For many NDIS participants, the right daily support can be the bridge between getting by and truly living well. That’s the promise of sil supported independent living: practical, person‑centred supports delivered at home to build skills, confidence, and safety each day. At The Star Care Group, Supported Independent Living (SIL) is designed around individual goals, preferences, and routines—so support reinforces independence rather than replacing it.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a funding model within the NDIS that pays for daily living supports in a shared home or individual setting when a person needs frequent or 24/7 assistance. It typically covers help with personal care, mealtime support, medication assistance, household tasks, community access, and overnight support where required. SIL is about how supports are delivered in the home, not the bricks‑and‑mortar dwelling itself—that’s where options like Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) or mainstream rentals come in. When managed well, SIL reduces risk, builds capability, and creates a predictable rhythm that supports health and wellbeing.
Who is SIL suitable for?
SIL is best suited to participants who:
- Need frequent or ongoing assistance across the day, with or without overnight support.
- Benefit from a structured routine and reliable prompts for personal care, meals, medication, and appointments.
- Are working towards goals like independent living skills, community participation, and safer self‑management.
- May live in shared settings with compatible housemates or in individual arrangements depending on needs and plan goals.
What a quality SIL provider should deliver?
Choosing the right Supported Independent Living (SIL) Provider makes a tangible difference in day‑to‑day life. A high‑quality provider like The Star Care Group focuses on:
- Person‑centred planning: co‑designing supports around goals, preferences, culture, and communication needs.
- Qualified, compassionate staff: workers trained in personal care, safeguarding, medication assistance, and positive support practices.
- Safe, consistent routines: reliable schedules for morning/evening support, mealtimes, medication, and appointments.
- Skill‑building: practical coaching for cooking, cleaning, budgeting, travel training, and self‑advocacy.
- Communication and reviews: clear reporting, incident response, and regular reviews to adjust supports as needs change.
- Choice and control: participant say over daily routines, staff matching where possible, and respect for privacy.
SIL vs ILO vs SDA: How they fit together
- SIL (Supported Independent Living): Pays for daily support hours in the home—personal care, household tasks, medication, community access, and overnight support if needed.
- ILO (Individualised Living Options): Designs how a person wants to live—who with, where, and what supports—without funding the dwelling itself; often used for flexible, bespoke arrangements.
- SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation): The home’s design (e.g., Fully Accessible or High Physical Support), not the support hours. SDA and SIL can be combined when both accessible housing and frequent supports are required.
SIL supports with The Star Care Group
The Star Care Group delivers sil supported independent living across Western Australia with a practical focus on independence and safety.
Daily living and personal care
- Showering, grooming, dressing, and hygiene routines.
- Mealtime planning, preparation, and safe eating support.
- Medication prompts and administration in line with plans and authorisations.
Home routines and health
- Cleaning, laundry, shopping, and home organisation.
- Appointment scheduling, transport support, and health follow‑up.
- Overnight support (sleepover or active) where risks and routines require it.
Community participation and skills
- Social and community access aligned to interests and goals.
- Travel training, budgeting, and household management coaching.
- Building self‑advocacy and decision‑making with supportive scaffolding.
How to access SIL funding
- Clarify goals: Document housing and life goals in the NDIS plan, including why daily supports are needed and what outcomes are expected.
- Gather evidence: Functional assessments (commonly by an OT) outlining risks, transfer methods, support frequencies, and overnight needs if applicable.
- Home and Living Supports Request: Submit a detailed request to the NDIA with a clear rationale for SIL as reasonable and necessary, including an indicative Roster of Care (ROC) from a provider like The Star Care Group.
- Plan decision: If approved, the plan will specify funding for Supported Independent Living and any related supports; then provider onboarding and staff matching can begin.
Life inside a SIL home: What to expect
- Morning/evening routines that respect preferences and pacing.
- Consistent, respectful assistance for personal care and household tasks.
- Flexibility to attend work, education, or social activities, with support for planning and travel.
- Proactive health routines—medication, appointments, and follow‑up.
- Regular check‑ins to ensure supports keep pace with changing needs and goals.
Why choose The Star Care Group as your SIL provider?
- Co‑designed support: Plans built with the participant, not for them.
- Qualified teams: Trained staff focused on dignity, safety, and positive outcomes.
- Practical independence focus: Skill‑building woven into everyday routines.
- Transparent communication: Clear reporting, plan reviews, and family collaboration where appropriate.
- Alignment with broader supports: Coordination with housing options (e.g., SDA), ILO exploration, and community services to create a complete life framework.
FAQs
What does SIL funding cover?
SIL covers the supports provided in the home—personal care, meals, household tasks, medication assistance, community access, and overnight support when required. It does not cover rent, food, or personal expenses.
Can SIL be used if I live alone?
Yes. While many SIL arrangements are shared, SIL can support individual living where evidence shows it’s reasonable, necessary, and the safest, most effective option.
How is staff matched in SIL?
Preferences are discussed during onboarding—communication style, cultural considerations, and gender preferences where possible—so the provider can match suitable staff and build consistency.
Is SIL the same as SDA?
No. SIL funds daily support hours, whereas SDA is the accessible housing itself. Some participants will have SIL in SDA homes; others may have SIL in mainstream rental or family homes.
Can SIL change over time?
Yes. Supports are reviewed regularly and can be scaled or reconfigured as goals, risks, or routines change, ensuring the arrangement remains safe and goal‑aligned.
Conclusion
Supported Independent Living should feel like a springboard, not a barrier. With the right sil supported independent living provider, daily supports become a practical pathway to independence, confidence, and community connection. The Star Care Group delivers SIL with a person‑centred, safety‑first approach—designed to fit real life, not force life into a roster.
Ready to explore Supported Independent Living (SIL) with a team that puts goals first? Contact The Star Care Group to discuss needs, evidence, and next steps for a tailored SIL plan that supports living well, every day.
