Supported Independent Living: Information Pack

Plain-language information for participants, families and supporters. An Easy Read version is available on request.

Welcome

This pack explains Supported Independent Living (SIL) with Disability and Mental Health Care Pty Ltd: what it is, how it works, what it costs, and your rights. Take your time with it, share it with anyone you trust, and ask us anything. We can talk it through in person, by phone, with an interpreter, in Easy Read, or however works for you.

What is SIL?

SIL is help and supervision with daily life in your own home, whether you live with housemates or on your own. It can include:

• Help with personal care: showering, dressing, medication.
• Cooking, cleaning, laundry and looking after your home.
• Building skills so you can do more for yourself, your way.
• Support in the evenings and overnight, including sleepover support.
• Help staying safe, healthy and connected.

SIL is not your rent, groceries, utilities or day-to-day personal spending. Those stay yours, paid the same way as for anyone else. Your home (your tenancy) is also separate from SIL. More on that below, because it matters.

Is SIL right for me?

SIL suits people who need support across the day (and often overnight). If your needs are lighter, other options might fit better, like in-home supports for set hours, or an Individualised Living Option (ILO). When we first talk, we'll explore all of it honestly with you, including options that aren't us.

How it works, step by step

• A chat. No forms first. We listen to what you want home life to look like.
• Assessment. Together we look at your goals, your skills, your current supports and what you need day to day.
• Your roster of care. We build the week with you: who supports you, when, and how. Nothing is decided about you without you.
• Quote and funding. We prepare a quote at NDIS prices and share it with you and your planner or support coordinator for your plan.
• Agreement. You (and anyone you choose) review the SIL Service Agreement and Schedule of Supports. Take your time. Sign only when you're comfortable.
• Meet your team. You see your workers' profiles (real photos, experience, languages) and you have a say in who supports you. Meet and greets are free.
• Reviews. We check in regularly and adjust the roster whenever your life changes. You can ask for a change at any time.

Your home is yours

Your housing never depends on choosing us. You can change support providers without any risk to where you live, and you can complain about us without any risk to your home. If you share a house, decisions that affect the household (routines, shared spaces, a new housemate) are made with all residents, and your views are always sought before a vacancy is filled. We'll also help you get independent advice about your tenancy rights whenever you want it.

Your support team

Every worker is employed and insured by us, never a stranger from a directory. Before anyone supports you they hold a current NDIS Worker Screening Check, and our system tracks every check and pauses any worker whose screening lapses. Workers are trained for your specific supports, including medication and mealtime management where you need them.

Staying safe

You get our office number and a 24/7 line for anything urgent during a shift. Every home has an emergency plan made with you. If something goes wrong, or nearly goes wrong, we record it, fix it, and serious matters are reported to the NDIS Commission within the required timeframes. If you ever feel unsafe with anyone, tell anyone at our office. We act on it.

Money, with no surprises

We bill at the NDIS price limits for SIL (registration group 0115), the same capped prices for every provider. Overnight sleepovers are a flat nightly rate. Your Schedule of Supports shows every support, when it happens, and what it costs each week, before you sign anything. Rent, food, utilities and personal items are always yours and never billed to your NDIS plan by us.

Not happy? Tell us, please

Talk to any of us, use the feedback form, call, or email, and you can use an advocate at any time. We acknowledge complaints quickly and work with you on the fix. You can also complain directly to the NDIS Commission: 1800 035 544, ndiscommission.gov.au. Complaining never affects your supports or your home.

Contact us

Disability and Mental Health Care Pty Ltd, registered NDIS provider 4-LO5XNY0. Phone 0488 114 368 (7 days). Email hello@thecareweb.com.au. Web thecareweb.com.au.

An Easy Read version of this pack, our Participant Information Booklet, and interpreter support are available. Just ask.