Getting funded for supported independent living (SIL) can be life-changing. Participants often gain a new level of independence and find they have more opportunities to pursue their goals.

But choosing the right provider is crucial. Whether you care for someone who’s engaging SIL services or you’re a participant yourself, you need a provider with the knowledge and experience to support you on your own terms .

In this blog, we cover the factors to bear in mind when making your decision.

The importance of choosing the right provider for you

Your SIL provider will have a significant impact on your quality of life . They’ll be responsible for your care needs and helping you achieve your goals and learn new skills. That’s why it’s so important that you choose a provider that suits your needs.

Before you start evaluating SIL disability housing providers, you should have a thorough understanding of what your needs are. These include your daily living requirements, medical needs, and preferences around independence and social activities . Having a clear idea of these requirements means you can identify a provider that’s not only good, but right for you.

Factors to consider

1. Experience and quality of care

The right SIL provider will understand your care needs and have experience supporting others with similar needs. They’ll also have qualified staff who have training relevant to your needs and can tailor their support accordingly. You can often find this information by reaching out to providers and by exploring the services they offer on their website. For example, since SIL funding includes 24/7 shared support, it’s important to understand how each provider delivers that support and whether their approach aligns with your individual needs.

The NDIS has a tool for checking if a provider is registered with them . You can use this to see if your potential provider is NDIS-approved before selecting them. It’s also worth checking how long the provider has been in operation. If a provider has a longstanding positive reputation, this is usually a good sign that they’re trustworthy.

2. Customer service

In all your interactions with potential providers, evaluate their communication style . Are they person-centred? Are they respectful and sensitive to cultural differences? Do they involve you and your support network in discussions or just talk at you? The behaviour of customer service staff in these situations is usually a good indicator of the provider’s general approach to caring for you.

You can also check the provider’s website to see if they actively support diversity and inclusion. Even if this isn’t important to you personally, it’s a good sign that the provider respects their clients and is committed to creating a welcoming environment . 

3. Support your goals

Along with supporting your care needs, the right NDIS SIL provider will also help you achieve your goals. These could include learning new skills, developing more independence or making new friends . To find out if they’re a good fit, you should ask providers how they plan to help you achieve your goals. Do they have relevant programs in place? Are their staff equipped to support your goals?

You can also ask your NDIS support coordinator to help you understand your plan and the skills you should aim to develop. This can help you decide on your goals and advocate for the right kind of support.

4. Housing facilities and location options

There are lots of factors to consider when assessing housing suitability, including:

• Location
• Safety and accessibility
• Proximity to support networks, like your family
• Proximity to amenities, like public transport and social groups
• Whether the layout and features of the home will support your goals

When evaluating these features, don’t just think about your current needs and goals - think about the future too . For example, maybe you don’t currently use public transport, but if it’s your goal to catch a train one day, it’s a good idea to live near a station.

Want to learn more about the difference between supported independent living and specialised disability accommodation ? Read our latest blog .

5. Pricing structure

A trustworthy provider will be very transparent about their pricing structure . They should be able to tell you what is and isn’t covered by your NDIS funding so you can make an informed financial decision.

If you’re concerned about hidden costs, you can ask your support coordinator to review the provider’s proposed support package . They’ll be able to help you understand the package’s inclusions and exclusions.

6. Client testimonials

Providers that look after their participants and provide great experiences will often share their stories. Do some research to see if you can find client testimonials or reviews about your potential provider. That way, you can learn more about what the service recipients think of the provider.

For example, Nick Palmer had an apartment that was supported by Rise . He lived next door to Alan, who also had a Rise apartment. On the weekend, Nick and Alan might get the barbecue firing in their backyard. “We have barbecues in summer or autumn and picnic lunches. Alan and I might have a coffee together. I go out every day.”

Nick’s really involved in his community as well . Twice a week, he gets a lift from his support worker to his job as a Baker's Assistant. “I knead the dough, make different breads and set up. I do the garlic bread and the flour in the morning. I like the mix of people and everything, talking to people, having meat pies, learning things.” He was also part of a group that formed the disability committee to provide advice about issues affecting them and other people with disabilities at Rise.

How to gather this information

Attending in-person visits, tours, or welcome days is a great way to assess the living environment and the behaviour of staff. You should find a clean, welcoming environment with residents who are comfortable and at ease. If it’s appropriate, you could also talk to these residents to see if they’re happy with their home.

These visits are also an opportunity to ask your potential provider in-depth questions . Have a think beforehand about what you’d like to know and remember; you don’t have to make a decision in the moment. A good provider will give you time to think, rather than rushing you.

You can also find a lot of useful information online, including service descriptions and reviews from participants or carers. Ultimately, you need to trust your gu t - collect all the information you can and then make a decision that feels right for you.

Supported Independent Living at Rise

At Rise, we provide a wide range of independent living support services, from personal care to community engagement. We also offer supported accommodation across the Perth metropolitan area .

Our expert team is here to help you find the support that’s right for you. We care about your needs and your goals and are committed to empowering members of our community to lead rich and rewarding lives. 

If you’d like to learn more about our services and accommodation, get in contact with our team - we’re always happy to help .