The environments we live in are more than just bricks and mortar. They reflect our personalities, routines, and deepest aspirations. When we choose a living situation, we're deciding what we want to do each day, where we want to do it, and who we want to do it with.
All this means when we sign on the dotted line for a new home, we’re not just picking a roof over our heads, we’re committing to who we want to become as people.
Like anybody else, people living with disabilities have all kinds of personal aspirations. But for many, being independent will be close to the top of their list.
The supports provided by the National Disability Insurance Scheme can make independence a reality. But with so many NDIS options available, choosing the right living situation is easier said than done.
Two prominent choices are disability group homes and Supported Independent Living (SIL). Let's explore the features and benefits of each to help you choose your next home wisely.
Disability Group Homes
Disability group homes offer a shared living environment with 24/7 on-site support. This typically involves a house with several bedrooms, a shared kitchen, and a living area. Here, you'll live alongside a group of people living with disabilities. Staff are readily available to assist with daily living tasks like:
- Personal care (bathing and dressing)
- Medication management
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Household chores
- Transport and appointments
The Benefits of Disability Group Homes
- Structure and Security: For those who require a high level of support, group homes provide a structured environment with staff always present to ensure safety and well-being.
- Reduced Loneliness: Group homes can combat feelings of isolation that can sometimes accompany living with a disability.
- Potentially Lower Costs: Group homes can sometimes be a more affordable option. The cost of rent and utilities is spread amongst residents and might be reflected in relatively cheap fees.
Supported Independent Living (SIL): Owning Your Space
Supported Independent Living (SIL) takes a different approach. It involves living in your own apartment, house, or even shared accommodation with a friend or loved ones – but with the security of tailored support services.
SIL funding from the NDIS allows you to choose your ideal living situation, while receiving assistance with daily tasks as needed. This support might include:
- 24/7 On-site and off-site support
- Assistance with household chores (cleaning, laundry)
- Support with budgeting and managing finances
- Developing life skills like cooking and using public transport
- Personal care assistance (depending on your needs)
Supported Independent Living often comes with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). SDA is funding for modified housing that meets your specific needs. This might include wider doorways for wheelchairs, grab bars in bathrooms, or assistive technology features. SDA and SIL combine to cater for a fully independent life experience, giving you the freedom to choose where and how you live.
The Benefits of Supported Independent Living
- Greater Independence: SIL empowers you to make your own choices about your daily routine and living environment. It offers you that all-important sense of ownership and control over your life.
- Privacy and Autonomy: You have your own space to relax, unwind, and socialise, allowing for greater privacy and freedom.
- Developing Life Skills: With support, SIL encourages you to develop valuable life skills that can increase your independence over time.
- Integration into the Community: Living in a regular house or apartment allows you to be part of a broader community, promoting a sense of belonging and social connection.
- Improved Mental Health: Having greater control over your life gives you a more positive and empowered outlook. The mental health benefits of SIL might be a game-changer for your all-round well-being.
The Challenges of Disability Group Homes
While well-run group homes can offer a supportive environment, there are also some challenges you should consider:
- Less Privacy: Sharing a living space naturally means less privacy. If your disability is triggered by unpredictable or intrusive social interactions, a group home may not be the right environment for you.
- Limited Control: Daily routines and schedules tend to be structured to accommodate the needs of all residents. If you want the freedom to choose your own routines and activities, a group home is unlikely to accommodate that level of individuality.
- Less Choice: You may have less control over who you live with and how you decorate your personal space. If you want to choose the company you keep, and put your own stamp on your home, Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation is a much better option.
Why Consider Supported Independent Living?
Ultimately, the choice between a group home and SIL depends on your individual needs and aspirations. If you crave independence, social interaction within a broader community, and the opportunity to develop life skills, then SIL might be the perfect fit.
With NDIS funding covering both SIL and SDA, the perceived cost advantage of group homes often disappears. Besides, you simply can’t put a price on true independence.
Remember, the NDIS is all about empowering you to choose the life you want to live. Supported Independent Living offers the potential to enjoy a more fulfilling life, where your environment isn’t imposed upon you, but instead a natural extension of all the unique things that make you, you.
Find Your Independence with United for Care
United for Care is a passionate provider of NDIS support services, including SIL. We proudly partner with Vertika to offer you next-generation SDA homes that promote your independence.
United for Care’s team of experienced professionals can help you navigate your NDIS journey, assess your needs, and explore the best options for SIL in Sydney and beyond. We’re driven by a deep desire to help all our participants live their best lives.
Contact us today to find out how we can support you on your path to finding independence and the life you deserve:
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