Do you want to make sure that you pick the right company to give you supported independent living? Then, you should not feel isolated. There are a lot of other individuals who are, at this very moment, in the same predicament as you are. However, there are things that you can do to assist yourself in making the best decision possible. Check out the information provided below to learn more about what to look for when selecting providers of supported independent living.
What kind of assistance can you get from a supported independent living provider?
There are so many benefits of Supported Independent Living for people with disabilities. Individuals with a disability can maintain their freedom with the help of this service. This guarantees that they will receive adequate care in the comfort of their own homes. Individuals with supported living typically have a tenancy and are accountable for paying their bills. If you need assistance selecting an NDIS SIL service best suited to meet your requirements, keep reading.
1. Provides assistance to pursue hobbies or get employment
Everyone has activities or events in their community that they'd like to try out or participate in. Those living in assisted housing must have advocates encouraging them to do the same. Ensure your supported living providers are committed to encouraging and supporting all opportunities, regardless of whether they involve gaining a new life skill, beginning a new interest, volunteering, or finding employment. People who have learning disabilities should be able to live independently in their own homes thanks to the supported living apartments.
2. Check if they are registered with the NDIS
Another thing that you need to check to see if the potential provider of SIL services is registered with the NDIS. If they aren't, they won't be able to give you the degree of care that you require from them. For the NDIS to grant funding for services, a supported independent living program registered with the NDIS must first receive approval from the NDIS. It is essential to be aware that not all service providers will comply with this requirement from the NDIS, although registration is mandatory for everyone who offers this kind of assistance to clients.
3. A reputable name in the community
The next action you need to take is to verify that the service provider has a stellar reputation in the industry. Going online is one option for gathering information like this, and it's highly recommended. People will typically talk highly of those who provide a fantastic service and will be more than eager to suggest those individuals to their friends. Never take the company's word as gospel; rather, you should undertake your investigation whenever it is practical.
4. Retaining independence
Even though many people seeking care through the NDIS for supported independent living require additional assistance during the day, many of these individuals still want to maintain as much of their independence as possible. Make an effort to confirm that this is something that your service provider is on board with and that they actively encourage you to do. Now would be the time to ensure that your NDIS provider is skilled in mental health assistance. That way, if you do experience any troubles or if you do have a problem, you will be certain that you will be able to get a high level of care readily. When looking for an NDIS provider, you should probably know what goals you want to set for yourself or what you want to get out of the service. This will help you narrow down your options. You must discuss this matter with your provider if at all possible.
5. The availability of public gathering places
Some people would feel more comfortable in a house that had shared spaces where they could mingle with others who shared their interests and find new friends. When you first begin your search, it is beneficial to gain an understanding of the different communal areas that are offered, and it is essential to communicate your loved one's preferences to the Social Worker.
6. 24/7 Support
You may require care at all hours of the day and night; if this is the case, you will need to ensure that there is always someone there to answer any questions that you might have. If there is no support staff, you may discover that you have to wait hours before getting the aid that you require, which can have a negative impact on both your emotional and physical health. If you can verify that the service provider you select has an efficient customer support team, or that they have a large staff in general, then this should alleviate any concerns you might have. If you want to be sure that the provider of supported independent living that you choose is the appropriate one for you, then the only thing that you need to do is get in touch with them as soon as possible. Ask important questions and ensure the answers are what you really need in a supported living service.
Tips: Read more on The Difference Between SIL and SDA to know which one to go for.
7. Adaptable and tailored care
When it comes to the care and support your loved one receives, they must receive precisely what they require. Because of this, it is crucial to inquire about the level of personalisation available while having conversations with potential support providers. It is comforting to know that at Care Assure, our support plans are customised to fit the needs of each individual after we have spent time with that person, their families, and any necessary care providers to develop a care service of their present circumstances and long-term objectives.
8. Assistive technology, light and sound modifications, and sensory spaces are all available
Some people who live with autism or other learning disabilities might need certain adjustments made to the environment they are in. It is essential to inquire whether this will be easily accessible in the house or whether or not there is the opportunity to make adjustments and modifications once you or a loved one have moved in. Most providers of supported living should be adaptable and flexible to meet the requirements of individual clients. Several types of supported living accommodations can be outfitted with specialised technology that will allow residents to maintain their independence while remaining safe. Assistive technology can make life for your loved ones easier, whether it's a device that alerts individuals to lock their front doors, automatic lights, or telephone blocks.
Conclusion
Selecting a provider offering supported independent living is a crucial decision. You will be able to gain a better idea of what to anticipate from your SIL provider and determine whether they will be able to satisfy your requirements if you ask these important questions. For everyone in need of a SIL provider in Australia, Care Assure is your answered prayer. We are dedicated to assisting you to enjoy the best service that meets your requirements.
We will collaborate with you to gain an understanding of your needs and then do our best to provide exactly what is tailored to your requirements. We know this may be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience for you, and we are here to assist you at every stage. If you have any inquiries, please feel free to get in touch with us. We are here to guide you in choosing the best choice for your future.
Frequently asked questions:
What should I ask my potential SIL provider?
If you want to move to a new SIL home, you should ask many questions and look into the property carefully to enure it is a good fit for you. Here are some important questions to think about:
- Does the house, including the common rooms and your bedroom, have enough safety features for your needs? Making sure you can safely and easily move around the house is important.
- How many rooms does it have? What number of bathrooms? Which zones do they all share?
- Can I bring my own furniture, or does the furniture come with the house?
- What should I make sure I bring with me?
- How are things handled in an emergency?
- There must be a garden somewhere at the house. What is outside if that's the case? Do I get to decide what can go in the backyard, like furniture, a vegetable garden, or animals?
- Who will be in charge of taking care of the front and back yards, like mowing the grass and planting flowers?
- Is the house close to places like the store, the pharmacy, the doctor, public transportation, and fun things to do?
What should I ask my SIL housemates?
It's important to find out more about the people you might live within a supported independent living home before you move in. This will help make sure that the change goes smoothly and works well for everyone. It's important to make sure you get along with the other people because you'll be living together. The following are some things you might want to ask:
- Daily routines
- What do they like to do?
- What do they like to do when they have time off?
- What do their work hours look like?
- Could you do things with a group?
- How do mealtimes look? Do the housemates cook and eat together, or do they do it on their own?
If you ask these questions right away, you can avoid any problems that might come up later. Everything will be much better and happy for everyone living there after that.
What is the difference between SIL and residential care?
Supported Independent Living and residential care both provide accommodation and support for people with disabilities, but they have some key differences:
- Living arrangements: SIL focuses on promoting independent living skills, allowing individuals to live independently in their own homes or apartments. Residential care typically involves living in a shared living environment with staff on-site.
- Support levels: SIL providers offer varying levels of support, depending on the individual's needs and preferences. Residential care often provides more structured support, including assistance with daily activities and personal care.
- Access to the community: SIL providers actively encourage and support individuals' engagement with the community and social activities. Residential care can provide structured activities but may limit opportunities for independent life.
How can I ensure the SIL provider meets my needs?
To ensure the SIL provider meets your specific needs, it is important to communicate clearly about your goals and requirements. Engage in regular discussions with the provider and provide feedback to ensure ongoing support.
How can I involve my family in the decision-making process?
Involving your family in decision-making is crucial, as they can provide valuable insights and support. Discuss your preferences and concerns with your family and involve them in the assessment process.
How can I file a complaint or report a concern?
If you encounter any issues or concerns regarding the SIL provider, it is important to raise them promptly. Most providers have a complaints procedure in place to address any concerns promptly.
