The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an initiative helping people with different levels of disabilities to live independently. As long as you are using NDIS funds in the right way, you are living a happy and fulfilling life.
But when choosing between Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Respite Care, it is likely to think of the two as accommodation facilities for different disabilities. However, there is a lake-size difference between the two.
If SIL support empowers independent living, then respite care is a foundation to it. In this blog, you will learn a lot more differences between supported independent living and respite care. So, keep reading it till the end to choose the right SIL providers in Melbourne.
Supported Independent Living and Respite Care: What’s the Difference?
Here are the key differences between NDIS supported independent living and respite care in context to their meaning, purpose, services, and benefits.
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Meaning:
Supported Independent Living:
It is a long-term NDIS-approved accommodation for people with physical, mental, emotional, and social disabilities. You can choose to live in a shared home, independent flat, or take services at your home.
Besides the living arrangement, this service aims to empower NDIS participants to do daily chores, look after their personal hygiene, take part in community activities, engage in social conversations, and learn life skills. Many SIL providers in Melbourne further assist with understanding the services offered, so contact a nearby credible team today.
Respite Care:
It is a short-term NDIS accommodation to help people with disabilities live for up to 28 days in a year. This is usually available through an NDIS provider’s respite care accommodation.
When living in this designated facility, you will receive support with personal care, get meals, take part in daily and social activities, and get constant overnight supervision. Consider respite care before living in a SIL facility to experience the new environment.
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Purpose:
Supported Independent Living:
The main intent behind this service is to empower and assist individuals with disabilities to live a confident and independent life. If you are living in a home that no longer serves your needs or if you want to live out of your comfort zone, then SIL providers in Melbourne are here to help.
This lets you live in a shared home or independently while receiving constant support for meal preparation, daily home chores, financial management, medication administration, and travel arrangements.
Respite Care:
The purpose of respite care service is to help you recover from injury or disability after a hospital discharge. This allows you to regain strength and mobility before transitioning to your home.
In addition, you can consider a respite care if your home is under renovation or your family caregiver is not available for some time. Conveniently, this service allows your caregivers to take a break from caregiving duties and prioritise on their personal time.
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Services:
Supported Independent Living:
It is a high-intensity care and support that also empowers participants to live independently. Here are some services you can expect under the services from SIL providers in Melbourne.
- Daily household chores.
- Mobility assistance along with assistive aids.
- Personal hygiene including bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Meal preparation and feeding.
- On-time medication and as required medical appointments.
- 24/7 supervision of a support worker for high-intensity support.
- Community travelling for grocery shopping, mall visits, social parks, and libraries.
- Education on life skills, including budgeting, financial planning, and travelling on your own.
Respite Care:
It is a moderate to high support to help you experience independent living before considering supported independent living. Here are the following services:
- Assistance with personal care like toileting, bathing, grooming, and eating.
- Managing medications.
- Offer emotional and social support while they live in shared living spaces.
- Assistance with mobility aids and walking assistance.
- Flexibility to choose in-home respite, day programs, or overnight stays.
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Benefits:
Supported Independent Living:
When you choose to live in an SIL arrangement, you must expect the following perks for your disability goals.
- Independence to live all alone or with another NDIS participant without having to constantly rely on a caregiver.
- Confidence to do domestic duties, build a social life, and engage in new hobbies, especially when you are capable of living independently.
- Tailored support as per your lifestyle, eating habits, and care requirements. So, whether you want a support worker for a few hours or days, you can consider SIL providers in Melbourne for the best assistance.
Respite Care:
You can expect the following benefits under respite care services as well.
- Break from a regular routine to meet new people, try new activities, and build social skills in a safe environment to reduce isolation.
- Encourages decision-making and develops skills like self-care, communication, and flexibility.
- Allows your primary caregivers to reduce fatigue and emotional strain.
- Serves as a good option for emergency relief during illness or personal matters.
- Allows you to receive supervision for daily living chores, personal needs, and health management.
- Encourages participation in day care programs.
- Serves as a foundation for long-term accommodation like supported independent living.
Final Words
We hope you found this blog useful. As you see, NDIS Supported Independent Living and Respite Care accommodation facilities serve differently. If SIL providers in Melbourne assist and empower independent living, then respite care offers short-term relief from routine to the participants and caregivers.
If you can partially manage your life but still require comprehensive support, then go for supported independent living. But if you want to embrace a new environment while keeping your old routine the same, then a respite care program is your best disability support.
Take the time today. Find and address your common concerns with your nearby NDIS provider to avail these disability services in Melbourne. Link Assist is the leading name in the list of friendly and supportive NDIS providers in Melbourne, offering tailored support and life-altering experiences.
