NDIS Independent Living

NDIS Independent Living

Imagine a life where you can make your own choices, live in your own space, and receive the support you need – all at the same time. That’s what independent living through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is all about. If you or someone you care about has a disability, the NDIS offers a path to greater independence and a more fulfilling life. Let’s explore how this innovative program can help you or your loved one live on your own terms with the right amount of support.

What is NDIS Independent Living?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers various independent living options for different needs and support levels. These options allow participants to live in their own homes while receiving the necessary support.

Let’s explore the main types of independent living arrangements:

1. Supported Independent Living (SIL)

SIL provides comprehensive support for participants with high support needs.

• Offers 24-hour support
• Suitable for those who need assistance with daily activities
• Can be in shared or individual homes
• Supports include personal care, household tasks, and community participation

2. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

SDA is designed for participants with very high support needs who require specialised housing solutions.

• Purpose-built or modified housing
• Incorporates advanced assistive technology and accessibility features
• Often combined with SIL for round-the-clock support
• Caters to specific disability-related requirements

3. Individualised Living Options (ILO)

ILO provides a flexible package of supports tailored to individual needs and preferences.

• Customised living arrangements
• Can include living alone, with family, or in shared settings
• Support is designed around the participant’s unique circumstances
• Focuses on building independence and community connections

Each option aims to provide NDIS participants with the right level of support to live as independently as possible while ensuring their needs are met. The choice of living option depends on the individual’s support requirements, personal preferences, and NDIS plan funding.

NDIS Independent Living Services

Wish Health offers a comprehensive range of services to support NDIS independent living. These include:

Key services offered in Wish Health’s SIL homes include:

• Personal care assistance
• Help with daily household chores and tasks
• Home maintenance and upkeep
• Transportation to appointments and activities
• Medication assistance
• Shopping support
• Meal preparation and cooking
• Social outings and community engagement

Wish Health emphasises personalised support plans tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences. They employ highly skilled caregivers, selecting only the top 1% of applicants to ensure exceptional care. The company also focuses on compatibility matching and assessing individual preferences and personalities to create harmonious living arrangements.

Eligibility Criteria

General Criteria

To be eligible for Wish Health’s SIL services through the NDIS, individuals typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Have an NDIS plan
• Require significant daily support
• Be over 18 years old
• Have a desire to live more independently

Application Process

1. Contact Wish Health: Reach out to express interest in their SIL services
2. Initial Meeting: Meet with Wish Health representatives to discuss needs and preferences
3. Share NDIS Plan: Provide your current NDIS plan to Wish Health
4. Paperwork: Complete necessary forms with assistance from Wish Health staff
5. Assessment: Wish Health evaluates to determine the best living arrangement
6. Home Visit: Arrange a visit to potential SIL homes
7. Meet Potential Housemates: If applicable, meet other residents in shared accommodations
8. Support Plan Development: Work with Wish Health to create a personalised support plan
9. NDIS Approval: Wish Health assists in submitting the required documentation to NDIS for SIL funding approval
10. Transition Planning: Once approved, plan the move-in process and any necessary preparations
11. Ongoing Support: Receive 24/7 care and assistance from Wish Health’s trained staff in your new home

This process may vary slightly depending on individual circumstances and NDIS requirements. Wish Health emphasises personalised support throughout the application and transition process.

Supported Independent Living Funding & Budgeting

Understanding how funding works for SIL is crucial for NDIS participants.

Here’s an overview of the funding and budgeting process:

• SIL funding is typically included in your NDIS plan’s Core Supports Budget, designed to fund daily tasks, supervision with daily tasks, and personal care.
• The amount of funding depends on your individual needs and the required support level.
• SIL funding is usually quoted separately from other supports and is paid directly to your chosen SIL provider.

Key Points to Remember

When considering SIL funding, it’s important to understand several key aspects of the process:

1. Assessment of needs

• The NDIS will assess your support needs
• They consider factors like the level of support required and how many people you’ll live with

2. Funding categories

• SIL funding falls under the Core Supports Budget
• This is separate from your Capacity Building and Capital supports budgets

3. Allocation of supports

• Your NDIS plan allocates funding between core and capacity-building supports, balancing daily assistance and skill development.

4. Quoting process

• SIL providers submit a detailed quote to the NDIS
• The quote outlines the supports they’ll provide and the associated costs

5. Ongoing reviews

• Your SIL funding will be reviewed regularly
• Changes can be made if your needs or circumstances change

6. What SIL funding covers

• 24/7 or overnight support
• Assistance with daily living tasks
• Support to access the community

7. What SIL funding doesn’t cover

• Rent or board
• Daily living expenses (e.g., food, utilities)
• Transport costs

Remember, while SIL funding is comprehensive, it’s designed to complement other supports in your NDIS plan. At Wish Health, we’ll work closely with your Support Coordinator or NDIS planner to help you understand how your SIL funding fits your overall NDIS budget and support needs.