Ready for the next chapter

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Moving out of home for the first time is a big deal

It’s a super exciting step – and with the right support it means more choice, more opportunities and more control over everyday life – all with support when you need it.

Afford client Joanne moved out of her family home and into an Afford Supported Independent Living (SIL) property recently and she couldn’t be happier.

“I love my home,” she says proudly. “I really love it.”

So, what exactly is SIL?

SIL is an NDIS-funded support designed to help people live as independently as possible in their very own home. Support workers can assist with everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, developing routines, managing medication, building skills and staying connected with the community.

For Joanne, it’s the perfect mix of independence and support. She has support and care when she needs it and privacy when she doesn’t. She loves her kitchen, her garden, the gaming area, the pool and most of all, her bedroom.

Her room has its own ensuite bathroom and is decorated from floor to ceiling with unicorn-themed items. There’s linen, pillows, posters, miniatures, stuffed animals and more. This is not just somewhere she sleeps – it’s a space where Joanne is surrounded by her treasures and the things that truly matter to her.

What’s it like?

This is what Afford SIL is all about. Your own bedroom, your own belongings and your own say in how your day looks – but with support available to help you work towards the things that matter to you.

Maybe that means learning to cook your favourite meal, doing your own laundry, choosing what to have for dinner, building money management skills or heading out to see friends.

It might mean discovering that you really enjoy having a quiet morning before everyone else gets up, or that you love having housemates to watch movies with.

The aim isn’t for support workers to do everything for you. Good SIL support is about doing with you, helping you build skills, confidence and independence over time. For example, Joanne now knows how to cook.

Also, living with other people can connect you to a whole new world. Joanne has formed deep friendships with her housemates. They enjoy activities together both at home and in the community and provide one another company and support.

Choosing the right support

Of course, finding the right home is important. You should have a say in where you live, who supports you and what your support looks like.

There is also an important new safeguard to be aware of. All providers delivering SIL must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. SIL providers must meet new SIL- specific NDIS Practice Standards covering areas including supported decision-making, safeguarding, practice governance, and agreements about tenancy, housing and support arrangements.

Afford is a fully registered provider. We recommend you ask any prospective provider whether they are registered to deliver SIL and talk to them about how they put your choices, rights and safety at the centre of their support.

Your home. Your next chapter.

There is no single right age or right way to move out of home. For some people, it’s a goal they’ve been working towards for years. For others, the idea grows slowly as they become more confident about what they want.

The important thing is that the decision starts with you – your goals, your preferences and the kind of life you want to build and open the door to a bigger, more independent life – just like Joanne.

Afford has been offering disability services for 75 years. We are a fully registered provider. To learn more about Afford and the services we offer, visit afford.com.au or call 1800 233 673.