Updated on July 21, 2025
Transitioning from a family home to Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a huge step for people with disabilities. It allows people to become more independent while receiving the care they need and living in a shared environment.
Creating a home that supports a person’s needs and lifestyle can bring many benefits, including improved self-esteem, developing life and social skills, flexibility, and an overall enhanced quality of life. With the right planning and support, the transition can be smooth for the person and their loved ones.
What is a SIL Home?
A SIL Home is a house or apartment for people with disabilities to live in while they receive 24/7 support with daily tasks. These homes are often shared with other NDIS participants. Still, they can also be solo residences, depending on the person’s needs and funding.
It’s the best option for people with disabilities who want to live independently but need assistance with daily tasks, such as personal care, cleaning, medication management, and cooking, or just need a more inclusive environment or want to build their social skills.
>> See our latest SIL Vacancies
What Features are in a SIL Home?
SIL Homes contain features unique to the needs of the person, and they vary by available funding to help them live as independently as possible while ensuring their accessibility, comfort, and safety. These features include
- 24/7 support: Trained staff members to support your everyday needs from grooming, feeding, and medication.
- Accessible facilities: The home is designed to be wheelchair friendly and may contain other accessible facilities like accessible bathrooms and kitchens, wide doorways, and step-free entryways for people with mobility challenges to move around.
- Open-plan kitchen and dining areas: By prioritising space, visibility, and ease of movement, the home becomes a more inclusive, safe, and independent living environment for people with disabilities.
- Shared or Individual housing: You can live with housemates or by yourself (depending on preferences and funding).
- NDIS-Funded: SIL support is NDIS funded to support different daily tasks, including personal care (showering, dressing), household tasks (cooking, cleaning), and help with accessing the community (transport, appointments)
- Routine and Independence: Support is tailored to help residents build skills, routines, and independence over time.
When To Know How to Transition
Here are some reasons to know that it’s time to start considering Supported Independent Living:
- You desire more independence and privacy.
- Parents or caregivers are ageing or experiencing burnout.
- The current home environment no longer meets your growing needs.
It’s essential to have open discussions at this point with family, support coordinators, and other trusted professionals. The best time to transition is when it’s planned, not rushed, giving everyone time to prepare emotionally and practically.
How to Transition Smoothly From Home to SIL?
A successful transition to SIL doesn’t happen overnight. It requires thoughtful planning, collaboration, and trust. Below are the core steps to ensure a smoother journey:
Proper Planning
The first step is to work with your NDIS support coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to set clear goals around living independently. These goals will guide your SIL application and help identify the type of support and living arrangements that best suit your needs.
Be involved or involve the person with disability as much as possible in discussions. Their preferences, routines, social interests, and long-term aspirations should shape the final decision.
Choosing the Right SIL Provider
Look for providers with experience supporting people with similar needs and who are willing to provide consistent, trained support staff.
The right SIL providers:
- Operate in locations that are convenient and safe.
- Align with your rights and preferences.
Visiting potential homes, meeting with current housemates, or even doing trial stays can help the individual become more familiar with their future living environment. This is where we at Centre Disability Support come in. We help match you with the most suitable housing and support setup, ensuring it aligns with your goals.
Creating a Person-Centred Transition Plan
A good transition plan is person-centred, meaning it revolves entirely around the needs and comfort of the individual.
This includes:
- The new environment will be introduced gradually through day visits and overnight stays.
- Establishing a new routine with familiar supports, where possible.
- Open communication between the individual, family, support team, and provider is encouraged.
>> Learn more about Person-Centred Support.
Gradual Transition Options
Not everyone is suddenly ready to leave the family home. Transitioning to Supported Independent Living (SIL) doesn’t have to be immediate. The NDIS offers flexible housing support options to help them ease into independent living based on their comfort level and needs.
Short-Term Accommodation (STA)
STA, also known as respite care, provides a temporary stay in a supported environment for up to 14 days. This is ideal for:
- Trying out a new living environment
- Giving carers a short break
- Building independence in a low-pressure setting
STA includes 24/7 support, meals, personal care, and activities in a home-like environment, making it a significant first step toward SIL.
Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)
MTA is designed for people who need temporary housing for up to 90 days while they wait for their permanent SIL home to be ready. This might be suitable if:
- You’ve secured SIL funding but are waiting on modifications or availability.
- You’re in transition from hospital, rehabilitation, or crisis housing.
- You want to live independently, but still need a little time to adjust.
These transitional options ensure that individuals and families don’t feel rushed. They provide valuable time to prepare emotionally, adjust to new routines, and try different living arrangements before committing to a full-time SIL home.
Centre Disability Support can help you explore STA or MTA options as part of your personalised transition plan.
Final Thoughts
The transition from the family home to Supported Independent Living can initially seem overwhelming. Still, with proper planning, guidance, and ongoing support, it becomes a path to personal growth, independence, and a higher quality of life.
Ready to explore Supported Independent Living for yourself or a loved one?
At Centre Disability Support, we offer tailored support services for individuals with disabilities throughout Australia.
We offer housing options in Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane areas, where we provide independent supported living or assist individuals in finding suitable options for individualised living.
We also have support coordinators available to assist you with planning, navigating your NDIS plans, and offering casework support.
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