Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Unisson Disability—Helping You Find Your Forever Home
At Unisson, our goal is to explore your support needs and desired location to live, creating a plan that ensures a smooth and personalised transition into Supported Independent Living (SIL).
Accomodation That Works Best for You
We’ll work together to find the right home—whether it’s separate or shared accommodation, close to your family, community facilities, and public transport.
We’ll discuss the level of support you need, from daytime assistance to 24/7 active support, ensuring accessibility for now and into the future.
Meet New People!
You’ll have the chance to meet potential housemates and choose a compatible environment that matches your interests and routines.
Make it Yours
We’ll also consider the skills and shared interests you’d like in your support team, and help you personalise your new space with any special equipment or décor you need.
Every step of the way, we’ll collaborate to make your move smooth, ensuring your new home feels right for you.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS support also known as shared living accommodation.
SIL is where a person with disability will live with other people and share common household areas.
Through Unisson’s person-centred active support approach, we support your choices and ensure that assistance is available when needed for daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and personal care within your supported home.
Our SIL accommodation is located across:
Sydney
Western Sydney
Central Coast
The Hunter
Accommodation includes adapted homes in the community and purpose-built Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), and ranges from shared homes with 3-4 bedrooms to separate self-contained units.
Available Homes
Designed to enhance your quality of life.
Understanding SIL Vacancies
SIL properties are not one-size-fits all—the properties we are able to offer have their own unique characteristics (just like people!) Homes vary in style, size, and most importantly, accessibility and suitability to high physical support. This is an important part of what Unisson Disability does—we match your needs to your new forever home!
7 Simple Tips To Planning Your Successful Move
Together, we’ll agree on a plan that works for everyone when you move house. Some of the things we’ll consider include:
We’ll work together to create a plan that suits everyone for your move. Here’s what we’ll consider:
- Location and Home Type: Choosing between separate or shared accommodation, close to your family, community facilities, and public transport.
- Support Needs: Discussing SIL with daytime or 24/7 active support, or Supported Living, considering accessibility and future needs.
- Housemates: Ensuring compatibility in interests, routines, and personality, with opportunities to meet them before moving.
- Support Staff: The skills and shared interests you’d like your support team to have.
- Special Equipment and Décor: Any specific items you need and how you’d like to decorate your new space.
- Preparation: Collaborating to make your move smooth.
Once your requirements are clear, you can start visiting properties and meeting housemates. It typically takes 3 to 6 months to find and move into your new home. We’ll keep checking in with you to ensure you’re living your best life!
SIL Accommodation Alternatives
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL), also known as shared living accommodation, is an NDIS-funded support designed to help people with disabilities live as independently as possible. For family members, it can be reassuring to know that SIL offers a safe and supportive environment where your loved one can live with others in a modern, accessible home. At Unisson, we focus on a person-centred approach, ensuring that your loved one’s choices are always respected, while providing assistance with daily tasks like cleaning, cooking, and personal care.
Our goal is to support you or your loved one’s independence and help them thrive within a shared community, giving you peace of mind that they’re in a caring and engaging environment. SIL offers the opportunity for personal growth, connection with others, and the ability to enjoy daily life with the support they need.
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is an NDIS-funded support designed to provide innovative, accessible housing for people with significant functional impairments or very complex support needs. SDA homes are specifically built to support individuals in living more independently while accessing other NDIS supports such as Supported Independent Living (SIL). At Unisson, we know how challenging it can be to find appropriate housing, particularly for those with specific disability-related requirements.
We’ve partnered with quality SDA providers to offer brand new, purpose-built, and accessible homes designed to meet your unique NDIS needs. SDA not only provides the physical infrastructure but also helps people with disability exercise greater choice and control over where they live, who they live with, and the type of support they receive.
By living in an SDA home, you can enjoy greater independence while accessing ongoing NDIS supports in a community-focused environment tailored to your individual needs, creating a space that feels truly like home.
What is Supported Living (SL)?
Supported Living (SL), also known as drop-in support, is an NDIS-funded service that provides you with flexibility and control over the type and level of support you receive. It ensures that you get the support you need, when you need it—whether it’s during the day, evening, weekdays, or weekends. SL is perfect for those living independently, with family, or with friends, giving you the help you need to live life your way.
At Unisson, our NDIS-supported living service can assist with daily tasks, personal care, and accessing your community. We collaborate with you, your family, and your support network to design a plan that meets your specific goals, ensuring your NDIS objectives are achieved and your circles of support are strengthened.
What is Individualised Living Option (ILO)?
Unisson Disability offers Individualised Living Options (ILO), an NDIS-funded support designed to provide flexible, tailored living arrangements that meet your unique needs. ILO focuses on creating a personalised plan that integrates formal NDIS services with informal supports from your family, friends, and community, allowing you to live independently and in control of your daily life.
ILO is delivered in two key stages:
Exploration and Design Phase: This is where we work collaboratively with you, your family, and your support network to explore the best living arrangement options that fit your lifestyle and preferences. We assess your individual support needs—whether they include personal care, daily decision-making assistance, or help building independence and community connections. The goal is to design a living solution that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Implementation Phase: Once your ILO plan is designed, we move to the implementation stage. Here, we arrange the necessary supports, both formal NDIS services and informal supports from family and friends, to ensure everything runs smoothly. This phase includes setting up flexible supports that can be adjusted as your needs change, prioritising your safety, stability, and personal well-being.
At Unisson, our person-centred approach means we focus on empowering you to live life the way you choose.
SIL and the NDIS
The Importance of SIL in the NDIS Framework
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a key part of the NDIS, empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently, with tailored support designed around each person’s needs, fostering greater choice and control over their lives.
Overview of the Support Services Offered by NDIS and Unisson Disability
The NDIS provides funding for SIL, while Unisson Disability offers hands-on support through a wide range of services, including personal care, daily living tasks, and tailored programs that encourage independence.
The NDIS Process for Determining Eligibility for SIL, and How Unisson Helps
The NDIS determines eligibility through a detailed assessment process, focusing on a participant’s needs and goals. Unisson Disability guides you through this process, ensuring that your support plan is customised to reflect your individual aspirations and requirements.
Funding Options Available Through NDIS
The NDIS offers flexible funding options based on your specific needs, which can include accommodation and daily living supports. Unisson Disability helps you understand how these options apply to your circumstances, ensuring the right funding is in place.
The Significance of Assessments in Securing Support
Assessments are vital to ensure you receive the right level of support, and Unisson works closely with you during this process to make sure your NDIS plan is comprehensive and aligned with your goals, helping you to achieve greater independence.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) FAQs
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a service funded by the NDIS that helps people with disabilities live independently. It provides help with daily tasks like personal care, cooking, and learning new skills. This support allows individuals to make choices and be active in their communities.
How does SIL funding assist with independent living?
SIL funding gives personal support based on what each person needs. It covers help with personal care, household chores, and life skills training. This funding helps people overcome challenges and reach their personal goals.
Who can apply for SIL housing, and what support is available?
Eligible NDIS participants can apply for SIL housing with help from a planner or coordinator. They assist in finding safe homes that provide daily support. This ensures that everyone can find a place that meets their needs and feels comfortable. For further assistance, check our Contact Us page.
How can I find suitable SIL vacancies?
To find SIL vacancies, you can look at NDIS provider websites, talk to your support coordinator, or sign up for updates. It’s important to check different options so you can find a home that fits your lifestyle and support needs. Explore available properties on our Properties page.
What practical steps can promote independence?
Promoting independence means setting personal goals, learning to manage money, and staying connected with friends and family. These actions help build confidence and teach the skills needed for everyday living. For more resources, visit our Resource News Hub.
What types of SIL accommodation are available?
SIL accommodation includes shared homes and single units, which provide support while helping residents learn important life skills. This variety allows people to choose a living situation that suits their comfort and social needs. We also do “drop-in” support, which you can learn more about on our Supported Living page.
What role do support coordinators play in SIL?
Support coordinators help participants plan their support needs and find the right housing. They ensure people access the services they need for independent living. This makes it easier for individuals to navigate the NDIS system. Learn more on Support Coordination.
How can I apply for SIL vacancies?
To apply for SIL vacancies, you should talk to your support coordinator for help with the application process. You can also check online listings from NDIS providers like Unisson Disability. This approach increases your chances of finding the right home.
What features are common in SIL homes?
SIL homes are built for safety and easy access. They usually have modified rooms and shared spaces that support independent living for people with disabilities. These features make sure everyone feels comfortable and can live well. Explore our different properties to see what’s available on the Properties page.
Friendships and Fulfillment
Making the move to Supported Independent Living has helped many NDIS participants achieve their personal goals and the recent move for Stephen has been incredibly beneficial and life-changing.
Stephen moved from a unit in Hornsby to one of Unisson’s shared living homes on the Central Coast in May last year and has been delighted with the outcomes for his lifestyle and general wellbeing.
“I enjoy trying new things and being with my new housemates,” says Stephen.
Since moving to the shared home, Stephen has experienced many positive changes, including improved mental health and the opportunity to form connections and friendships with other people living in the home.
As Stephen’s Direct Support Professional (DSP), Michelle Wares explains: “It’s been wonderful to see how Stephen’s anxiety has decreased. He enjoys trying new activities such as visiting the local horses to pet and feed them. He also walks independently to the local 7/11 store to purchase his newspaper and is more talkative and open in his conversations.”
