Updated on February 12, 2026
Living in a Supported Independent Living (SIL) home is often a big step toward independence for many people with disability. But you might have questions like: What does life actually look like day to day? Is it structured? Flexible? Supportive without being intrusive?
This article offers a practical look at daily life in a SIL home, including morning routines and household tasks, community participation, relationships with housemates, and how support is delivered.
What is SIL?
A SIL home can be:
- A shared house with other participants
- A single-occupancy home where a participant lives alone
- A home with a mix of paid and informal supports, depending on goals and needs
Regardless of the setting, SIL is about supporting people to live as independently as possible. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Morning Routines
Mornings in a SIL home can look very much like mornings in any other household. The difference is that support workers are available to assist with tasks that improve safety and independence. Typical morning activities may include:
- Waking up at a preferred time
- Support with personal care (e.g., showering, dressing)
- Help with medication prompts.
- Assistance with breakfast preparation
- Support developing daily living routines.
Support workers tailor their involvement based on individual routines and preferences. For some, this might be gentle reminders and encouragement; for others, it could involve more hands-on assistance. The focus remains on building skills rather than doing everything for the person.
Support Throughout the Day
Daily life in a SIL home usually includes ongoing support for tasks that might otherwise be challenging to manage alone.
Examples of support throughout the day:
- Meal preparation and planning: Creating nutritious meals that align with preferences and dietary needs
- Household tasks: Light cleaning, laundry, grocery planning, and general upkeep
- Medication management: Prompting or assisting with medication at the right times
- Personal care: Assistance with mobility, hygiene, or other daily routines
Importantly, SIL support doesn’t take away independence; it enables it. Workers strive to support participants in ways that help them develop confidence and life skills over time.
Community Participation and Meaningful Activities
Community participation in a SIL setting can include support to access work or study environments, attend day programs or volunteering opportunities, take part in social events, hobbies, or community groups, and manage appointments or social engagements. Support planning may also involve practical strategies such as organising transport and route planning, budgeting for activities, and gradually building confidence in new or unfamiliar environments to encourage greater independence and social inclusion.
According to NDIS guidelines, SIL supports should promote community participation and help achieve personal goals, aligning with the broader purpose of increasing independence and social inclusion.
Living With Others
If you’re living in a shared SIL home, day-to-day life involves relationships with housemates. Just like any shared living arrangement, this involves:
- Respecting each other’s privacy and routines
- Negotiating shared spaces (kitchen, lounge, backyard)
- Communicating about chores and responsibilities
- Building positive living relationships
Unlike institutional settings, SIL homes encourage all housemates to communicate and contribute to household decisions. Housemates can support each other, with workers facilitating respectful and supportive environments.
Support workers also play an important role in resolving conflicts, promoting positive communication, and helping people develop social and interpersonal skills, always guided by your preferences and comfort level.
Evenings and Overnight Support
Typical evening activities may include:
- Preparing dinner
- Relaxing with leisure activities (TV, reading, hobbies)
- Attending social events or community programs
- Personal care before bedtime
For participants requiring overnight support, SIL workers may be rostered for:
- Sleep-over support
- Waking shifts (where active assistance is needed at night)
- On-call or monitoring supports
The level of overnight involvement depends on individual needs and what has been agreed in the SIL support plan.
Choice and Control
One of the key benefits of SIL is that participants make choices about their day. SIL is not a rigid schedule; instead, it supports and adapts to personal preferences, routines, and goals.
Participants are supported to choose their own daily routines, including how they start and end their day, what activities they take part in, and how they structure their time.
They are also involved in deciding what type of support they receive and when it is provided, ensuring assistance aligns with their preferences rather than disrupting their independence. SIL supports encourage participants to set personal goals and milestones, whether related to daily living skills, social engagement, or greater autonomy, and to work towards them at a pace that feels comfortable and achievable.
Over time, this flexible and person-centred approach allows individuals to build confidence, strengthen skills, and grow their independence in ways that suit their unique needs and aspirations.
The Role of Support Workers in Daily Life
Support workers are an essential part of SIL’s daily life. Their role is to:
- Provide practical assistance with daily tasks.
- Encourage skill-building and independence.
- Facilitate community access and participation.
- Promote safety and well-being.
- Respect personal preferences and routines.
It’s important to note that support workers are there to assist — not control — how you choose to live your life. Their training, professionalism, and respect for participants’ rights are critical parts of making SIL a positive experience.
How Centre Disability Supports SIL Daily Living
At Centre Disability Support, we focus on person-centred, flexible, and empowering support in SIL environments. Our approach emphasises:
- Supporting independence rather than dependency
- Clear communication with participants and families
- Tailored support routines based on personal goals
- Ongoing monitoring and partnership with participants
Whether you’re new to SIL or want to adjust your living arrangement, our team provides guidance, planning support, and collaboration with providers and the NDIA.
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