When families call us about Supported Independent Living (SIL), one of the first questions is who else will be living in the home. Our answer is always the same: no one.
Aus Care Community Services only provides 1:1 SIL. We don’t run shared-support homes, and we’re upfront about that from the first conversation. Here’s what 1:1 SIL means, why we chose to focus on it, and how to work out whether it’s right for you or someone you support.
What is 1:1 SIL?
SIL is funded support that helps NDIS participants live as independently as possible in their own home. In 1:1 SIL, one participant is supported by their own dedicated support workers. The support isn’t shared with housemates.
In a shared-support home, two or more participants live together and share support staff. Many people choose this and do well in it. 1:1 SIL is a different model for people whose needs, routines or preferences are better met with individual support.
Why does Aus Care Community Services only provide 1:1 SIL?
We’ve seen what can happen when a provider tries to offer every type of support arrangement at once. Staff get stretched across different homes and ratios, and the quality of care can slip. We didn’t want to build a business like that. So we made a clear decision: focus on 1:1 SIL, and put our energy into doing it properly.
Focusing only on 1:1 SIL means:
- Support is planned around one person’s day, not balanced across a household’s schedule.
- We can build a small, consistent team of support workers who get to know the participant well.
- Families have one clear point of contact for questions and updates.
- Routines, meals, visitors and activities are set around the participant’s own choices.
Being clear about what we do also means being clear about what we don’t. If someone would be better supported in a shared-support home, we’ll say so. Our Care Navigators can help them explore other options.
Who is 1:1 SIL right for?
1:1 SIL may suit people who:
- need a high level of daily support
- find shared living environments stressful or unsettling
- have complex behaviour, health or communication needs
- are moving out of hospital, rehabilitation or another setting and need support built around them
- want more control over their home, routine and who comes into their space
Shared living suits many people too, especially those who enjoy company or need less intensive support. The right choice depends on the person, not the label.
Want to know if one-on-one Supported Independent Living may suit you? Speak with a Care Navigator →
Can I get 1:1 SIL funding in my NDIS plan?
1:1 SIL is funded through the Home and Living part of an NDIS plan. The NDIA decides whether it’s reasonable and necessary based on the participant’s support needs, so it isn’t automatically available to everyone.
Strong evidence makes a real difference. That usually means reports from an occupational therapist or other allied health professionals that explain the level of support needed and why individual support is required. If your current plan doesn’t include the funding you need, a plan review may be the next step.
A Care Navigator can help you understand your plan, gather evidence and prepare for a review.
1:1 SIL vs shared SIL: a quick comparison
1:1 SIL
- One participant in the home
- Dedicated support workers
- Routine built entirely around the participant
- Higher level of funding needed
Shared SIL (shared-support home)
- Two or more participants living together
- Support workers shared across the household
- Routines coordinated between housemates
- Lower support ratios, so usually lower funding per person
Where does Aus Care Community Services provide 1:1 SIL?
We’re based in Concord and support participants across Sydney and NSW, including Blacktown, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Parramatta, Newcastle and Wollongong.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1:1 SIL the same as living alone?
Not exactly. The participant lives in their own home without housemates, but they have support workers with them for the hours set out in their plan.
Can I switch from shared SIL to 1:1 SIL?
Yes, if your needs and your NDIS funding support it. This usually involves new evidence and a plan review. A Care Navigator can guide you through the process.
Can I change my SIL provider?
Yes. Participants can choose to change providers. Talk to us about what’s not working, and we’ll explain what switching would involve.
What if 1:1 SIL isn’t right for me?
We’ll tell you honestly, and help you think through other options that fit your needs.
Thinking about 1:1 SIL?
Whether you’re a participant, a family member or a referrer, we’ll give you a straight answer about whether 1:1 SIL is the right fit.
