Intellectual Disability and Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Published at 24-03-2025 13:07:52

Tags: #ForParticipants

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a service designed to help people with intellectual disabilities live more independently. With the support of paid workers, SIL assists with daily tasks at home, either on your own or in a shared living space with others. It’s particularly suited for those who need ongoing support throughout the day and night.

Who Qualifies for SIL?

SIL is ideal for individuals whose intellectual disability has a moderate to severe impact on their ability to carry out daily tasks. To qualify, you’ll need to demonstrate that you require:

• Active support for more than 8 hours per day for tasks like personal care, cooking, or household chores.
• Overnight support, either active or inactive (sleepover), depending on your needs.

If you need 24/7 support, SIL is likely the right fit for you.

What Does SIL Include?

SIL support is tailored to your specific needs, providing help where and when you need it most. Common SIL services include:

• Personal care: Assistance with showering, dressing, and toileting.
• Household tasks: Help with cleaning, meal prep, laundry, and shopping.
• Medical support: Managing medications, health needs, and more complex care such as tube feeding.
• Overnight support: This can include active overnight care (more than two hours of assistance) or sleepover care.

Understanding Functional Capacity

When we talk about functional capacity, we’re referring to how much support you need to carry out everyday tasks. Your functional capacity can vary depending on the type of task and whether you have access to assistive technology, like wheelchairs or adjustable beds, to help you.

For people with more severe intellectual disabilities, functional capacity assessments are important in determining what level of support you need.

SIL and High Support Needs

If you have high physical support needs, such as requiring 1:1 or 2:1 support from workers, SIL can provide the assistance you need. This level of support often involves the use of assistive technology such as hoists, wheelchairs, or adjustable beds to help with mobility and personal care.

Is SIL Right for You?

SIL is generally recommended for those who need daily, ongoing assistance. However, if you don’t require full-time support, other options like drop-in support or Individualised Living Options (ILO) may be more appropriate.

How to Apply for SIL Funding

To receive SIL funding through the NDIS, you’ll need to provide evidence that demonstrates your need for ongoing support related to your intellectual disability. The Functional Capacity Assessment is a key part of this process, typically conducted by an Occupational Therapist (OT). The OT’s report will outline your support needs, helping the NDIS make a decision on whether SIL is right for you.

You’ll also need to submit a Home and Living Request to the NDIS, which includes the OT report and any other supporting documentation from family members, carers, or healthcare professionals.

Finding a SIL Provider

Once SIL is included in your NDIS plan, you have the flexibility to choose your provider. The Expath Team can help you find a SIL provider in your area and guide you through the process of securing the right support for your needs!