Supported Independent Living: A Family Guide to Making the Move
Whether you're a parent, family member or carer, everyone worries about their loved ones when they decide to leave home for the first time. When your loved one is living with a disability, you may also be facing the realisation that one day, you will need to make that decision for them.
Navigating this new chapter can be both challenging and hopeful. Although it may be daunting, it comes down to planning what is best for your loved one and how to support them through the process so they can achieve their goals.
Starting a journey into SIL, doesn't mean you stop caring, it marks a new chapter where your loved one starts carving out their own space and identity.
In this blog post we share answers to some common questions and concerns we hear from families, plus practical tips on how to manage the changes.
First up, let's take a look at what Supported Independent Living means and who it's for.
🏠 What SIL is
Supported independent living is one of several home and living supports funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
It is paid personal support that includes help with daily tasks and getting about their day and aims to help a participant live as independently as possible and build their skills. SIL is generally best suited to people with higher support needs who require a significant level of help throughout the day, seven days a week, including overnight support.
If you're eligible, you can receive SIL funding if you live with other NDIS participants or if you live on your own
It is important to remember that SIL covers support, not housing. It is only one of many options the NDIS may fund and there may be other home and living supports or disability supports that better suit your needs. The NDIS will decide whether to fund SIL based on individual circumstances, funding criteria and evidence about the support you need.
To learn more about SIL, you can read our latest guide here, explore our BCD accomodation or call our BCD care team on 1800 275 223 or contact us online through our contact page.
Letting go: when your loved one moves into SIL
Moving out brings up complex emotions for everyone. As a parent or carer, you may have spent years caring for your loved one. Seeing someone else take on those tasks can feel unsettling.
Remember, it's okay to have mixed feelings during this time of change. It's ok to feel guilty but it's also ok to feel a bit of relief.
Letting go doesn't mean stepping away, it is shifting from being the primary carer to being an advocate, mentor and loving family member. Remember to:
Give yourself time to adjust.
Consider talking to other families who have gone through the transition.
Accept that you might feel guilty or worried at first , these feelings are normal and do not mean you are making the wrong decision.
Even when you know Supported Independent Living (SIL) is the right step, it's completely normal for worries to creep in.
Common fears families have about SIL (and what actually happens)
One of the most common worries is whether the support workers will be the right fit, and you have more choice and say in this than you might expect.
"What if the support workers aren't right?"
At BCD, we listen to what you think would be a good match and try and fit you with the right team.
We identify any specific skill sets that you might need to support you the right way.
We also try to match you with team members with similar interests or hobbies. You may prefer to have staff who are skilled at supporting people with high physical needs and who have an interest in music, football or cricket for example.
In some cases at your request we can also accommodate for meet and greets prior to allocation of team member's and we also encourage where required that you or your loved one can be part of the recruitment process if necessary to find the right fit.
These are just some of the ways we match your supports to your team because after all getting this right in the beginning support's you and the life you want to live.
A service agreement should outline the supports, the price, responsibilities, how long the agreement goes for and how any disputes will be solved.
"Is it only for people who live with others in a home?"
No. SIL can support people who live with other NDIS participants or those who live alone. The NDIS may consider supporting someone who lives alone if it will help them live as independently as possible and build their skills.
"What if there's issues with their housemates?"
If your loved one isn't feeling settled with the housemate match, we want to know. At BCD, we check in, listen carefully, and take action where needed, because feeling at home isn't a nice to have, it's essential. A home should feel safe and shared with people they can feel comfortable around.
Staying connected without being the primary carer
Moving into Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a big milestone for families. While your role may change, your connection doesn't have to. You can stay involved in ways that support your loved one's independence, while still feeling informed and included.
Visit regularly (and make it part of the routine). Talk with your loved one and their provider about setting up regular visits that work for everyone.
Keep communication open, and know who your key contact is. Regular updates can make a big difference, especially in the early weeks. At BCD, our Accommodation Services Co-ordinators are a key contact for families, adding an extra layer of personalised support alongside your loved one's Care Worker Circle. They help make sure nothing slips through the cracks and that supports run smoothly behind the scenes. Because they take the time to understand your loved one's story and what matters to them, support feels consistent, not like they're "just another name on the roster".
Celebrate the wins. Whether it's cooking a meal, building a new routine, or trying a new activity, SIL is about supporting independence and confidence. Noticing progress can help everyone stay motivated through the transition.
Keep checking in as needs change. Talk openly with your loved one about their goals and any worries. Stay in touch with the support team and flag changes in routines or needs early. If there's a significant change in your loved one's situation or support needs, you can request a plan reassessment.
FAQs
What is supported independent living?
It is paid personal support that includes help with daily tasks and getting about their day, to help a person live as independently as possible. It is intended for people with higher support needs who require significant help throughout the day and overnight.
What kind of support does SIL cover?
As long as the supports meet NDIS funding criteria, SIL may include support with personal care tasks, building skills such as meal preparation, cleaning and developing routines, implementing behaviour support plans, developing social skills, supervision and personal safety, attending medical appointments and getting to and from community access activities.
Can people who live alone get SIL?
Yes. While SIL is often funded when participants live together and share supports, the NDIS may fund it for people who live alone if it will help them live as independently as possible and build their skills.
How old do you have to be?
SIL is generally only considered for people aged 18 or older. Parents are usually expected to provide support for children living in the family home. If a 17 year old's goal is to move out, the NDIS may fund supports to explore home and living options.
For more information visit ndis.gov.au
Need Help?
We've collected some of the most common questions we hear on our FAQs page.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you don't have to work this out alone. A BCD team member can walk you through what to do if you are thinking about home and living supports or want to learn more about the supports we provide. Call 1800 275 223 to speak to our BCD care team today or contact us online.
Our Respite, Short-term Accommodation and Supported Independent Living give families a much-needed break while helping live more independently and feel connected to a supportive community.
Sources
Visit the NDIS website for the most up to date information: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
NDIS Guidelines: https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/supports-you-can-access-menu/home-and-living-supports/supported-independent-living