Supported Independent Living (SIL) services play an important role for individuals with disabilities who are willing to live a fulfilling life within their communities. It generally refers to housing arrangements along with support services that aims to provide them with high quality care.
The main objective of SIL is to provide assistance to the people with disability and make them live as independently as possible either in their own home or in a community-based facility or housing.
However, exploring the process of accessing SIL house and its services may seem complex and overwhelming. That’s why through this comprehensive blog ZedCare Ability Services discusses some of the essential steps needed for accessing SIL House and services.
Understanding Supported Independent Living
Before exploring the process of accessing SIL services, it’s important to understand what SIL stands for. Supported Independent Living cater for the necessary support to manage daily tasks and activities. There is a wide range of support options available such as assistance with personal care, managing household chores, life skill development, accessing community resources and many more.
Eligibility For SIL House and Assistance
Eligibility for SIL house and assistance depends upon the assessment conducted by the disability services providers or government agencies. It may include gathering vital information of the participant’s identity, type of disability, requirement of support, current livelihood, and goals he/she wishes to achieve. So, if you are looking for SIL service, make sure you are ready with all these relevant documentations.
Navigating the Funding Process
Once you are eligible for SIL housing and services, the next step is to navigate the funding process. Understanding the available funding options along with its accessibility is quite important for the participant. It may be allocated through government-funded disability support programs, health insurance schemes, or personal budgets. However, if a participant wishes, he/she can get the assistance of a disability support coordinator, social worker, or financial advisor to explore the funding pathways and options he/she is entailed with.
Choosing a Service Provider
Once you secure funding for SIL, next you need to look for a suitable SIL service provider. However, before you opt one, it is essential to research and compare different SIL providers to find out the one that mitigates your requirement, preferences, and values. When selecting, do emphasis on the provider’s experience, reputation, offered services, qualification of staff, and obviously the quality of support they have been providing. You can refer to any existing or former support receiver to best understand the quality of the provider.
Developing a Support Plan
After choosing a suitable support provider, the next step is to develop a fully personalised support plan which is tailored to mitigate your requirements. Here you can actively collaborate with a support coordinator or your chosen SIL house and service provider. They will help you outline a comprehensive support plan keeping your desired goals in mind. However, do make sure that the plan is person-centric, flexible and periodically reviewed to remain effective.
Coping With The Transition to Supported Independent Living
Transitioning to Supported Independent Living can be an exciting matter. But at the same time, it can be a challenging process too. You may feel excited especially if you are opting for SIL housing and meet new people in your community. Sometimes it can be challenging to cope in a shared environment especially if you are not habituated with. That’s why it is important to approach this transition with patience, positivity, and a willingness to adapt to change.
In case you are finding it difficult to cope with the transition, your support coordinator and SIL house provider can help. They will work with you and address any challenge that arise along the way.
Getting access to SIL House and SIL services is undoubtedly an important milestone in your NDIS journey. By minutely understanding all the steps, accessing NDIS funding, choosing a suitable NDIS service provider, developing a personalised support plan and exploring the transition process, a person with disability can start his/her journey towards independence and empowerment. Do remember, Supported Independent Living is not just about receiving support services, but it’s about embracing new opportunities, pursuing goals and living life on your own terms.
