A Guide On Supported Independent Living
If you have a disability, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers support services to help you live in your home or shared home. This arrangement is known as supported independent living (SIL). Unfortunately, most NDIS participants do not comprehend the supported independent living concept.
Below is an article to help you understand supported independent living.
What Is Supported Independent Living?
Supported independent living is an arrangement where a disabled person receives assistance in conducting daily tasks at home. Ideally, SIL is structured to suit your individual needs. For example, the provider could assist you in preparing meals, doing laundry, cleaning your home, and showering. At the same time, the provider builds your capacity to conduct these tasks independently. For instance, they could train you how to shower alone or make meals. Ultimately, you gain your independence after a while. However, it is vital to know the SIL exemptions. For instance, the arrangement does not pay rent or renovate your house. However, if you require these services, you could consult your NDIS manager and inquire whether you qualify for specialist disability accommodation (SDA).
Considerations When Applying For Supported Independent Living
Your first concern when seeking SIL services is finding an appropriate provider. Essentially, you should check the NDIS website to identify accredited providers in your area. Then, conduct background research to determine the competence of each provider. Assess the following;
- What is the provider's speciality? For instance, have they provided SIL services for people with similar disabilities?
- What is the provider's selling proposition? The general principle is to consider providers offering personalised services. Moreover, the provider must respect your belief systems and cultural values as they provide their services.
- Contact some of the provider's clients or assess their website to determine their customer ratings and reviews. Look out for red flags such as mistreating clients, lateness, or failure to abide by the service agreement.
- What is the provider's availability? For instance, you might need 24/7 services if you have a severe health condition.
Next, meet with your desired provider and structure the SIL plan. This should be an all-inclusive process. Therefore, engage some of your family members. Usually, the NDIS provider examines your needs to determine the services you could need. Then, they inquire about your tastes and preferences to know which caregivers to deploy to your home. Usually, the SIL plan details the daily tasks and how the provider can help promote your independence. You will review the plan regularly to establish if it suits your needs.