The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be both exciting and daunting for participants and families alike. You know what you wish to achieve: support that gives you greater independence, safety and quality of life. However, with so many types of services and providers to choose from, it is crucial you are able to make educated decisions. Of all the supports accessed by NDIS participants, Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Short-Term Accommodation (STA) services are two of the most accessed supports through the NDIS.
This blog aims to clarify how these supports function, their relevant benefits, and how NDIS participants, their families, and their support networks can find the right options to suit their requirements, in Sydney.
Grasping Accommodation Options Through NDIS
The NDIS provides funding for various accommodation types based on the degree of need of the participant, their goals, and their eligibility. These include:
- Supported Independent Living (SIL): Long-term support available to participants in a shared or individual accommodation type for those who require daily assistance with personal care activities, household tasks or supervision of a shared living environment.
- Short-Term Accommodation (STA): Also referred to as ‘respite care’, this accommodation option offers participants a temporary stay away from their home, while allowing both participants and carers an opportunity to take a break.
Advantages of Supported Independent Living (SIL)
1. Encourages Daily Independence:
SIL supports people to gain more independence with cooking, hygiene, medication, and social outings while developing their skills.
2. Encourages Social Participation:
Living in shared housing with peers encourages friendships, shared and supported living, and emotional help from others.
3. 24/7 Practical Care, Day and Night:
If a person has a higher support requirement, then SIL may have the right focus with its person-centred approach of 24 hours care designed to meet their needs and routines.
4. Customised Support Plans:
SIL arrangements are created based on each individual participant’s NDIS Areas of Support as well as their goals. Importantly there is enough flexibility to allow participant’s support to adapt as they grow and develop.
5. Gives Families Peace of Mind:
Knowing their family members are with quality and compassionate professionals in a safe and predictable environment greatly reduces the stress and improves confidence when making longitudinal plans.
Finding the Right SIL Provider in Sydney
Not all providers are made equal. When selecting a SIL provider in Sydney, it is important to consider:
- Experience and Registration: You will want to be sure the provider is registered with the NDIS and is well-established in the delivery of SIL services.
- Availability of Housing: You will want a good selection of housing which considers location, accessibility (i.e., features of the housing), ongoing community integration, and compatibility with housemates.
- Staffing: Trained, empathetic, and culturally sensitive staff are essential for providing care which is respectful and effective.
- Participant Involvement: The best providers allow participants to co-design their routines and support structure.
Short-Term Accommodation (STA): More Than Just a Break
STA is not just about providing an overnight service; it is providing experiences and relief during times of transition and crisis.
Here are the benefits of STA for participants:
1. Allows for Respite to Carers:
For family or informal Carers, STA provides respite. This is important for Carers to recharge and care for their own wellbeing.
2. Emergency Transition Support:
STA can also function as a transitional support service, for example when participants are discharged from hospital or are in an unsafe home environment.
3. Opportunities for Social Exploration:
Participants can enjoy new experiences or environments, meet new people/friends, and learn new skills in a supported environment.
4. Flexibility of Funding:
NDIS funding can be used to book vacancies throughout the year based on need and planning to use the supports.
5. Safe and Supportive Place:
Participants will receive all the necessary support, from personal care to access into the community, these services are offered in a professional manner across all sites.
What Should We Look For in STA Providers
When choosing an STA provider in Sydney, you should consider:
- Accommodation Comfort: Clean and accessible houses in safe neighbourhoods.
- Activities & Engagement: Providers that have meaningful engagement activities related to participants goals.
- Pricing Transparency: Be very clear on what is included, the cost of each meal, transport frequency, support hours etc.
- Crisis support: Can the provider respond to emergencies or last minute bookings with due consideration.
What a Full Service NDIS Provider Can Offer
The most effective support occurs when a provider is able to offer both SIL and STA with a range of care options. This gives an opportunity for continuity of service and an easy transition between short-term and long-term living support, and builds identification with the participants’ trust and relationship.
At Kuremara, NDIS participants can have:
- Individualised Care Plan: Developed for each participant, identifying their individual needs and any changing goals in life.
- A range of supports on offer: From SIL, STA, Community Access, Transport and In-Home Support.
- Inclusive and Professional Team: Trained and culturally safe professionals with the knowledge and experience to accommodate a wide range of physical, psychosocial, and cognitive disabilities.
- Strong Local Presence in Sydney: With a strong local presence in Sydney, Kuremara has established connections within the local community so participants will be connected into a support network.
Tips to Make the Right Decision
When deciding between STA or SIL, there are practical tips you should consider:
- Ask for a trial stay and/or visit the property before making a commitment.
- Speak to other participants or Carers who have used the service.
- Ask what the support structure is, staff to participant ratio, and activities the participants engage with.
- Understand what their communication processes are, especially when talking about emergencies.
- Look online for reviews, or testimonials, which can help you assess the reputation of the provider.
Final Thoughts
For many NDIS participants, housing and accommodation support is more than just providing accommodation over their heads, it is about gaining independence, confidence and a better quality of life.
By supporting experienced and person-centred providers (like Kuremara), people and families in Sydney can access stable supported living environments and offers for interesting short-term stays.
Whether you are seeking longer-term supported living or short-term accommodation it is about ensuring that your decisions align with your goals and lifestyle. Importantly the right provider is not just delivering care, but empowering lives.
