At OSAN Ability, we believe that every person has the right to live a life of independence, dignity, and purpose — no matter their ability. Our Supported Independent Living (SIL) services are designed to empower individuals with disability to live confidently in their own homes, while receiving the personalised support they need to thrive.
As a proud NDIS-registered provider, OSAN Ability has been walking alongside Australians with disability for years — building stronger communities, creating accessible living spaces, and supporting people to achieve their goals. This blog will help you understand what SIL is, how it works, and how OSAN Ability delivers it with a unique touch of care, professionalism, and purpose.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living is a type of NDIS-funded support that helps people with disability live as independently as possible while receiving regular assistance with daily tasks. It’s ideal for individuals who have higher support needs and may require 24/7 support or assistance throughout the day.
SIL is typically delivered in a shared living environment (with 2–7 participants) but can also be arranged for individual living settings, depending on the participant’s goals, preferences, and needs.
SIL Services May Include:
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
- Meal planning and preparation
- Household chores (cleaning, laundry, etc.)
- Medication management
- Help with shopping and budgeting
- Community participation and transport
- Overnight support and supervision
The ultimate goal of SIL is to build capacity, improve life skills, and support participants to live more independently over time.
Who is SIL For?
SIL is ideal for NDIS participants who:
- Require significant daily support due to a disability
- Would benefit from living in a shared or supported home environment
- Want to develop life skills and build independence
- Are looking for a safe and structured home with the support of trained staff
SIL and the NDIS: How It Works
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) funds SIL under a participant’s Core Supports budget, specifically within the Assistance with Daily Life category. Before SIL can be included in your plan, a few key steps need to be followed:
- Home and Living Assessment
You’ll be asked to complete a Home and Living Supporting Evidence Form or provide reports from an Occupational Therapist or allied health professionals that outline your support needs at home. - Roster of Care (RoC)
This is a weekly support schedule created by your SIL provider (like OSAN Ability) that outlines how much and what kind of support is needed across the week. - NDIS Approval
The NDIS will review your goals, reports, and RoC to determine whether SIL is reasonable and necessary, and then approve funding accordingly. - Choosing a Provider
Once approved, you can select an NDIS-registered SIL provider — that’s where OSAN Ability comes in.
What Makes OSAN Ability Different?
We know there are many SIL providers out there — but OSAN Ability offers a truly person-centred approach that puts your needs, voice, and vision at the heart of everything we do.
Here’s how we stand out:
1. Tailored Support for Real Independence
We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” model. Every individual has unique goals, routines, preferences, and abilities. Our team takes the time to understand what independence means to you, then builds a personalised support plan that reflects that.
2. Safe, Comfortable and Accessible Homes
Our SIL homes are designed to feel like home, not a facility. Whether you’re moving in for the first time or transitioning from a family home or care facility, we’ll help you settle into a place that is safe, clean, and matched to your lifestyle and accessibility needs.
3. Highly Trained, Compassionate Staff
Our support workers are not only qualified and experienced, but also genuinely passionate about empowering people. They are trained in areas such as personal care, behavioural support, medication administration, and cultural sensitivity — always delivering care with respect and compassion.
4. Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
We celebrate diversity and proudly support individuals from all cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. Our bilingual staff and inclusive practices make OSAN Ability a trusted name for CALD communities across Australia.
5. Seamless Coordination
We work closely with your family, Support Coordinator, and other providers to ensure smooth service delivery. From onboarding to ongoing reviews, communication is clear, timely, and collaborative.
A Typical Day in SIL with OSAN Ability
Each person’s routine is different, but here’s a snapshot of what life might look like in one of our Supported Independent Living homes:
- Morning: Wake up with support as needed, followed by help with personal care and preparing breakfast. You may also take medication with supervision.
- Daytime: Head out to a community program, work, or simply relax at home. Our staff can help with transport, appointments, or skill-building tasks like budgeting or cooking.
- Afternoon: Enjoy some downtime, connect with housemates, or participate in planned activities. Staff are around to help you with meals, house chores, or support with social engagement.
- Evening: Dinner preparation (with as much or as little help as you need), followed by some relaxation or a hobby. Our staff provide supervision and overnight support based on your needs.
Every day is designed around you — your strengths, your schedule, and your aspirations.
Real Stories. Real Independence.
We’ve seen participants go from relying heavily on others to confidently managing their daily routines, building new friendships, and setting goals they never thought possible.
One of our participants, Sarah, came to OSAN Ability with minimal independent living experience. Over 12 months, with consistent SIL support, she learned to cook, manage her own shopping budget, and even started part-time work at a local café. Her story isn’t rare — it’s what we aim for with every person we support.
How to Get Started with OSAN Ability’s SIL
If you or someone you care about is considering Supported Independent Living, OSAN Ability is here to help guide the way.
Step 1: Enquire With Us
Call, email, or visit our website to express your interest in SIL. We’ll have a friendly conversation about your goals, needs, and what kind of living arrangement would suit you best.
Step 2: Plan Review & RoC Preparation
We’ll help you and your support team gather the documentation needed to request SIL from the NDIS, including a Roster of Care and assessments.
Step 3: House Matching & Onboarding
Once your funding is approved, we’ll work with you to match you to a suitable home, begin the transition process, and introduce you to your support team.
Step 4: Live Freely, Thrive Fully
You begin your SIL journey with OSAN Ability — and we’ll be there every step of the way to support your independence, safety, and success.
Supported Independent Living isn’t just about having help around the house — it’s about having the freedom to live life on your terms, while being surrounded by the right support network.
At OSAN Ability, we believe in building homes, not just houses. We’re here to empower your journey toward independence, connection, and personal growth — no matter where you’re starting from.
📞 Ready to get started? Contact OSAN Ability today.
Visit osanability.com.au or call us on 1300 799 941 to speak with our friendly team.
