How to Find the Right SIL Provider

Published at 31-03-2025 11:21:47

Tags: #ForParticipants

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a service designed to provide support or supervision with daily tasks by paid support workers to help you live as independently as possible. Whether you live alone or with others, SIL can offer the assistance you need to maintain independence and manage your daily life.

Here’s how to find the right SIL provider to fit your needs and lifestyle.

Is SIL Right for You?

SIL may be suitable if you:

• Require active disability support for more than 8 hours a day to manage daily activities at home.
• Need some level of support for the remaining hours of the day.

SIL is typically designed for individuals who require support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including overnight support. Overnight care can be active, with more than two hours of direct assistance, or inactive/sleepover, with less than two hours of assistance.

If you don’t need this much support, other services may be more appropriate than SIL.

Does SIL Cover Housing Costs?

SIL only provides funding for support services in your home and does not cover accommodation costs such as:

• Rent or lodging
• Home modifications
• Groceries and household supplies

If you require disability-specific housing, you may be eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). Be sure to check if SDA is a good fit for you.

SIL in Your NDIS Plan

SIL funding comes from the Home and Living (Category 16) section of your NDIS plan, which falls under Core Supports. It’s important to note that this funding can only be used within the Home and Living category and cannot be transferred to other categories.

Is SIL a Long-Term Solution?

SIL is a long-term support option meant to help you live independently in your home. If you need to move out temporarily or require short-term assistance, Short-Term Accommodation (STA) may be a better option. SIL is designed for ongoing, consistent support rather than short-term needs.

Setting Your SIL Goals

Like all NDIS services, SIL should help you work toward specific goals. When selecting a SIL provider, consider what you want to achieve with the support. Your SIL plan should help you:

• Maximize your independence
• Meet daily care needs
• Engage in meaningful activities
• Feel safe and secure in your home environment

How SIL Supports You

SIL services should reflect your personal needs and routines, which may vary throughout the day. For example, you might need more intensive help in the mornings than at night. Here are some ways SIL can support you:

• Personal care, like showering, dressing, and toileting
• Household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry
• Overnight and sleepover support
• Managing complex medical needs
• Medication assistance
• Positive behavior support

What to Consider When Choosing a SIL Provider

1. Current Support Needs

Understand your current support requirements before choosing a provider. It helps to have a recent Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) from an Occupational Therapist, detailing:

• Type of support
• Intensity of support
• Staff-to-participant ratio
• Assistive technology needs

2. Future Goals

Think about your long-term goals. Will the SIL provider support you in achieving these? For example:

• If you want to improve your cooking skills, can the provider support you in the kitchen, or allow external support workers to help?
• Does the provider offer social opportunities like group meals or outings?

3. Staff Qualifications and Matching

Find out how the provider matches staff to participants and ensures they are qualified for your specific needs. If you have any disability-related health requirements, check whether the staff can meet these, such as:

• Diabetes management
• Continence care
• Epilepsy supports

4. Transparency and Communication

Choose a provider that is upfront about what they can offer. Ask to see documents like:

• Roster of Care (NDIS-required schedule)
• Service Agreement (outlining the terms of service)
• Schedule of Support (explaining rates and fees)

5. Provider Compliance

Ensure the provider complies with all NDIS standards and Australian laws. SIL providers are audited to maintain certification. Ask for evidence of their compliance and audits.

6. Accommodation Settings

Check if the provider’s accommodation is suitable for your needs. Consider:

• Accessibility of the property
• Location and proximity to important services
• Transport options
• Property maintenance standards
• Surroundings (e.g., quiet vs. busy area)

7. Resident Dynamics

If you’ll be sharing your living space, it’s important to feel comfortable with your co-residents. Consider:

• Age and disability of residents
• Compatibility of support needs
• Potential triggers or concerns that might arise in shared settings

How to Find a SIL Provider

Finding the right SIL provider is important, and you have choice and control over which provider you choose. Once you’ve selected a provider, they will help prepare a Roster of Care to submit to the NDIA as part of your Home and Living application.

Need assistance? Contact our Expath Team for help navigating the NDIS and finding a SIL provider that’s right for you.