SIL vs ILO: Which NDIS Housing Option Is Right For You?

Last week, I met Sarah, a bright and determined woman with cerebral palsy who'd been struggling to find the right living arrangement. "I want independence," she told me, "but I'm overwhelmed by all these NDIS options." I hear her confusion around SIL and ILO almost daily in my work with NDIS participants.

Housing isn't just about having four walls and a roof—it's about creating a home where you can thrive. For people with disabilities, choosing between Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Individualised Living Options (ILO) can be life-changing but also confusing.

At We Care W.A., we would like participants to make this decision, so let me explain it in plain terms.

Our Supported Independent Living (SIL) Services

SIL is designed for people who need significant daily assistance. It's like having a safety net that helps you stretch your wings.

Take Michael, for example. With an intellectual disability and complex health needs, he requires help with medication, meal preparation, and personal care. In his SIL arrangement, he shares a house with two others while our support workers rotate through the home, providing 24/7 assistance.

"Before SIL, Mum was burning out trying to do everything," Michael's sister told me. "Now he's learning to cook simple meals and managing his morning routine with guidance. The structure works for him."

Our SIL services might be right for you if:

• You need predictable, regular support throughout the day
• You benefit from routine and structure
• You require overnight assistance
• You're comfortable in a shared living environment

Our Individualised Living Options (ILO) Program

ILO is the new kid on the block in NDIS housing options, and at We Care W.A., we specialize in creating customized support systems.

Emma's story perfectly illustrates our ILO approach. A wheelchair user with strong independent living skills, Emma didn't need 24/7 support but struggled with specific tasks. Through our ILO program, she rents her own apartment with our support workers dropping in for morning and evening routines. She also has a neighbour who's paid a small amount to be "on call" for unexpected needs.

"I didn't fit the SIL model," Emma explained over coffee last month. "We Care W.A.'s ILO program lets me live on my terms while still getting help when I actually need it."

Our ILO services might suit you if:

• You value autonomy in choosing where and how you live
• Your support needs fluctuate or are targeted to specific times
• You have strong preferences about who provides your support
• You want to integrate informal supports (like family or friends) into your arrangement

How We Help You Choose the Right Option

When Raj's family consulted with our We Care W.A. team about his living options, we asked them to consider four questions that cut through the confusion:

1. "What does an ideal day look like for you?" (This reveals how much structure vs. flexibility you need)
2. "Which tasks do you need help with, and when?" (This shows the intensity and timing of support needed)
3. "Who do you want in your daily life?" (This highlights preferences for shared living or privacy)
4. "What makes a place feel like home to you?" (This uncovers emotional needs that are just as important as practical ones)

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The beauty of We Care W.A.'s approach is that your living arrangement can be as unique as you are.

Why Choose We Care W.A for SIL & ILO Services?

At We Care W.A., we are committed to providing exceptional, person-centred SIL and ILO services. We recognise that everyone has unique needs, and our team works closely with participants and their families to create customised support plans that align with their goals.

What Sets Our Services Apart:

• Experienced Staff - All our support workers are trained specifically in disability support & mental Health.
• Continuity of Care - We match you with the same support workers whenever possible
• 24/7 Support - Our team is available around the clock for SIL participants
• Flexible Arrangements - Our ILO program can be tailored to your exact specifications
• Seamless NDIS Coordination - We handle all the paperwork and plan management

Our holistic approach prioritises physical, emotional, and social well-being. We focus on providing assistance and fostering independence, confidence, and active community participation.

Whether you require full-time SIL support or a flexible ILO arrangement, We Care W.A delivers compassionate, professional, and reliable care. Our mission is to empower individuals to live independently while feeling supported and valued in their community.