Updated on April 27, 2026
A SIL readiness checklist works best when used as a step-by-step planning tool rather than a checklist to quickly tick off. The goal is to help families and participants clearly understand what level of support is needed and whether SIL is the right fit at this stage.
SIL Readiness Checklist for Families and Participants
Tick what applies on the lists below and note any areas where a little more preparation may help.
1. Daily Living Skills
Ask: Which of these areas requires daily support?
Check whether the participant can manage the following independently, with prompts, or with full support.
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Preparing simple meals
- Cleaning and tidying living spaces
- Doing laundry
- Taking medication correctly
- Following a daily routine
- Managing appointments
- Basic budgeting or money awareness
2. Health and Medical Needs
- Has ongoing medical needs that require support
- Needs help with medication management
- Requires mobility assistance
- Has regular therapy or health appointments
- Has emergency health risks that need monitoring
- A medical support plan is in place.
Ask: What health needs can we help support together in the SIL environment?
3. Emotional and Social Readiness
- Comfortable with a new environment
- Able to communicate needs and concerns
- Can cope with changes in routine
- Able to share space with others
- Has strategies for managing stress or anxiety
- Open to receiving support from staff.
Ask: What emotional supports would help this transition feel smoother?
4. Safety and Behaviour Support
- Risks at home have been identified.
- Safety concerns are documented.
- Behavior support plan is in place (if needed)
- Emergency contacts are available.
- Night-time support needs are identified.
- Risk management strategies are clear.
Ask: What support will help everyone feel safe and comfortable?
5. Support Network
- Family support is available.
- The support coordinator is involved.
- Allied health professionals are engaged.
- SIL provider options have been explored
- A clear communication plan is in place.
Ask: Who will support the participant during the move and after the transition?
6. Goals and Motivation
- Participant wants more independence.
- SIL goals align with NDIS plan goals
- Participant understands what SIL involves.
- Willing to build life skills
- Interested in a shared or supported living arrangement
Ask: What does successful independent living look like for the participant? How can we help?
Final Readiness Check
- Supporting documents are available.
- Recent OT / allied health reports are ready.
- Risks and support needs are clearly documented.
- SIL arrangement has been discussed with professionals
Key Areas to Assess for SIL Readiness
1. Daily Living Skills and Functional Capacity
SIL readiness depends on one’s ability to handle daily activities like personal care, cooking, cleaning, laundry, medication, chores, and routines.
If a participant has difficulty with these tasks without daily support, SIL may be needed. Occupational therapists and allied health professionals assess these skills and describe the level of support required, which is key for NDIS funding decisions.
Rather than say “needs help with dinner sometimes,” assessments should explain how support enables safe meal preparation, reduces risks, or supports hygiene. Concrete examples show why SIL is necessary.
2. Health and Medical Needs
SIL readiness includes understanding which medical conditions or health risks need routine attention.
- Does the participant need help with medication, wound care, or health appointments?
- Are there daily or nightly risks (e.g., complex medication, mobility issues, or being left unattended)?
SIL funding can include support worker assistance with medication management and supervis
3. Emotional and Social Readiness
Living with SIL often involves support workers and, often, other participants. Emotional and social readiness are important.
Ask questions such as:
- Does the participant communicate their needs or discomfort?
- Are they able to tolerate changes in routine or new living situations?
- Do they have strategies for managing frustration, anxiety, or interpersonal conflict?
Social readiness isn’t full independence. It means understanding social strengths and challenges and working with others daily. Family support coaches and behavior specialists can help build skills before moving into SIL.
4. Behavior Support and Safety Considerations
Behavior and safety planning are also necessary for SIL readiness. Some participants need specialized or high‑intensity support. Others may require structured behavior plans to improve daily safety and reduce risk.
Behavior support plans should outline triggers, de‑escalation strategies, and specific steps for support workers. Including this plan with your SIL request helps planners see how risks are managed proactively.
Because SIL involves shared living, a documented behavior support strategy helps show that the arrangement can be safe and successful.
5. Support Network and Communication
Families, carers, support coordinators, and allied health professionals all help make SIL successful. Your checklist should include:
- Clear communication pathways between the participant, family, support coordinator, SIL provider, and other relevant parties.
- A support network that can be involved in planning meetings, documentation gathering, and ongoing reviews.
- Agreements about roles and responsibilities in the SIL environment.
Clear communication and advocacy by your network increase the odds of a smooth SIL transition.
6. Goals and Motivation
Readiness for SIL also involves the participant’s goals and understanding of what living independently means. SIL is not just about transferring support responsibilities; it is about building independence and supporting the person to live a meaningful life.
Discuss questions such as:
- What personal goals does the participant have for their daily life?
- What does independent living mean to them?
- Are they comfortable with the idea of support workers and routines that promote independence?
Conclusion
Supported Independent Living empowers participants to live with dignity, independence, and confidence. It provides paid support for daily tasks, skill building, and safety at home. SIL is most effective when participants and families are emotionally prepared and equipped with evidence, assessments, and an understanding of required supports.
At Centre Disability Support, we work with participants, families, carers, and support networks to simplify either your SIL or ILO process. Each participant’s goals and support needs are unique, so our approach is always personalized and we’re ready to help you succeed.
