Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Our approach is about more than providing rostered SIL support. We want each resident to feel at home, exercise choice, build independence and remain connected to the people and community that matter to them. Within each resident’s agreed support arrangements, our teams look for meaningful opportunities to build everyday skills, support relationships and create enjoyable, shared experiences. These opportunities are always considered in addition to each resident’s preferences, safety, support needs and available funding.  

Where an experience can be safely delivered within a participant’s existing SIL supports, we do not add support hours solely because the activity is taking place. The agreed support available to other residents will not be reduced. Any separate personal expenses — such as meals, groceries, tickets, entrance fees or purchases — remain the participant’s responsibility unless otherwise advised.  

Strive currently provides SIL supports in shared homes across Perth and surrounding suburbs, including Aubin Grove, Port Kennedy, Baldivis, Pearsall and Darch. Each home is different. We consider its location, accessibility features, current residents and available support arrangements when exploring whether it may suit a prospective resident. Vacancies and property availability may change.  

Housemate compatibility is an important part of our SIL referral process. We take the time to understand each person’s support needs, communication style, daily routines, interests, personality, social preferences and what is important to them in a shared home. We also consider personal and cultural preferences, safety requirements and compatibility with the people already living in the home.  

With the participant’s consent, we may work with the family members, Support Coordinator, Behaviour Support Practitioner, therapists or other supporters they choose to involve. Information is only collected and shared where it is relevant to assessing support and living arrangements.  

Where appropriate, we can arrange home visits, introductions and opportunities for prospective housemates to spend time together before a placement is confirmed. Our aim is not simply to fill an available room. We want prospective and existing residents to have the information and opportunities they need to decide whether the living arrangement feels safe, comfortable and compatible.  

Our SIL model supports residents to participate in household life, develop everyday skills and enjoy meaningful experiences. What is available will depend on each resident’s preferences, agreed supports, staffing arrangements, safety requirements and funding.  

Examples may include:  

• Planning meals, shopping for groceries, cooking and sharing meals as a household.  

• Celebrating birthdays, cultural occasions, holidays and other events that are important to residents. 

• Enjoying BBQs, gardening, gaming, music, movies, crafts and other interests at home.  

• Inviting family and friends to visit, subject to the choices and privacy of everyone living in the home. 

• Participating in social gatherings with residents from nearby Strive homes.  

• Completing personal errands and visiting local parks, beaches and accessible community spaces when this can be safely supported.  

• Receiving support to attend medical, dental, allied health and mental health appointments where this forms part of the resident’s agreed SIL supports.  

• Attending Strive events and other occasional community activities where appropriate arrangements are in place. 

• Building practical skills through meal planning, cooking, shopping and contributing to household routines.  

• Connecting with other people while respecting residents who prefer their own company, routines and personal space.  

SIL may include support for occasional or non-routine community access. Regular social, recreational or community participation will generally require separate NDIS funding.  

Activity costs, groceries, meals, tickets, entrance fees, purchases and vehicle expenses are not funded through SIL and may need to be paid separately. Any applicable support, transport and activity costs will be explained before participation.  

Supported Independent Living and Individualised Living Options are both NDIS-funded support models. Neither one pays for rent, groceries, utilities or the home itself. Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides help or supervision with daily tasks in a person’s home. It is generally suited to people with higher support needs who require support throughout the day and some level of assistance or supervision overnight. SIL is commonly provided in a shared home, with a combination of shared and individual support.  

Individualised Living Options (ILO) help a participant explore, design and maintain a living and support arrangement built around their choices. This may involve living with a host or housemate, or living in another arrangement chosen by the participant. ILO usually combines primary supports, supplementary supports and ongoing monitoring and adjustment. ILO is generally not intended for people who require 24-hour rostered support or frequent overnight assistance.  

The NDIA considers each person’s circumstances and determines whether ILO funding is appropriate. Strive currently supports one individual ILO arrangement. Support is provided according to that participant’s approved ILO design, service proposal and individual needs.  

Availability for additional arrangements is subject to Strive’s capacity and the participant’s approved NDIS funding. 

1. Get to Know You 
We take the time to understand your needs, preferences, routines, goals and what you are looking for in your home and support arrangements.  

2. Discuss Your Funding and Support Needs 
We review the information you choose to provide about your approved NDIS supports and explain Strive’s services, availability and charges. The NDIA remains responsible for determining your funding. 

3. Explore Available Homes 
We work with you and the supporters you choose to involve to explore available homes that may suit your needs, preferences and lifestyle. 

4. Meet the Team and Prospective Housemates 
Where appropriate, you can visit the home, meet members of the support team and spend time with prospective housemates. Existing residents are also supported to participate in decisions affecting their home. 

5. Agree on Housing and Support Arrangements 
If everyone wishes to proceed, we explain the proposed support arrangements, costs, house expectations and respective rights and responsibilities. Housing or tenancy arrangements are documented separately from the SIL service agreement.  

6. Complete Your Onboarding 
We complete the necessary onboarding forms, service agreement and relevant consent documents. You and your representative will have an opportunity to ask questions before anything is agreed.  
 
7. Plan Your Transition 
Together, we develop an agreed transition and support approach that reflects your routines, goals, preferences, support needs and approved NDIS funding.  
 
8. Move In and Settle into Your Home 
Our team supports your transition into the home and helps you become familiar with your housemates, routines and support arrangements.  
 
9. Review Your Supports 
We regularly review your service delivery with you to confirm that it continues to reflect your agreed needs, goals, preferences and funding. 

A placement cannot be guaranteed and is subject to participant choice, compatibility with existing residents, property availability, assessment of support needs and confirmed funding and service arrangements 

To receive SIL or ILO supports, the relevant supports must be approved and included in your NDIS plan. Strive can explain the services we provide, our charges and how those services may align with the funding in your current plan. We can also work with you and the family members, representatives or Support Coordinator you choose to involve.  

Only the NDIA can determine whether SIL or ILO is appropriate and approve or change the funding in your plan. Strive can provide supports under different plan-management arrangements, subject to our registration, service capacity and the funding approved in the participant’s plan.  

Contact our team to discuss your current funding, support needs, available vacancies and whether Strive’s services may be suitable for you.