What's the difference between Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Individualised Living Options (ILO)?
Housing and independent living, along with other support and services, have always been on the priority list of participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Australian Government and NDIS officials understand that having a place to call home with suitable living arrangements is vital to achieving the NDIS goal.
Hence, the organization has flooded disabled people with numerous housing options like Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Independent Living Option (ILO).
This blog post will unveil SIL and ILO's meaning, key differences, and funding fundamentals to help disabled people and their loved ones understand this service and choose suitable options for their NDIS needs.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a frontline housing program by NDIS that empowers individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible in their homes. It was designed explicitly for NDIS participants with high support needs, requiring assistance with daily tasks like personal care and meal preparation. NDIS SIL's primary goal is to enhance independence and develop skills for self-sufficiency.
Living in an SIL home involves sharing support workers with housemates. To access SIL funding, you will collaborate with your Support Coordinator to assess your support requirements and find a suitable SIL house where residents share similar needs and objectives.
SIL Benefits
- Enhanced independence and self-reliance.
- Increased confidence and participation in daily activities.
- Improved quality of life and well-being.
What is NDIS Independent Living Option (ILO)?
Independent Living Options, or ILO, is a housing option designed by the NDIS for individuals with lower support needs. It offers a more open and flexible range of options to provide support, including different accommodation options and various ways to access the needed support.
ILO offers multiple housing solutions tailored to the user's needs and goals. Users can live alone, with friends or family, in shared accommodation, or with a subsidized ILO host.
ILO funding can include a combination of formal and informal support. Formal/paid support options include drop-in carers, hosted help, informal support from friends and family, and community support. These options can be tailored to the user's specific needs.
ILO Benefits
- Personalize support
- More excellent choice and control of living arrangements
- Greater independence and community inclusion
NDIS SIL Vs. ILO: Core Differences!
SIL and ILO share the same objective, but certain fundamental distinctions between these two supported living options must be discussed to make informed decisions. So here are those core differences:
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
- Suitable for individuals with a clear idea of their preferred lifestyle and the required level of assistance.
- The SIL Provider manages the support and is best suited for people with higher support needs.
- NDIS provides 24/7 support at the house with a live-in support worker.
- Consider sharing support staff with housemates for increased convenience and cost-effectiveness.
- The accommodation is typically provided in a shared living arrangement managed by a SIL provider.
- The support package includes paid support.
- The support coordinator will guide you through the process and help you find a suitable house.
- Changing your supports may require planned reassessment, moving to a different home, or living with different housemates.
- SIL is tailored to your specific needs, goals, and preferences.
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
- Suitable for individuals uncertain about their desired lifestyle and level of support, seeking assistance in determining their needs.
- ILO Provider helps manage things for people with lower support needs.
- NDIS provides drop-in support workers to meet your specific needs and goals.
- Support staff works with you one-on-one during their visits.
- It can be provided when living in various situations, often with a host or housemates in shared accommodation.
- The support package includes both paid and informal support.
- The Support Coordinator assists you in exploring and trying out various home and living options.
- Flexible, you can quickly change your support mix when you check in with your ILO Provider.
- The level of support you receive depends on the choices you make
Tips to include SIL and ILO funding in your NDIS Plan
When seeking funding through the NDIS, your NDIS planner needs to consider the support reasonable and necessary. Therefore, be ready to explain to your planner why Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individual Living Options (ILO) funding should be included in your NDIS plan.
Every disabled individual has unique goals and requirements, so there's no one-size-fits-all approach to excel in your planning meeting. You must present evidence of your age, Australian citizenship, and disability details.
If you are approved for NDIS support, you will meet with an NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) planner to discuss your needs and goals. If ILO or SIL is considered 'reasonable and necessary,' they will assist you in accessing these programs.
Make sure to keep in mind that your NDIS planner is meeting you for the don't time. They don't know you as well as you do, so make sure you give them an obvious idea of what you want, your needs, and your goals!
Choose the right plan between SIL Vs. ILO
SILs typically require a capital investment, which is not necessary for ILOs. These living options do not pertain to the accommodation itself (i.e., the house) but to the support you will receive to live independently and build your capacity.
Now, it's up to you and your listed requirements to decide whether SIL or ILO is the right option for you. However, many opt for SIL in the best-case scenario and let NDIS handle their housing requirements. You can do the same if you lack the in-house support and experience.
Admire Care is a registered disability provider with a broad range of NDIS-supported independent living (SIL) services in Perth. We understand and recognize the significance of providing person-centered disability care. Contact us today to enable the best disability-related support and service!