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Your Guide to Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Shared Housing

assistance with shared living ndis helps participants have a home

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

I get it. The idea of your loved one moving into a shared living arrangement can bring up a lot of questions. Assistance with shared living NDIS can be crucial in navigating these concerns. It’s a big step, and you want to be sure it’s the right fit. You’re not just looking for a house; you’re looking for a safe, supportive, and empowering home where your loved one can thrive. I’ve seen firsthand how daunting this can feel, but I’ve also seen the incredible positive change it can bring. 

Families and carers often tell me they feel overwhelmed by all the different terms and funding rules. What’s the difference between SIL and SDA? What does the funding actually cover? Where do you even begin to find a provider you can trust? This post is for you. I want to walk you through the world of Supported Independent Living, clear up the confusion, and show you how to find a shared living situation that feels like home. My goal is to make this complex topic feel simple and manageable.

Key Takeaways

  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides support for individuals with disabilities to help them live independently, while Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to the physical housing.
  • SIL funding covers daily tasks, personal care, medication management, community participation, and skill development.
  • Finding a trusted shared living provider involves asking about their values, ensuring a person-centred approach, and verifying the qualifications of their team.
  • The SALT Foundation focuses on clarity, personalised support, and maintaining a values-aligned team to assist families in navigating shared living options.
  • Action steps for families include defining goals for their loved one, understanding NDIS funding, and reaching out to support providers like The SALT Foundation.

Table of contents

Understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL) 

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is Supported Independent Living, and what’s it all about? In the simplest terms, SIL is a type of support for people with a disability who need help with daily tasks to live as independently as possible. This support is usually provided in a shared living situation, but it can also be in an individual’s own home. 

Think of it this way: SIL is the support that helps a person learn and grow. It’s the team of people who are there to help with daily chores, make meals, and get out into the community. It’s about empowering your loved one to make their own choices and live a fulfilling life. 

I was talking to one of our team members the other day, and we were discussing this very topic. They used a great analogy: if a house is a hotel (the SDA), then the SIL is the concierge service. The concierge is the person who helps you with your bags, gives you directions, and makes sure you have everything you need to enjoy your stay. That’s what our SIL team does; they are there to help with all the little and big things that make life work. 

The NDIS describes SIL as “paid personal supports”. This is the funding that covers the support staff who are there to assist with daily tasks. It’s a key part of many NDIS plans and is a huge step toward greater independence. 

The Big Question: SIL vs. SDA? 

This is probably the most common point of confusion for families, and I get it. It’s easy to mix them up. But understanding the difference between SIL and SDA is absolutely crucial to making the right choice. 

  • SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) is the physical building itself. It’s a home that has been specially designed or built to meet the needs of people with very high support needs or a significant functional impairment. The funding for SDA goes toward the housing costs—the bricks and mortar. 
  • SIL (Supported Independent Living) is the support that a person receives while living in a home. This is the funding that pays for the support workers who help with daily tasks. 

You can have SIL support in a standard house, or you can have it in an SDA-funded house. NDIS participants receive separate funding for each and each serves different purposes. Your loved one’s NDIS plan might have funding for both, but it’s important to know which is which. It’s like having a car (SDA) and the petrol to run it (SIL). You need both to get where you’re going, but they are two separate things. 

What Does the Funding for SIL Cover? 

This is where the rubber meets the road. What can you actually use the SIL funding for? The NDIS provides funding for SIL to help with the day-to-day things that most of us take for granted. This support is all about helping your loved one build skills and live more independently. 

Here’s a breakdown of what that funding covers, so you can be confident it’s a good fit for your loved one’s needs: 

  • Help with Daily Tasks: This includes things like cooking meals, doing laundry, or keeping the house tidy. The support teaches skills and provide help so they can do as much as they can for themselves. 
  • Personal Care: This is help with things like showering, getting dressed, and other personal hygiene needs. It’s about ensuring your loved one is safe and comfortable. 
  • Medication Management: For those who need it, SIL support can include help with managing medication, ensuring it’s taken correctly and on time. 
  • Social and Community Activities: The funding can also cover support to get out and about. This could be going to the local shops, joining a community group, or visiting friends. It’s about helping your loved one be a part of their community. 
  • Skill Development: A good SIL provider will focus on skill development. This means they will work with your loved one to achieve their personal goals, whether that’s learning to cook a new meal or managing their own budget. This is the heart of what we do at SALT. 

The funding is designed to be flexible and person-centred. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. The amount of support is based on what’s in your loved one’s NDIS plan and what their individual needs are. 

How to Find a Trusted Shared Living Provider 

assistance with shared living ndis helps participants have a home

Finding the right provider for shared living support is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You’re not just looking for a service; you’re looking for a partner. Someone you can trust with your loved one’s care. Here are a few things to consider when you’re looking around: 

  • Ask About Their Values: A great provider is guided by a clear set of values. Do they focus on independence, inclusion, and empowerment? Make sure their mission aligns with what you want for your loved one. 
  • Look for a Person-Centred Approach: The support should be tailored to the individual. Do they ask about your loved one’s goals, interests, and routines? A good provider will work with the individual to create a plan that truly meets their needs. 
  • Ask About the Team: Who will be providing the support? Are they qualified, compassionate, and experienced? At The SALT Foundation, we provide a professional and values-aligned team that you can trust. 

How The SALT Foundation Can Help 

At The SALT Foundation, we’ve made it our mission to make shared living a safe and empowering experience. We know the frustrations and fears that come with this decision, and we are here to provide the compassionate support that families and carers deserve. 

When you work with us, we focus on: 

  • Clarity and Compassion: We take the time to listen to your unique situation and explain the options clearly, so you feel informed and confident every step of the way. 
  • Personalised Support: Our team works with your loved one to develop a plan that is all about them. We support daily tasks, personal care, and social activities to help them achieve their goals and live a full life. 
  • A Values-Aligned Team: We provide a compassionate and professional workforce. Our values of integrity, empathy, and service guide everything we do, ensuring your loved one is supported by a team that genuinely cares. 

My team and I are here to be a partner, one that simplifies the process and provides the peace of mind you need so you can focus on what matters most. 

Conclusion 

Navigating the world of Supported Independent Living can feel overwhelming, but it is a powerful way to help your loved one achieve greater independence and well-being. By understanding the difference between SIL and SDA, what the funding covers, and what to look for in a trusted provider, you can make an informed choice that will positively impact your loved one’s life. 

You’ve got this. And remember, we’re here to help you find the right support for a full and vibrant life. 

Action Steps for Families & Carers 

  • Define Your Loved One’s Goals: Before you look, sit down and think about what your loved one wants to achieve. Are they hoping to learn a new skill? Get more involved in their community? Having a defined goal will help you find the right support. 
  • Understand the Funding: Take some time to look at your loved one’s NDIS plan. If you’re not sure what your funding covers, you can speak with a Support Coordinator to help you understand your options. 
  • Reach Out to Us: The SALT Foundation is here to help you explore your shared living options. We’re happy to have a no-obligation conversation to discuss your specific needs and how we can support you. 

FAQs

What is the difference between SIL and SDA? 

SIL is the support you receive in a home, and SDA is the physical building itself. You can get SIL funding to pay for support workers, and you can get separate SDA funding to pay for housing that meets specific disability needs. 

What does SIL funding cover? 

SIL funding covers the cost of support staff who assist with daily living tasks. This includes things like personal care, household tasks, and community participation. The funding helps a person live as independently as possible. 

How do I find a trusted provider for shared living?

You can start by searching for NDIS-registered providers in your area. Look for providers that are transparent about their services, have a focus on a person-centred approach, and have values that align with yours. The SALT Foundation is an example of a values-aligned provider that can help.