For many Australians living with disability, having the right support at home is the key to achieving independence, building confidence, and living life on their own terms.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is one of the core supports funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), designed to help participants live in shared or individual accommodation with tailored daily support.
Whether you’re an NDIS participant, a family member, or a carer, understanding SIL and the types of support available can make the journey smoother when choosing the right housing and services.
What is SIL (Supported Independent Living)?
Supported Independent Living is a type of NDIS funding that helps participants who require 24/7 or regular support to live independently in their own homes or shared accommodation.
Unlike Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), which focuses on the physical design and accessibility of the home, SIL funding covers the below supports and services provided within the home.
- Personal care and hygiene support
- Meal preparation and nutrition planning
- Medication management
- Behaviour support
- Developing social and daily living skills
- Supervision for safety
- Community participation assistance
At Care I Wish, we provide both SIL and SDA homes in Australia, ensuring participants can access the right combination of housing and support that suits their lifestyle.
Also Read: How to Transition into a SIL Home: A Complete NDIS Guide for Australian Families
Who is SIL For?
SIL is best suited for NDIS participants who:
- Have higher support needs due to disability.
- Require assistance with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or personal care.
- Benefit from living with others and receiving 24/7 or rostered support.
- Want to build independence while having peace of mind that support is always available.
It’s important to note that SIL is not a “one-size-fits-all” model. Each person’s support is assessed individually and aligned with their NDIS goals.
Types of Support in SIL Accommodation
SIL covers a wide range of supports to help participants live as independently as possible.
These supports fall into three main categories: daily living assistance, skill development, and community connection.
1. Daily Living Support
These are the essential supports that help participants manage their everyday routines:
- Personal care: Assistance with showering, dressing, grooming, or toileting.
- Meal preparation and nutrition: Support with cooking meals, planning healthy diets, or help with eating if required.
- Household tasks: Cleaning, laundry, gardening, and general upkeep of the home.
- Medication management: Reminders, supervision, or administration of medication.
This level of support ensures participants feel comfortable and safe in their home environment.
2. Skill Building and Independence
SIL is not just about doing things for participants—it’s about teaching and encouraging independence:
- Cooking skills: Learning to prepare meals safely and confidently.
- Budgeting and money management: Supporting participants to manage bills, shop for groceries, or save money.
- Public transport training: Encouraging safe travel on buses, trains, or community transport.
- Technology use: Helping participants use smartphones, computers, or assistive technology for communication and daily tasks.
These supports empower participants to achieve long-term independence and confidence.
3. Community Participation and Social Support
Living independently is about more than just managing a household. SIL providers also support participants to stay socially connected:
- Attending community events or programs.
- Building friendships and maintaining relationships.
- Volunteering or taking part in local activities.
- Accessing education, training, or employment pathways.
By encouraging community engagement, SIL helps participants avoid isolation and develop meaningful connections.
Levels of SIL Support
The NDIS recognises that people have different levels of support needs. SIL is therefore funded at different levels:
- Lower Needs – For participants who require minimal support and occasional supervision (e.g., a few hours a day).
- Standard Needs – For participants who need daily support across most activities, but not always intensive or complex.
- Higher Needs – For participants who require 24/7 support, night-time assistance, or complex medical support.
These levels ensure funding is matched appropriately to each participant’s requirements.
SIL vs Other NDIS Supports
It’s common to confuse SIL with other types of NDIS support. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation): Refers to the physical building and modifications.
- ILO (Individualised Living Options): More flexible support that allows participants to design their own living arrangements, usually in private rental or family homes.
- Core Supports: Cover everyday needs such as consumables, community access, or assistance with daily living (but not 24/7 shared support like SIL).
At Care I Wish, we help families understand these differences and find the right balance of SIL and SDA accommodation in Victoria and South Australia.
Benefits of SIL Accommodation
Choosing SIL accommodation comes with multiple benefits for participants and their families:
- Independence: Encourages participants to take control of their daily lives.
- Safety: Ensures professional support is always available.
- Social inclusion: Living with others fosters friendships and reduces isolation.
- Family peace of mind: Families can feel reassured knowing their loved one is supported.
- Skill development: Continuous learning opportunities to prepare participants for greater independence in the future.
How to Access SIL Through the NDIS
Accessing SIL involves several steps:
- NDIS Planning Meeting: Discuss your goals and support needs with your planner.
- Assessment: A functional assessment may be conducted by an occupational therapist or support coordinator.
- SIL Quoting Process: Providers submit a Roster of Care (ROC) to the NDIA for approval.
- Approval and Funding: Once approved, SIL funding is added to your NDIS plan.
- Choosing a Provider: Participants and families can then select an SIL provider that best meets their needs.
Also Read: How to Choose the Right NDIS Provider?
Choosing the Right SIL Provider
When selecting a SIL provider, it’s important to consider:
- Experience and qualifications of support staff.
- Cultural fit and shared values.
- Ability to match participants with compatible housemates.
- Transparency in communication and reporting.
- Flexibility to adapt supports as needs change.
At Care I Wish, we focus on matching participants with the right home and support team. With SIL and SDA homes available in Victoria and South Australia, we provide safe, comfortable, and welcoming environments that encourage independence and social connection.
Final Thoughts
Supported Independent Living is a life-changing opportunity for many people with disabilities. By offering tailored daily support, skill-building, and social connection, SIL enables participants to live with dignity, independence, and choice.
Families and carers should remember that SIL is highly individualised—what works for one participant may not be right for another.
It’s always best to seek professional advice from your NDIS planner, support coordinator, or allied health professionals before deciding.
At Care I Wish, we provide high-quality SIL and SDA homes across Victoria and South Australia. With compassionate staff and a focus on fostering independence, our goal is to create safe, welcoming, and empowering environments where participants can thrive.
