NDIS Supported Independent Living Melbourne
Supported Independent Living (SIL) helps people with disabilities live more independently with the right level of daily support. At Australian Instant Care, we provide SIL services across Melbourne for NDIS participants who need help or supervision at home throughout the day. And, when required, overnight as well.
Our skilled support workers assist with everyday tasks such as personal care, household activities, and skill-building, which helps create a stable, comfortable home life. We take the time to understand your goals, preferences, and routines to deliver personalised support and compassionate care that truly supports your independence while promoting comfort and connection.
What is Supported Independent Living?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)-funded support that helps people with disabilities achieve genuine independent living at home, particularly those with higher or complex support needs. It provides regular or ongoing help and supervision with daily living tasks such as personal care, cooking, cleaning, and managing household tasks.
Unlike standard in-home or personal care supports, SIL services focus on empowering individuals who need assistance most of the time, including daytime and, where required, overnight support. They focus not just on completing daily tasks but also on building long-term life skills, independent living skills, and confidence, helping participants work towards a truly independent life in a shared or supported living environment.
Who is Eligible for Supported Independent Living?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is intended for people with a significant and permanent disability who have higher or complex support needs and require help at home most of the time, often across the day and night. This includes participants who need regular supervision, personal care, or assistance with everyday activities to live safely and as independently as possible.
Eligibility for SIL is determined through your NDIS planning process. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will assess whether SIL is reasonable and necessary for your situation, based on:
- The level of support you need to complete daily tasks safely
- Whether you require 24-hour or frequent assistance
- Your goals for independence and community participation
- How SIL aligns with your overall NDIS plan and living arrangements
SIL may be delivered in a shared home with other NDIS participants or, in some cases, in single-occupancy settings where intensive support is still needed.
How We Can Help
Encouraging independence through structure, stability, and support.
Our Supported Independent Living services in Melbourne are designed to help you build confidence and manage your home life more easily.
Here’s how we can assist:
Personal Care Support
Assistance with hygiene, grooming, dressing, and other daily tasks.
Household Activities
Help with cleaning, cooking, laundry, and general home management.
Meal Planning and Preparation
Guidance and support with grocery shopping, nutrition, and meal preparation.
Medication Prompts and Health Support
Reminders and supervision for medication and wellbeing routines. This is entirely supervisory, not clinical.
Skill Development
We support participants in building life skills at their own pace, from budgeting and time management to personal organisation. Developing these essential life skills builds lasting confidence and greater independence.
Community Participation
Support to attend appointments, activities, and social events as part of your daily life, with connections to community resources that help you stay engaged and included.
Overnight and 24/7 Support
Assistance available as needed for participants who require higher levels of care or supervision.
Our Melbourne SIL services can be adjusted based on your specific set of needs. We provide tailored support and work with you, your family, and your NDIS planner to ensure your supports fit your NDIS goals, home setting, and level of independence.
NDIS Supported Independent Living in Melbourne FAQs
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS-funded support that helps people with higher or complex needs reach their independent living goals at home. It provides regular or ongoing assistance with daily tasks like personal care, cooking, and cleaning, often including overnight or 24/7 support.
SIL empowers participants to achieve greater independence and personal growth, while fostering social inclusion through opportunities to build friendships and engage meaningfully with the community.
SIL also focuses on helping you build long-term independent living confidence and capability in a shared or supported living environment.
Who is eligible for SIL?
SIL is for NDIS participants with significant and permanent disabilities who have higher or complex support needs. It suits people who need help or supervision at home most of the time, including day and night. Eligibility typically requires support needs that span seven days a week, including overnight assistance. Eligibility is assessed during your NDIS planning process, taking into account your individual circumstances, including your daily support needs, independence goals, and living arrangements.
To access SIL funding, approval is included as part of your NDIS support plan and requires a professional assessment of your daily living needs, with the level and nature of Supported Independent Living (SIL) support determined through person-centred planning.
What does SIL funding cover?
SIL funding covers the support services provided by staff, such as personal care and supervision. It does not cover rent, groceries, or utility expenses.
Can SIL be provided in shared accommodation?
Yes. SIL is commonly delivered in shared homes with other NDIS participants, though it can also be arranged in individual accommodation if appropriate for your needs, offering flexible housing solutions to suit different circumstances. Shared living arrangements typically involve a small number of individuals with similar support needs living together, offering companionship alongside cost-effective care.
Compatibility with housemates is an important consideration, and many SIL providers offer the opportunity to meet potential housemates before you move in, helping to create a harmonious living environment from the outset.
What kinds of daily supports are included?
Support can include personal care, meal preparation, cleaning, household management, medication prompts, and help to build independence and social participation. This also covers skill development in areas such as budgeting, cooking, and time management; transport assistance to help you access work, school, and social activities; and social and recreational support to keep you connected with your community. Household assistance extends to laundry, shopping, and general home upkeep to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.
How is SIL different from Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
SIL funds the supports and services that help you live independently, while SDA funds the home or building itself, which is designed for accessibility and safety. SDA is specifically available for individuals with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs and can be combined with SIL supports, meaning you may be eligible for both within your NDIS plan.
Can I choose my support workers?
Yes. We’ll help match you with support workers who fit your personality and preferences, and you’ll always have the final choice.
Do you offer 24-hour support?
Yes. We can provide active or overnight support depending on your needs and funding. Our rostered staff are trained to assist at all times. Support ratios in SIL funding determine how many participants share a support worker, which influences the number of staff present in the home at any given time. We'll walk you through how this works as part of your planning process.
Can I change my supports later?
Of course! We are flexible and can adjust your SIL plan and explore updated support options if your circumstances, routines, or goals change. Our tailored support approach means your care always moves with you.
Are SIL homes accessible for people with mobility challenges?
Accessibility is an important consideration when exploring SIL options. SIL homes should include features that support comfort and ease of movement for participants with mobility challenges, including assistive technology and other accessibility modifications. When discussing living arrangements with us, we encourage you to raise any specific accessibility requirements so we can find a home environment that genuinely works for you.
Can I visit a SIL home before making a decision?
Yes, and we strongly encourage it. Visiting a potential SIL home gives you and your family the chance to see the living environment firsthand, meet the support staff, and get a feel for whether it's the right fit. We're happy to arrange a visit at a time that suits you before any commitment is made.
What SIL support does Australian Instant Care provide?
Our Supported Independent Living (SIL) services are designed to help participants feel at home, stay safe, and build confidence in their daily lives. From personal care and household help to skill-building and community participation, our support services can assist with specific tasks that matter most to each individual. We make it straightforward to access SIL support, ensuring residents feel supported every step of the way.
What SIL services are available for different support needs?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) services can be adapted to suit a wide range of support needs and living arrangements. Whether you require light daily support or around-the-clock assistance, our SIL services are flexible enough to meet you where you are. We work closely with you to find an approach that genuinely fits your life and your goals.
What life skills can I build through SIL?
Supported Independent Living places a strong focus on building practical life skills that help you manage day-to-day life with greater independence. Our support workers encourage participants to work on skills like budgeting, cooking, personal care, and time management, building the confidence needed to thrive.
How do I get started with SIL in Melbourne?
Contact our friendly Melbourne team to discuss your goals and support needs. We’ll help you explore SIL options, review your NDIS plan, and find the right living arrangement for your independence.

Live Independently With the Right Support
Supported Independent Living can help you feel confident and capable in your daily independent living, with the peace of mind that the right help is always close by. Our Melbourne team is here to make your living environment safe, comfortable, and empowering.


