Spinal Cord Injury and Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Published at 10-04-2025 14:07:15

Tags: #ForParticipants

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides support or supervision of daily tasks by paid support workers to help people with disabilities, including those with spinal cord injuries (SCI), live as independently as possible. SIL can be tailored to individual needs, whether you live alone or with others in a shared home.

To be eligible for SIL, the support you require must be directly related to your spinal cord injury or other NDIS-recognized conditions. SIL is typically for participants who need:

• Active disability support for more than 8 hours per day for daily activities.
• Some level of support during other hours.

SIL often includes 24/7 support, including overnight assistance, which may be either active (more than two hours of direct support) or inactive (less than two hours of assistance, such as during sleepover support). If your support needs are less than this, other alternatives may be more suitable.

Does SIL include accommodation?

SIL funding covers the support services you receive in your home, but it does not cover the cost of accommodation itself. This means that rent, home modifications, groceries, and other household expenses are not included in SIL funding.

If your disability requires specific accommodations, you may be eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). For more details, check out our article: Understanding Eligibility for Supported Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Where is SIL funded in my NDIS Plan?

SIL falls under the "Home and Living" category in the Core Supports section of your NDIS plan. This budget can only be used within this category and not for other Core Support services.

Is SIL short term or long term?

SIL is a long-term support option designed to help you live independently in your home or a shared living arrangement. If you need temporary housing or respite, you may want to consider Short Term Accommodation (STA) instead, as SIL is not meant to be a short-term solution.

Goals for SIL – What do I want to achieve?

Like all NDIS services, SIL should support your goals. These goals could include:

• Maximizing independence in daily life.
• Ensuring your safety and security.
• Supporting your participation in meaningful activities.
• Meeting your complex care needs.

SIL should be customized to your unique needs related to your spinal cord injury, ensuring the support you receive is meaningful and empowering.

How can SIL help me?

SIL is designed to meet your daily needs and support your independence. It can include:

• Assistance with personal care, such as showering, dressing, and toileting.
• Help with household tasks, like cleaning, preparing meals, and laundry.
• Overnight support, both active and sleepover.
• Management of complex medical needs.
• Positive behavior support.
• Assistance with medication management and health-related tasks.

What to Consider When Choosing a SIL Provider

Choosing the right SIL provider can be life-changing. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Current Support Needs: Ensure your SIL provider understands your specific needs. A recent Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) from an Occupational Therapist can clarify what type of support you need, including:
   • Type and intensity of support.
   • Staff ratios (how many support workers are needed).
   • Any required assistive technology.
2. Future Goals: Consider your goals for the next 5 to 10 years. Does the SIL provider align with these? For example, if you want to become more independent in cooking, will the provider help you achieve this? Are there opportunities for group social activities?
3. Staff Matching & Qualifications: Find out how the provider matches staff to participants and what training and qualifications their staff have. Are they experienced in supporting people with spinal cord injuries and related health needs such as dysphagia, wound care, or epilepsy?
4. Transparency and Communication: Choose a provider that communicates clearly and is transparent about what they can and cannot offer. Ask for important documents like:
   • Roster of Care: A schedule outlining support.
   • Service Agreement: The terms of your service.
   • Schedule of Support: Details of service costs.
5. Provider Compliance: Ensure the SIL provider meets all legal and compliance requirements. SIL providers must adhere to the NDIS Provider Registration and Practice Standards, which ensure that participants receive safe and high-quality care.
6. Accommodation Setting: Whether the home is owned by the SIL provider or rented, visit potential living arrangements to ensure they meet your needs. Consider the property’s accessibility, location, and proximity to important services like doctors or transport.
7. Resident Dynamics: If you're moving into a shared living situation, make sure you are comfortable with the other residents. Gather information about their needs, disabilities, and any potential risks for conflict.

How do I find a SIL provider?

You have full choice and control over which SIL provider you choose. Once selected, your provider will prepare a Roster of Care that details your support needs. This is submitted to the NDIA along with any other evidence to support your Home and Living application.

For assistance finding a SIL provider in your area, get in touch with our Connections Team, who can guide you through the process!