Accommodation options for people with special needs include a variety of housing solutions and supports. The NDIS funds two possibilities; Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation(SDA). Your NDIS plan may consist of one or both options, so you need to understand what your accommodation support will look like.
A SIL program (Supported Independent Living) is an intervention that aids and/or supervises to help people live independently while they are developing their skills.
Independent living support for Australians with disabilities is provided by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
What is SIL all about? How does it work?
With SIL providers like Advanced Care, people with disabilities receive the support to manage daily living and personal care and participate in community and social activities.
Supports such as internships, employment, and community access are not included in SIL. Other funding supports can cover these items under an NDIS plan.
SIL will be funded as part of your NDIS plan if it is proper support. You will receive the appropriate amount of funding based on how much help you need to live independently in the housing option of your choice; you will receive the proper amount of funding. Your SIL housing provider will provide services at your home, which can be shared or provided individually.
As part of their daily routines, SIL participants receive assistance with cleaning, cooking, taking care of social and medical needs, banking, grocery shopping, appointments, bathing, dressing, and other personal care tasks.
How does Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) work?
SDA, or Special Disability Accommodation, is a type of housing designed to meet the needs of people with an elevated level of support or severe impairment.
Individuals would live in an SDA even if they own a home, apartment, or unit. A Special Needs Assessment does not fund support services but the house where the support is provided.
Depending on their individual needs, residents may live independently in their homes or with others. The housing solutions they choose will also be based on their unique circumstances.
Participants with extraordinarily complex support needs who meet specific eligibility requirements can access funding through the NDIS.
The NDIS fund intends to cover expenses for housing related to disability that exceeds the average housing costs and does not cover person-to-person support services.
How are SIL and SDA different?
People with high needs may live in SDA or modify existing housing with specially designed features. They can access complex or costly supports that allow them to live independently.
Meanwhile, SIL refers to services such as onsite support and daily living assistance that enable house members to live independently as much as possible.
SDA and SIL will be funded separately in your plan if you need both specially designed housing or modifications and daily living assistance.
Because of this, you have a more excellent range of options since you can live in a housing environment that meets your needs and access the SIL supports of your choice.
You can change your support services without leaving your SDA-funded accommodation with the funding separate. Your SDA funding will need to be reapplied if you decide to move.
Why should you choose supported independent living (SIL) or SDA?
SIL offers many benefits to people with disabilities. It provides an opportunity for them to live independently while still receiving appropriate support and accommodation.
According to your environmental needs, some homes are also designed to be accessible, assistive technology, or robust.
SIL homes are also a terrific way to socialise and meet new people at SIL/SDA homes. You can also include housemates if you choose to live with them.
How can one be eligible for SIL/SDA funding?
The DSOA program or NDIS may provide you with funding for SIL services.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) sets criteria based on reasonable and necessary support for SIL funding access. Qualifying individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Demonstrate that you cannot live without 24/7 support. An Allied Health professional complete a Functional Assessment Report (FAR) to recognise these conditions.
- Provide support coordinators with an Identifying Housing Solutions report.
A family member, caregiver, network, or community member’s informal support is also considered when determining SIL/SDA eligibility.
For supports to be effective, tailored, and beneficial to an individual, they need to be effective, tailored, and valuable. At Advance Care, we can help you determine your eligibility for funding.
What are the key features that you must look for when taking SIL?
What is the right time to find a new home with Supported Independent Living (SIL) funds? Here are some things to consider when searching for the perfect SIL property for you or someone you care for:
#1. Which of your housemates are you living with?
SIL recipients are most likely to move into shared housing when using their funds to live independently. Consider your housemates and the space’s ambience if you move into shared accommodation.
Our SIL team at Advance Care knows each client to match them with the right people with similar personalities, interests, and goals.
#2. How does the property differ from other properties?
The house itself should be considered. Ensure that the property is suitable for your needs and expectations by thoroughly inspecting it.
How does Supported Independent Living (SIL) benefits individuals?
Despite many participants’ desires to live independently, some may need additional support to get through their daily lives. SIL can be your best option in these situations.
People living alone or in households with others are supported by Advance Care.
For the best match between a person and a support worker (and a co-tenant), our SIL team takes time to get to know each person to determine if they share the same personality traits, interests, and goals.
With the support of NDIS plans, we create unique SIL models for everyone.
Listed in no order, here are five key benefits of SIL:
Self-sufficiency
You can make more decisions about living your life when you live in your own home. Our staff at Advanced Care can assist you if you need support to live independently:
- Taking care of one’s hygiene, including showering and dressing.
- Learning everyday life skills like cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
- Managing finances and household expenses.
- Building social and communication skills.
- Provide overnight support.
Building New Friend Circle
Meeting new people and making friends is a joy of moving. Advance Care seeks to find people similar in age and share your interests if you choose to live with others.
We will support you in maintaining key relationships, making meaningful connections, and being engaged in the broader community if you choose to live alone (or even with others).
Opportunities for growth
Take a moment to consider what you value and what will make your life easier and more rewarding. Owning your own home opens a wealth of choices and opportunities.
You would like to move closer to your workplace, your daycare program, or your activities. It may be that you would like to live in a community that can support you in developing your skills and maintaining/regaining your independence.
The right to privacy and choice
We assist you with making the most of your home. It is entirely up to you to customise it. The privacy of your home is also of paramount importance.
The communal areas of your apartment will include kitchens and living rooms, where you can interact with fellow tenants; however, your bedroom will remain private.
You Can Count on Support
Even though it is exciting to live in a new home and gain independence, you might also feel a bit anxious about going without family, guardians, or key support.
Everyone moving out of their home or into a new type of home requires time to regain confidence and develop new skills. Our support workers here at Advance Care assist you with your daily requirements and encourage you to achieve your desired goal.
Find the most suitable home with Advance Care
Our team at Advance Care puts a lot of emphasis on matching people living together who desire to live together at a home that meets their requirements and needs.
Currently, you can search our Supported Independent Living vacancies online. We will ensure a smooth and individualised transition by supporting you all the way.
Still, confused between SIL or SDA? Need more info or help in deciding which to choose? Call us for personalized guidance!”
