Choosing Supported Independent Living For A Family Member: What You Need To Know

Supporting a loved one to live safely, confidently and independently is a big step for any family. Supported Independent Living, often called SIL, is one of the main NDIS home and living supports for people who need help around the clock. This guide walks you through what SIL is, who it is for and how to choose a provider that feels right for your family member.

What is Supported Independent Living?

Supported Independent Living is paid personal support that helps a person live as independently as possible while building skills and confidence in daily life. SIL focuses on person-to-person support, not housing.

It usually includes help with everyday tasks such as getting ready for the day, preparing meals, cleaning, staying safe at home and developing a routine that works.

SIL is designed for people who have higher support needs, which usually means they need a significant amount of help across the day and some level of support overnight.

Unlike general disability support, SIL is structured, ongoing and specifically focused on daily life. It sits alongside other NDIS supports, such as community participation, therapies and equipment to create a complete support picture.

Importantly, SIL funding covers the support a person receives, not accommodation or everyday living costs like rent or food.

Who is eligible for SIL under the NDIS?

The NDIS looks at a range of information to decide whether SIL is reasonable and necessary for a person. It is generally funded for adults who have significant functional limitations and need person-to-person support most of the time.

The NDIS will usually consider whether your family member needs active support for more than eight hours a day, plus some level of support across the rest of the day and overnight.

A provider with broad NDIS disability support services can help you compare these pathways and gather the reports and assessments you need for the planning process.

What types of support are provided under Supported Independent Living?

SIL focuses on disability-related supports in daily life. It can include personal care such as showering, dressing and grooming, as well as help with meal preparation, cooking and safe use of the kitchen.

It can also include assistance with cleaning, managing household tasks and maintaining a stable daily routine.

For some people, SIL includes support to follow behaviour support plans, medication prompts, help to attend medical appointments or occasional support for community access that is not regular or routine.

For a deeper understanding of what SIL can involve, it helps to review NDIS guidance and talk through real-life examples with a provider during the early stages.

What are the different living arrangements available in SIL?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a support, not a housing type. It can be delivered in different living arrangements depending on a person’s needs, preferences and NDIS plan.

Shared living arrangements

Many people receive SIL in shared living arrangements, where they live with other NDIS participants and receive shared supports. In these settings, support workers assist residents with daily activities according to an agreed support model, with assistance available across the day and overnight as required.

Living in your own home

Some people receive SIL while living in their own home, such as a private rental or family home. This option is usually considered when a person has higher or more complex support needs, or when shared living is not appropriate. SIL funding covers the support delivered in the home, not rent or living costs.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

In some cases, SIL may be delivered in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). SDA funding covers specialised housing for eligible participants, while SIL funds the support workers and daily assistance provided within that setting. SDA is a separate NDIS support and is not offered by all SIL providers.

If you’re planning a move into a shared living arrangement in the coming months, you can explore current SIL support vacancies and speak with providers about how they match people based on compatibility, support needs and preferences.

How do I choose the right SIL provider for my loved one?

Start by looking at how well a provider listens. A good provider will seek to understand your family member’s goals, preferences, communication style and routines before suggesting any solution.

Ask how they build independence. The right provider will focus on capacity building, step-by-step skill development and gradual changes in what your loved one can do for themselves.

Governance and safeguards are just as important. Ask about staff training, incident management, behaviour support practices and how the provider handles complaints or concerns.

Most of all, trust your instincts when you meet providers, explore shared living options or talk with staff. The right partner will feel open, respectful and committed to working with you as part of the same team.

How do I get my family member started with Supported Independent Living?

Starting SIL usually begins with a conversation. If your loved one has a home and living goal in their NDIS plan, you can raise SIL at your next planning meeting or talk with your support coordinator about it.

The NDIS will need information about where your family member lives now, what their daily support needs look like and what they want for the future.

Once SIL is considered reasonable and necessary, the NDIS will include SIL funding in the plan. This funding is based on factors such as how many hours of active support are needed and whether overnight support is required.

After funding is approved, you can approach providers, review proposed rosters of care and discuss shared living or in-home support options to decide what feels like the best fit.

Explore Supported Independent Living with Lumia Care

At Lumia Care, we provide Supported Independent Living supports tailored to individual needs, delivered in shared living arrangements or in a person’s own home where appropriate.

Whether you are exploring a first move away from the family home or reviewing an existing support arrangement, our team can help you navigate the NDIS process, understand SIL options and identify a support approach that aligns with your family member’s goals.