HOW SUPPORTED INDEPENDENT LIVING HELP EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an important and restoring method to assist people with disabilities or those with increased needs, a condition arising from different life situations. It highlights the support for autonomy, self-determination, and community integration, which enable people to live a meaningful life in their own home, or in community-based environments.
This article discusses the nature of Supported Independent Living, how to gain access to social care funding for SIL and whether SIL is right for certain groups.
What Is Supported Independent Living?
Supported Independence Living (also termed SIL) is a disability support model aimed at facilitating maximum independence of its recipients. It is served by patients with physical disability, intellectual disability, mental illness and/or who are transitioning from an out of home placement such as foster care or other institutions.
The primary aim of SIL is to deliver person-tailored support services to each person, who will be catered for in responding to their own specific needs whilst simultaneously supporting their self-reliance and participation in the community.
Key Components Of Supported Independent Living:
- Individualised Support
SIL is customised according to the needs of each patient/participant. Detailed assessments are carried out in searching for needs of assistance, e.g., personal attention, housework, transportation, and receiving community resources, etc.
- Empowerment
SIL emphasises the empowerment of the participants, that they should be able to make their own choices and decisions. Rather than providing a general solution, support workers work with the person in order to understand goal and aspiration, and guide the person to a higher degree of independence.
- Community Inclusion
SIL promotes active participation in civic life, social interaction and developing the feeling of belonging. Participants are supported to access leisure provision, education, work, and other community offerings.
- Flexibility
SIL provides a range of support, according to the individual’s requirements and ability. The amount of support can be further tailored through time as participant develops amounts of competence and confidence.
How To Apply For SIL Funding?
The application process of SIL funding can be different across a country or region because various jurisdictions operate different disability support systems. However, certain general steps are typically involved:
- Needs Assessment
As a preliminary step, one must go through a full needs assessment by a trained professional, e.g., social worker or case manager. This assessment evaluates the individual’s functional limitations, support requirements, and goals for independent living.
- Creating a Support Plan
On the basis of evaluation, an individualised support plan is created. The plan describes the services and supports required in order to enable the person to reach his/her goals and live in independence.
- Funding Application
Once the support plan is put in place, the client/their designated advocate can access SIL funding through the appropriate governmental organisation or disability support service organisation. This application usually includes submitting the support plan and other required documentation.
- Approval and Allocation
The funding request will be assessed and if deemed favourable, the person will be assigned an amount of money for his/her SIL services. The amount of money available can support the employment of support workers and providers to perform all the tasks indicated in the support plan.
Is Supported Independent Living Right For You?
Who should receive Supported Independent Living is still dependent on the physical and personal needs, as well as preferences of the patient. Here are some key factors to consider
- Level of Independence
SIL is most fitting for persons who are motivated and able to live more independently, but may need a degree of support to realise their aims.
- Community Engagement
Individuals who want to have an active role in their community and engage in other social activities may especially benefit from SIL’s emphasis on community inclusion.
- Support Network
People who have a stable family and friends’ network may view SIL to be easier to cope with, as it can supplement the support given by support workers.
- Personal Goals
SIL is ideal for individuals with specific personal goals related to independent living, such as maintaining their own residence, managing finances, or pursuing education or employment opportunities.
- Willingness to Collaborate
Effective SIL experiences are frequently best achieved by willingness to work with support staff, by setting goals and by learning new skills.
How OSAN Ability Helps With Supported Independent Living
OSAN Ability is one of the leading NDIS providers in Sydney offering impeccable housing solutions for the people with disabilities who are looking for reliable supported independent living options.
Committed to empower the people with disabilities, they help them achieve their ideal goals and better their quality of life.
Here are how OSAN Ability helps:
- Person-Centred Approach
In the philosophy of OSAN Ability, individual-approach is at the top. This implies that the person who is receiving SIL services takes an active role in deciding what they will receive in terms of care and support. Our team works closely with each participant to understand their unique needs, preferences, and aspirations. We keep the person at the centre of their care plan so that the support given is adapted to their individual needs, fostering a feeling of individuation and respect.
- Personal Care Assistance
OSAN Ability affirms that the participants are given tailored care such as personal grooming assistance, bathing and dressing. Through the use of our dedicated staff, our team is provided with specific training to deliver support in a caring manner, with a full understanding of the need to be sensitive, respectful and to maintain the dignity and privacy of all concerned.
- 24/7 Support from Trained Staff
OSAN Ability provides 24hr of service by a professional and friendly team of staff. These guarantees participants are provided with support when they need it, which in turn provides a safe and secure housing context. Our staff are not only capable of performing many functions in the area of daily living but are also to be able to give emotional support and encouragement, resulting in a community and a sense of belonging.
- Promoting Independent Living Skills
The prime goal of SIL is to help people to attain and develop their necessary skills for living independently. OSAN Ability acknowledges the relevance of the fact and gives it a high priority by providing daily skills training. Participants are able to develop their skills and independence from tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, learning to ride public transport on their own, and so on.
Supported independent living plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives within their chosen communities. Through the integration of individualised support, community inclusion, and self-determination, SIL contributes to the eradication of obstacles and gives meaning to the rights and dignities of SIL participants.
For supported independent living, it is extremely important to have a proper assessment and consider the different possibilities of the available living arrangements in order to find the one that best serves the process of long-term success and autonomy.
For those who need support from OSAN Ability, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or by reaching our representative over a call on 1300 799 941.