About SIL Support
Supported Independent Living, often called SIL, is an NDIS-funded support that helps people with disability live as independently as possible in their home. SIL is usually for participants who need regular support throughout the day, overnight, or across a shared living arrangement.
SIL can include help with everyday tasks, routines, personal care, household responsibilities, meal preparation, building life skills and general support to live safely and confidently at home. The level and type of support provided will depend on each participant’s NDIS plan, goals, daily needs and living arrangement.
At Connecting Staff, our aim is to provide SIL supports that feel calm, respectful, consistent and centred around the individual. We understand that home is a personal space, and the right support should help participants feel safe, comfortable, listened to and in control of their daily life.
SIL Support May Include
SIL support can look different for each person. Depending on the participant’s needs, goals and approved NDIS funding, support may include:
Help with daily routines, personal care and household tasks
Routine-based support throughout the day or overnight
Support with cooking, meal preparation and mealtimes
Assistance to build independence and everyday living skills
Support to maintain a clean, safe and comfortable home environment
Help with appointments, activities and community access connected to daily living
Our team works alongside participants in a way that respects their choices, preferences, routines and dignity. We aim to support independence where possible while also providing the level of assistance and consistency each person needs.
Medication support where required and appropriate
General oversight of the participant’s wellbeing within the home
Creating a safe, respectful and inclusive shared living environment
Encouragement with social connection and community access
Our
Approach
We believe SIL should be more than just having support workers in a home. It should be about creating a living environment where participants feel understood, respected and supported to live in a way that suits them. Our approach is person-centred, practical and respectful. We take time to understand each participant’s routines, communication style, likes and dislikes, goals, support needs and what helps them feel settled at home.
We focus on providing support that is:
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Individualised to the participant’s needs and preferences
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Calm, consistent and respectful
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Centred around dignity, choice and everyday comfort
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Supportive of independence and skill-building
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Responsive to changing needs
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Clear, accountable and well communicated
Choice and Control are important parts of SIL. This means participants should be involved in decisions about their day-to-day life wherever possible, including their routines, activities, meals, personal goals and how they prefer to be supported.
A Home Environment That Supports Independence
We believe SIL should feel like more than just a support arrangement. Our aim is to create a home environment where participants feel comfortable, respected, included and supported to live in a way that suits them. Participants are encouraged to be involved in daily household life, make choices about their routines, take part in meaningful activities and build confidence in their independence over time.
Depending on the household and participant preferences, this may include shared meals, cooking activities, games, movie nights, music, arts and crafts, BBQs, local outings and other social opportunities that support connection, participation and everyday skill-building.
Safety, Quality & Participant Wellbeing
We take participant safety, privacy, dignity and wellbeing seriously. Our team works within NDIS requirements and follows internal processes designed to support safe, respectful and accountable service delivery.
Our goal is to provide support that feels warm and practical, while also being responsible, consistent and accountable.
This includes a strong focus on:
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Participant wellbeing and day-to-day safety
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Respectful communication and privacy
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Clear documentation and communication
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Incident reporting and management
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Safe medication practices where medication support is required
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Understanding each participant’s support needs, routines and preferences
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Providing support in line with the participant’s NDIS plan and service agreement
Supporting People With More Complex Needs
We understand that some participants may have more complex support needs and may benefit from calm, consistent and structured support.
Our team works closely with participants, families, support coordinators and relevant professionals to provide support that is individualised, respectful and responsive to the person’s routines, preferences and goals. We aim to provide support that builds trust, promotes stability and helps the person feel safe, understood and well supported in their home environment.
Eligibility for SIL
Supported Independent Living is generally suited to people who have higher disability-related support needs and require significant support at home. Funding for SIL is considered by the NDIA based on a participant’s individual support needs, goals, functional capacity and living situation, and whether the support is reasonable and necessary.
If a participant is exploring home and living supports, this is often done with the assistance of their Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or other relevant professionals. Before commencing services, we work with participants, families, guardians and support coordinators to understand the person’s needs, goals, preferences and funding, and whether the proposed support arrangement is the right fit.