Journey to Independent Living with the NDIS

Living independently is something most of us aspire to achieve. We save up resources and money to fund our dreams of one day living on our own. For many people, this is an attainable goal. However, for people with disabilities, it is altogether a different story.

Living with a disability seriously hampers your ability to lead an independent life. Depending on the severity of your disability, you require varying degrees of support and care from your family or professional caregivers. This is why living independently can prove to be a daunting task for such individuals but not impossible. They can lead independent lives too with the right help.

The NDIS provides individualised living options (ILO) to help participants exercise control over how they live. This includes the ability to choose where, how and with whom an individual lives. The level of support you will receive is also determined to help you live as independently as possible. As a result, you have full control over who you share your home with and how the various NDIS support systems you require will fit into your daily routine.

Individualised Living Options: What You Need to Know

Individualised living options (ILO) are the various assistance provided to an NDIS participant in terms of living arrangements. It allows an individual to lead a fulfilling life by living according to their preferences. This support is designed for you and focuses on providing the best living space that addresses all your needs. Furthermore, ILO funds can be used to design the best accommodations and support systems to help you live just the way you want. However, these funds cannot be used to purchase a home.

You can utilise ILO funding to:

1. Explore the most suitable other ways to live - whether it is with a host or housemate
2. Design and develop your support system to fit into your living situation, in the way you desire

ILO offers a vast array of options to help a participant live a much more independent life. While the individual may share the home with roommates or live with a host, the various NDIS supports will continue to assist as required. The goal is to help people with disabilities live in the manner that best suits their needs, which includes increased self-sufficiency. Depending on your requirements, the ILO arrangements and funding will be tailored to your needs and placed in one of three bands for stages 1 and 2.

What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

SIL is how the NDIS assists persons with disabilities to live independently as possible while still providing 24-hour assistance. In addition to helping with or supervising daily tasks, the support also aims to develop daily living skills in participants. Such initiatives help them live much more independently and improve their quality of life.

The funds for SIL are granted through the NDIS plan and cover the cost of the support personnel in the home. It, however, does not include the rent or other personal expenditures like medicine and groceries. Depending on the level of support required to live independently and the housing option, a participant will receive SIL funding accordingly. This support is best suited for people who have greater support needs and cannot do without a high level of assistance throughout the day.

What Types of Assistance Are Provided in SIL?

The requirements of the individual and the type of assistance they require to live as independently as possible determine which resources are accessible to them. SIL is not just limited to helping you settle into a home and supervising your daily actions. It also includes many smaller support systems that cater to your needs - needs that help you feel secure and confident in any activity you’re a part of. You will receive the assistance you require, when you need it, to achieve your objectives and live your best life.

NDIS participants will receive help with the following as part of SIL support:

1. Support for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with sleepovers - a support worker is always with you at home
2. Help with everyday duties and skill development, such as housekeeping, shopping, cooking and cleaning
3. Personal care, including bathing, grooming, and personal hygiene
4. Social skills like meeting new people and participating in group activities
5. Budgeting to pay for food, transportation, and even vacations
6. Assistance with activities outside the house, such as transportation to appointments and activities
7. Scheduling and managing appointments

How Does SIL Provide Autonomy to NDIS Participants?

SIL maximises independence in two significant ways. First, by offering assistance with routine duties such as cleaning or travelling to appointments. This allows you to maximise your freedom by living away from family and doing things your way but still having access to assistance and support whenever you need it.

Secondly, SIL promotes skill development to help you live more independently. You will receive supervision and learn to make meals, buy groceries, and adhere to a budget. These are necessary skills to live independently and SIL will ensure that you become familiar with them. It also means that you can spend more time with friends, engage in more activities that bring you joy, and interact with others in your community without requiring as much assistance.

Are You Interested in Getting NDIS SIL Support in Melbourne? Contact Excel Care Group Today!

If you require SIL support as part of your NDIS plan, we can help. Excel Care Group is an NDIS registered service provider that delivers excellent NDIS support to all participants across Melbourne. Our staff will be more than happy to answer your questions and help you take the first steps towards SIL. You can call us on any of the following three numbers: 1300 392 352 / 03 9117 0288 / 0452 542 352. Alternatively, you may also send us an email at admin@excelcaregroup.com.au.