If you are looking for the NDIS services in Melbourne or Melton, congratulations on becoming an eligible NDIS member in the first place. When you are finding suitable living options to take the most benefit of NDIS, you often end up relying on professional recommendations.
The problem with this approach is the misalignment of NDIS living accommodation with your preferences. You must realise that NDIS support workers align supports with your goals, so familiarising with the difference between Shared and SIL accommodation in Melbourne is critical.
This blog outlines the key differences between the two living options to help you understand which one fits right for your NDIS goals. So, continue reading the blog till the end to make an informed decision.
The Difference Between Shared and Supported Independent Living
Both the shared living and SIL accommodation are available under NDIS services in Melbourne and Melton. Let’s break down the meaning, key features, and services under each of the Shared and SIL accommodation in Melbourne.
What is Shared Living?
Shared Living is a short-term accommodation which allows you to live with other NDIS participants with similar needs and goals. Most often, NDIS providers in Melbourne offer shared living arrangements for individuals who need a transition from home to a combined living space for a short-term.
Key Features of Shared Living:
● Group Setting:
You must expect to live in a home with a group of people sharing similar needs and preferences. In addition, shared living arrangements provide access to private bedrooms but you must share the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms with your housemates. It is important to understand your comfort and patience before choosing NDIS disability services.
● Shared Support Services:
Even though you are sharing daily tasks with others, support workers are also available to assist the group with meal preparation, cleaning, and social activities. This service leans towards group-based support rather than individualised assistance.
● Cost-Effective:
Shared living spaces are easily and readily available, lowering the costs of accommodation and services available to the group residents.
● Focus on Social Interaction:
Individuals get the opportunity to interact with others which is empowering in building your social circle and communal skills. Even the regular group activities and outings creates a sense of community belonging.
Services to Expect in Shared Living:
- Shared meal preparation and planning.
- Assistance with daily household chores and self-care practices under expert supervision.
- Group commutes for shopping and social outings.
- Opportunities for community participation and group recreational activities.
- Support for health management, budgeting, financial, and time-handling skills.
- Finding alternative living options, including shared living, in urgent situations.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
SIL accommodation in Melbourne involves living in an independent home, apartment, or other spaces to receive NDIS disability services in Melton for daily activities. As compared to shared living arrangements, this type of living is more personalised and liberating for people with intensive needs.
Key Features of SIL:
● Individualised Support:
SIL supports your personal disability needs and goals, either at your home or in a rented apartment. This support caters to individuals who need full autonomy to live independently but needs a support worker to handle various tasks.
● Extent of Support:
SIL is a tailored support. So, whether you need support worker’s help for a few hours a day or round-the-clock assistance, you can personalise the support without having to depend on anyone.
● Autonomy and Skill Development:
Under services under SIL accommodation in Melbourne, the individuals get attention on building life skills, daily tasks, personal care, cooking, budgeting, and mobility support for greater empowerment.
● Choice and Control:
SIL is favourable if you wish to live according to your routine, choose support arrangements, and specific daily activities compared to shared living.
Services to Expect in SIL:
- Support as a helping hand while allowing participants to manage, control, and enjoy privacy in living alone.
- Assistance with personal care, involving bathing, dressing, grooming, and other self-care.
- Support while still allowing NDIS participants to manage daily essentials like meal planning, cooking, dishwashing, and laundry independently.
- Help with budgeting and managing finances.
- Participation in community, recreational, and other employment-related workshops.
- Access to 24/7 on-call support, in case of emergency situations.
Final Words
We hope you found this blog useful. Coming to an end, you must see that both the Shared and Supported Independent Living (SIL) accommodations cater to different lifestyles and disability goals.
If you enjoy community living, then the Shared Living option is affordable under NDIS services in Melbourne and Melton. However, if your disability requires intensive support, personalised assistance, then the SIL accommodation in Melbourne with the arranged facility or support at home is a good choice to learn self-reliance skills.
Take the next move – call Nexa Care, an NDIS provider in Melbourne directly or access their referral form to learn more.