Are you as confused as we are with finding help on what is exactly Supported Independent Living? It seems as though any official website you find is full of acronyms and abbreviations. SIL, NDIS, ILO, SDA, STA, MTA… and the list keeps on growing!

Breathe…we’re here to help and hopefully answer some basic questions on what you need to know about Supported Independent Living.

What Is Supported Independent Living?

Supported Independent Living or SIL for short combines housing and support to help individuals with disabilities or special needs live as independently as possible within their community.

The goal of Supported Independent Living is to provide necessary assistance to lead a fulfilling and self-directed life. While still maintaining control over their choices and decisions.

At LME Care, we like to think of it as creating a personalised homelike environment for people who require support in order to live independently.

Our SIL homes provide support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How Is This Funded?

Individuals who are part of the NDIS scheme within Australia may qualify to either live alone or with others. We find our participants love living with others. It creates a sense of friendship and builds connections and helps to feel part of a community.

Thinking SIL might be right for you? If you have a current NDIS plan, it’s best to contact your support coordinator first. They will help to find out if living in a SIL home is an appropriate option for your circumstance.

Key features Of A Supported Independent Living Environment

• Individualised Support Plans: We ensure every person’s needs and goals are tailored to your specific requirements.
• Housing Options: Our homes are typically a 1:2 or a 1:3 ratio. This means we would place you in a home to share with 1 or 2 others (depending on your situation) with one support worker. 
• Assistance with Daily Living: Our Support staff will help with your daily activities. These could be cooking, cleaning, personal care, medications, and transportation.
• Community Access Support: SIL programs encourage individuals to actively participate in their communities, engage in social activities, and build meaningful relationships with others.
• Emphasis on Autonomy and Choice: The primary focus of SIL is to empower individuals to make their own decisions and lead self-directed lives, with support provided as needed.
• Healthcare Support: Access to healthcare services and support in managing medical appointments and health conditions is often a part of SIL programs.
• Employment Support: For those who wish to work, SIL may offer vocational training, job coaching, and assistance in finding and maintaining employment.

Choosing The Right Home

Choosing where you want to live to feel safe and comfortable is an important decision.

Being away from family and friends or familiar surroundings can be challenging. It can also potentially impact on mental health and wellbeing. This is why we put such a big emphasis on finding the right home.

At LME care we provide guidance to all of our participants to ensure it’s a great experience that’s positive. We make sure it’s an environment that will suit your individual lifestyle. We will often provide a phased transition period so it’s not just a sudden move. This is something that has had great feedback and worked exceptionally well.

We provide a range of homes and options to suit our participants lifestyles. Whether its large open plan living areas, secure backyards to create gardens, to pet friendly homes or accessible homes. We strive to find the best housing options to suit your needs.

We then ensure that the essential needs are taken care of. Providing communal furniture, utilities, internet and streaming services all included with the weekly rent.

To view our current vacancies, please visit our website here.

Why Choose LME Care?

We believe in offering a person centred approach to everything we do. That means we put the participant at the centre of our focus, and determine exactly what they need in order to thrive.

We then coordinate the right support team, medical needs, a SIL home, daily living program, activities or day programs to visit and many more. There are no two participants that have the same plan with us.

Ultimately, we believe in treating everyone with care and respect, and when you join LME Care, you are welcomed not only as a client but a part of our family.

Ready To Get Started?

Let us show you how we can go above and beyond for you and your needs. Whether you are in a current SIL home and looking to move, or if this is your first time living independently, we’re here to help.

Please reach out to our friendly team who can help you start to live your best life.

Phone: 07 3112 7883 or email: referrals@lmecare.com.au or view our website here.