If one of your goals is to live more independently, either in your own home or in a shared home with other people, then Supported Independent Living can help you.
Supported Independent Living allows you to be more independent and learn new skills in the comfort of your own home. This could include daily assistance with tasks such as personal care or household chores such as shopping.
Before the NDIS will approve your SIL budget, your provider must create a Roster of Care. The NDIS will only approve a SIL funding package for you if SIL support is considered reasonable and necessary for your needs.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living is a type of accommodation and support service designed for individuals with disabilities who require assistance to live independently. SIL providers offer various forms of support, including assistance with daily living activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care. SIL providers also help with transportation, medication management, and access to community services.
SIL can be offered in different forms, such as shared accommodation, where individuals with disabilities live together in a group home or in individual apartments or houses. SIL providers work with individuals to develop a support plan that addresses their unique needs and preferences, allowing them to live as independently as possible.
Supported Independent Living providers offer a range of support services that enable individuals with disabilities to lead a more independent and fulfilling life. Some of the services provided by SIL providers include:
- Assistance with daily living activities: SIL providers offer support with everyday activities such as personal care, meal preparation, and cleaning. This allows individuals to focus on other activities that are important to them, such as pursuing hobbies or education.
- Transportation: They offer assistance with transportation, helping individuals to get to medical appointments, community events, and other activities.
- Medication management: SIL providers assist individuals with medication management, ensuring that they take their medication as prescribed.
- Access to community services: SIL providers help individuals to access community services such as healthcare, education, and employment support.
What is an NDIS Roster of Care (ROC)?
A Roster of Care (ROC) is a weekly schedule that outlines how support will be provided to each member of a SIL household throughout the week. It includes the number of hours and support workers that each person will have each day which is divided into 30-minute blocks.
Typically, the SIL provider collaborates with the participant or their nominee to develop the ROC. The NDIA uses this data to gain an understanding of what a typical week might look like for each SIL participant.
ROC is a critical component of SIL services, as it ensures that individuals always receive the appropriate level of support. The ROC includes details such as the names of support workers, their qualifications and training, and the specific tasks they are responsible for. SIL providers use the ROC to manage support workers’ schedules, ensuring that individuals receive support when they need it.
After you have completed your Roster of Care, it will be assessed. The NDIA will evaluate what reasonable and necessary support funding is available. The NDIA will review previous Rosters of Care for changes, identify any errors, and ensure that costs do not exceed the National Disability Insurance Scheme(NDIS) Price Guide limits.
The ROC submission is just one component that the NDIA uses to determine the appropriate funding amount. Once the NDIS Plan and ROC are approved, the SIL budget is released, and the provider can claim funds for the support they provide.
How do SIL and ROC work?
SIL and ROC work together to provide individuals with disabilities with the necessary support to live independently. SIL providers work with individuals to develop a support plan that outlines their goals, preferences, and needs. Based on the support plan, SIL providers develop a roster of care that includes the specific tasks and support workers required to meet the individual’s needs.
SIL providers also work closely with individuals’ families, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure that they receive the best possible care. SIL providers are responsible for ensuring that support workers receive the necessary training and supervision to provide high-quality care.
SIL is referred to as Assistance with Daily Living (ADL) in the NDIS Core support budget. It is paid for on an individual basis, and the benefits can be shared by all members of a household.
The NDIA will evaluate the following during your NDIS planning meeting:
- The goals you have
- Your age
- If you would benefit from additional support or changes
- How independent you are already.
- If you require assistance with tasks for most of the day
- What services provide the best value for money?
Including SIL funding in your NDIS plan can be an extended and time-consuming process because there are numerous steps, and a lot of people are involved in this process.
- The steps involved in this process look something like this:
- An Occupational Therapist will assess you to determine the level of assistance you require.
- Your Support Coordinator will evaluate the support you currently receive to assess the level of SIL assistance you require.
- Your Support Coordinator will then work with you to identify appropriate housing options and a SIL provider.
- Once you’ve decided on a SIL provider, they’ll create a Roster of Care (RoC). This is a document that providers use to determine what support you require throughout the week. It divides the week into 30-minute blocks and assists SIL providers in determining how much funding you will need. When you are satisfied with the RoC, you will be asked to sign it.
- To notify the NDIS that you want to move to SIL housing, your Support Coordinator will submit a change in circumstances form to the NDIS.
- The NDIS will review all supporting documentation, including your RoC and the quote from the SIL provider, to determine if it is reasonable and necessary.
- Once your RoC is approved, the SIL budget is released into your NDIS Plan.
Note: As you can see, there are several steps involved in obtaining SIL funding through your NDIS Plan. This is why having Support Coordination funding in your NDIS Plan is extremely beneficial, as a Support Coordinator can help you navigate the process and liaise with providers on your behalf.
If you own or share a private rental with other NDIS participants, you or a support worker can arrange and submit a ROC to the NDIS.
What are the benefits of SIL and ROC?
SIL and ROC offer numerous benefits to individuals with disabilities, including:
- Increased independence: SIL and ROC enable individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities.
- Personalized support: SIL providers work with individuals to develop a support plan that addresses their unique needs and preferences, allowing them to receive personalized care.
- Quality care: SIL providers are responsible for ensuring that support workers receive the necessary training and supervision to provide high-quality care.
- Improved quality of life: SIL and ROC services can significantly improve individuals’ quality of life by providing them with the necessary support to achieve their goals and aspirations.
How can Advance Care help in your SIL Accommodation?
Advance Care understands that leaving the house and finding your own place is an important step towards independence, we offer a variety of disability housing options. Our SIL services include shared housing with 24-hour support, as well as independent living options where you can live in your own home and have support workers drop in.
As a registered provider of Supported Independent Living, we aim to help you make the most of your NDIS Plan. Our team assists you with day-to-day tasks and equips you with new skills to enhance your quality of life. We aim to provide you with a reliable support system so that you can concentrate on your objectives and feel secure living on your own or with your housemates.
For more information on Advance Care’s supported independent living options, click here. Or connect with us.
Or please call us on 02 9099 4445 for further information on Advance Care’s range of disability services.
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, SIL and ROC services are a vital component of supporting individuals with disabilities to live independently. SIL providers work closely with individuals to develop a support plan that addresses their unique needs and preferences, and the ROC ensures that individuals receive the appropriate level of support at all times. SIL and ROC services offer numerous benefits, including increased independence, personalized support, quality care, and improved quality of life.
