If you or a loved one are looking into NDIS housing options, you’ve probably come across the terms Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
While they sound similar, they actually serve very different purposes.
SIL provides support services to help NDIS participants with daily living tasks, while SDA refers to purpose-built housing for people with very high support needs.
Some people receive both SDA and SIL, but not everyone who needs SIL will require SDA. You can think of it as SDA being the “where” and SIL being the “how.”
In this short article, we’ll take a look at the key differences between SDA and SIL to help you find the right support and living arrangements.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS-funded support service that helps people with disabilities live as independently as possible. It’s more about assisting with daily tasks rather than providing the home itself.
If you qualify for SIL, support workers can help with things like cooking and preparing meals, personal care (showering and dressing), cleaning and general household tasks, medication management, and social and community activities.
SIL is commonly provided in shared living arrangements, where multiple NDIS participants live together and receive support, but can apply to individual homes for those who live alone but still need regular assistance.
Supported Independent Living is best for people who can live in unmodified housing but need some extra support to manage their everyday life. It’s all about helping you live as independently as possible while making sure you have the assistance you need.
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is about the home itself. SDA housing is specially designed for people with extreme functional impairments or very high support needs.
SDA homes have built-in accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly layouts, assistive technology and hoists, reinforced walls for added safety, and modified kitchens and bathrooms.
Specialist Disability Accommodation funding helps cover the cost of the housing, ensuring that people with comprehensive needs have a safe and suitable place to live.
However, it doesn’t include daily support services – that’s covered by SIL. Many people in SDA housing also receive SIL support to help with everyday activities, but the two services are not one and the same.
Because SDA is designed for people with the highest level of physical support needs, funding is only available to a small number of NDIS participants who meet strict eligibility criteria.
Do I need SIL or SDA (or both)?
If you need help with daily tasks but you can live in typical housing, SIL is likely the best option for you.
If you need a home with special accessibility features, you may quality for SDA.
If you need both a modified home and daily support services, you could receive both SIL and SDA.
It’s important to find the right fit for your needs so you can live comfortably and independently with the right level of support.
SIL housing on the Sunshine Coast
If you’re looking for SIL housing on the Sunshine Coast, STEPS is here to help. We provide share homes tailored to your needs with daily SIL assistance. You’ll have the opportunity to live with other NDIS participants and enjoy an independent lifestyle with the support you need.
With STEPS Supported Independent Living, you’ll:
- Get help with day-to-day living
- Develop independent living skills
- Be supported in staying healthy
- Receive assistance with community access and participation
- Connect with like-minded people and learn to live with others
- Be assisted with the responsibilities of living in your own home
Finding the right home and the right support is a big decision, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Please get in touch with our friendly team today at 1800 312 742 or customercare@stepsgroup.com.au to learn more about your options and how we can help you take the next step to independent living.
