How SIL Can Empower Independent Living for People with Disabilities
How SIL Can Empower Independent Living for People with Disabilities
For many people with disability, the dream of living independently may feel out of reach. Everyday tasks, managing a home, or staying safe without support can create challenges. But with the right services, independence doesn’t have to remain a dream — it can become a reality.
That’s where Supported Independent Living (SIL) comes in. As part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), SIL provides tailored supports that empower participants to live as independently as possible, while still receiving the assistance they need.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living is an NDIS-funded support that helps people with higher needs live in shared or individual housing with 24/7 or rostered assistance.
Unlike traditional care models, SIL is about supporting independence, not taking it away. Participants are encouraged to learn, grow, and manage as much of their daily life as possible — with the safety net of skilled support workers close by.
How SIL Builds Independence
SIL offers much more than practical help. It creates opportunities for participants to develop confidence, responsibility, and life skills in a supportive environment.
Daily Living Support
SIL workers provide assistance with:
Cooking and meal preparation
Cleaning and laundry
Personal care routines
Medication management
Skill Development
Participants are encouraged to build independence by learning:
How to manage a budget
How to plan and cook meals
Communication and social skills
Travel training and community access
Social and Emotional Benefits
SIL also offers opportunities to:
Live with peers in a shared home
Build meaningful friendships
Develop greater self-confidence
Experience a sense of belonging
SIL vs Other Housing Supports
It’s important to understand how SIL differs from other NDIS housing supports:
SIL funds the support services in a home (staff, routines, assistance).
SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) funds the physical home itself (bricks and mortar).
ILO (Individualised Living Options) provides more flexible, lower-support arrangements for people with fewer daily needs.
SIL is best suited to people who require regular, ongoing assistance but still want to build independence.
Who is SIL For?
SIL is designed for participants with significant support needs. Typically, these are people who:
Need regular or 24/7 assistance
Want to live in a shared environment with other participants
Benefit from structured routines and skilled support workers
Eligibility depends on an NDIS assessment, where evidence from health professionals will demonstrate why SIL is “reasonable and necessary” for your situation.
The Empowering Benefits of SIL
When done right, SIL can transform lives. Key benefits include:
Greater independence – learning to take responsibility for daily tasks
Safety and peace of mind – knowing support is always nearby
Community connection – opportunities to socialise and engage locally
Pathways to the future – developing life skills that open doors to study, work, or greater independence
SIL with ProCare Solution
At ProCare Solution, we believe Supported Independent Living should feel like home. That’s why we focus on:
Matching participants with the right living environment
Providing skilled and compassionate support workers
Encouraging independence while offering tailored assistance
Supporting participants through the entire SIL process — from assessments to moving in
Our approach ensures SIL isn’t just about care — it’s about empowerment, growth, and quality of life.
Final Thoughts: SIL as a Pathway to Independence
Living independently doesn’t mean living without support — it means having the right balance of assistance and autonomy. With SIL, participants can enjoy the safety of structured support while gaining the skills and confidence to live life on their own terms.
At ProCare Solution, we’re here to make that transition smoother and more empowering.
Contact us via our contact page to explore how Supported Independent Living could help you or your loved one thrive.
Key Summary
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS support that funds assistance in the home.
It focuses on independence while providing 24/7 or rostered support.
SIL includes daily living assistance, skill development, and social opportunities.
It differs from SDA and ILO, which cover housing and flexible arrangements.
ProCare Solution provides tailored SIL services to empower independence.
