Supported Independent Living, commonly known as SIL, is an NDIS-funded support designed for people who require assistance with everyday tasks so they can live as independently as possible. At Pacific Community Care, we deliver SIL with a strong belief that every person, regardless of their support needs, has the right to experience comfort, safety, dignity, and genuine independence in their own home. Our SIL services are not just about daily assistance. They are about building capability, encouraging self-reliance, fostering personal growth, and helping people live the kind of life they choose, not the kind of life defined for them.
SIL can be delivered in a shared living environment, a single-resident home, or in specialised accommodation depending on the participant’s needs and NDIS plan. Whether a person is transitioning from family care, exploring their first independent home, or looking for a more empowering care provider, our focus is on creating a living environment where support is present, but independence is honoured.
The NDIS funds SIL for people who need frequent or continuous support throughout the day, overnight, or both. SIL is designed for people who are not able to safely or practically live on their own without formal help, but who still want to lead a lifestyle that reflects personal choice and independence. The support is focused on assistance with daily activities, household tasks, skill development, participation in the community, emotional well-being, and building capacity for long-term independence.
SIL does not fund the house or property itself. The accommodation is funded separately, either through Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), private rental, public housing, or arrangements with family. SIL specifically funds the support workers, the daily living assistance, the supervision, and the personal care provided inside the home.
The purpose of Supported Independent Living is not to take control of a person’s life, but to enable them to manage it confidently. SIL allows participants to live in a home environment that is supportive, safe and structured, while still providing the freedom to grow, learn, socialise and build capacity at a pace that feels right for them.
At Pacific Community Care, we believe independent living is not achieved through simply placing a person in a house with support staff. Independence is achieved when a person is listened to, respected, encouraged and supported in a manner that aligns with their personality, cultural identity, goals, aspirations and daily living preferences.
Our approach to SIL is defined by:
Participants receive support with personal care activities such as showering, grooming, dressing, toileting, meal preparation, eating and maintaining personal hygiene. The level of assistance depends on individual needs. Whenever possible, we encourage participants to perform tasks independently, with support only where required.
We assist with domestic duties, ensuring the living space remains clean, organised and comfortable. This includes cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, and maintaining a safe home environment. We also teach and encourage household skills to build confidence.
We focus on practical and social skill-building so participants can take control of their daily lives. This may include budgeting, banking, grocery planning, communication skills, travel training, understanding tenancy rights, using technology, or building self-advocacy skills.
We support participants to remain connected to society, friendships, hobbies, family events and community activities. Whether it is joining a sports club, volunteering, visiting cultural spaces, attending religious gatherings or simply enjoying a café outing, we encourage active engagement outside the home.
Our team supports medication management, health appointments, therapy schedules, daily wellness planning and communication with health professionals. We maintain strict records and ensure supports are delivered in line with medical instructions.
Some participants need support or supervision overnight. We provide either active overnight staffing or passive sleepover arrangements depending on NDIS funding and safety needs.
Many people confuse SIL with SDA, but they are funded separately under the NDIS.
SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) is the physical building. It is designed for people with very high support needs who require purpose-built or modified housing. SDA pays for the home, not the support.
SIL (Supported Independent Living) is the support provided inside the home. It covers support workers, personal care, household help, supervision and assistance with daily life.
You can receive SIL without SDA, and you can receive SDA without SIL. Some people have both.
SIL is suitable for people who:
If you are unsure whether SIL is right for you, Pacific Community Care can help you understand the criteria, organise assessments and guide you through the NDIS process.
Your home life should never feel restrictive. Our aim is to create a space where you feel respected, heard and supported while still maintaining ownership over your routine and lifestyle.
We first understand your goals, strengths, cultural identity, care history and support needs.
We help review your NDIS plan or prepare reports if SIL funding needs to be requested.
You are offered available homes based on compatibility, location, accessibility, lifestyle and housemate preferences.
A detailed support plan is developed with you, not for you.
We offer gradual familiarisation, staff introductions, family involvement and flexible settling-in processes.
Support plans evolve with your growth, skills, health and personal direction.
To learn more about our NDIS SIL services or to start your journey with us, submit an online inquiry or give us a call at 0450 341 737 or email us at admin@pacificcommunitycare.com.au.