Supported Independent Living which helps disabled individuals to achieve maximum independence through daily assistance and home supervision services. The programme aims to develop skills while providing personal care support and security for participants who will stay in shared or individual living situations. To access SIL services, you must complete the NDIS planning process that requires you to show your support needs and establish a care schedule with a service provider.
The SIL programme helps participants establish their objectives, which include independence and confidence development and better life quality. For more information related to Supported Independent Living or any NDIS services, contact Hourglass Care Service. Hourglass Care Service is a registered NDIS care provider that offers personalised care services like community care services, personal care services, household tasks, and other services in Australia.
