Supported Independent Living (SIL) is all about giving people living with disabilities the chance to live life their own way. By providing tailored support, SIL providers promote independent living and well-being every day. But what does it mean to promote independence while supporting people with daily living? Ultimately, it comes down to a few SIL best practices that can enhance the lives of everybody involved.
Encouraging independence
Of course, the entire SIL program focuses on independence, but this doesn’t happen without encouragement. People living with disabilities require varying levels of support, and their needs may even change from day to day. Finding the balance between assisting somebody and encouraging them to do something for themselves can be difficult.
Support workers must fully know a participant’s capabilities and encourage them to develop their skills each day. The key is using encouragement, ensuring that every learning experience is positive.
Assisting with, not doing for
Again, this is all about finding the right balance. Whether someone lives with a disability or not, it can be difficult watching someone struggle with a task. There is always the temptation to ease the person’s burden by doing it for them, but often, this discourages independence rather than encourages it.
SIL best practice is to always perform tasks with or alongside participants. Sometimes it can be helpful to take more of a guiding role, rather than a hands-on approach as this allows the person to experience the pride of mastering something for themselves. Others may prefer learning by working with you on a task and watching. This is why all Supported Independent Living care plans should be highly personalised.
Clear and accurate reporting
As discussed previously, a person living with a disability’s needs may fluctuate from time to time. Some people may experience a decline in their capabilities, indicating the need for more support. Others may flourish to the point that support can be slightly reduced. But it’s harder to adjust someone’s support level and NDIS funding without clear and accurate reporting.
All SIL support workers should keep clear and detailed records of a participant’s health and well-being. This way, if there is a need for increased or reduced support levels, you have plenty of documentation to support the NDIS funding process.
Person-centred planning
We’ve already touched on the importance of tailoring a person’s care plan to suit their needs. The great thing about Supported Independent Living is that participants are encouraged to live life to the maximum extent of their capabilities. But it’s also crucial to have the right support mechanisms in place to allow participants to develop their skills in a safe, supported environment. By tailoring the level of support for each individual participant, SIL providers give the best possible environment for participants to lead full, rewarding, and independent lives.
Getting involved in the community
Community involvement is great for everybody and is no different for people with a disability. Feelings of isolation are very common for participants, so helping them get out in the community is an excellent support. There are so many options for people to get involved, and it all depends on each individual’s goals, confidence and capability. Whether it’s volunteering, finding supportive employment, attending local events, or even just getting out regularly to do some shopping, all community inclusion should be promoted.
While SIL strives to offer participants housing that feels like home, we must also remember that independence means living on your own terms. Sometimes, that’s outside of the home, too. People with disabilities have so much to offer the community, and in turn, community involvement gives plenty back.
By following SIL best practices, Supported Independent Living providers can be the positive change that people need to enjoy life on their own terms.
