Help Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right disability supports can feel complicated. Here are answers to some of the questions participants, families and carers ask us most often.
Understanding SIL, SDA and your choices
Answers about supported living, specialist accommodation, funding and decisions about your home and supports.
View all servicesWhat is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living, commonly known as SIL, is support for people who need help or supervision with everyday tasks while living as independently as possible.
SIL may include assistance with personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, medication support, developing routines, building daily living skills, community access, overnight support and other disability-related needs.
The type and level of support you receive will depend on your individual needs, goals and approved NDIS funding.
Who is SIL suitable for, and how do I know if I am eligible?
SIL is generally designed for participants with higher support needs who require regular assistance or supervision throughout the day.
The NDIA determines whether SIL is reasonable and necessary based on your disability-related support needs, goals, circumstances and available evidence.
If you are considering SIL, we can help you understand the type of information that may be required and discuss whether our services are suitable for your needs.
What is the difference between SIL and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
SIL is the support you receive. SDA is the home you live in.
SIL funds the disability supports provided in your home.
SDA funds specially designed housing for eligible participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
Some participants may have both SIL and SDA funding, while others may receive only one of these supports.
What does NDIS funding cover, and what expenses do I pay myself?
NDIS funding generally covers disability-related supports that are considered reasonable and necessary and included in your plan.
Everyday living expenses such as rent, groceries, electricity, internet, personal entertainment and other ordinary household costs are generally not covered by SIL funding.
Before services commence, we will explain what is included in your supports, what can be claimed from your NDIS plan and any costs that remain your responsibility.
Can I choose where I live, who I live with and who supports me?
Where possible, your preferences, goals and support needs are central to decisions about your living arrangements and supports.
If you are considering shared accommodation, we look at factors such as lifestyle, compatibility, communication preferences, routines, support needs and available vacancies.
You should also be involved in decisions about the workers who provide your support and how your supports are delivered.
Do I have to use the same provider for my accommodation and SIL supports?
No. Housing arrangements and disability supports are separate matters.
Participants should be able to understand the difference between their tenancy or accommodation arrangements and the support services they receive.
Where we provide accommodation-related services and disability supports, these arrangements are clearly explained so you can make informed choices about your home and your supports.
Daily support, complex needs and independence
Information about high intensity support, nursing, everyday assistance, worker training and building life skills.
Do you provide High Intensity Supports and Community Nursing?
Where the required supports are within our approved scope and your individual needs can be safely supported, we may provide High Intensity Daily Personal Activities and Community Nursing.
High intensity supports may include areas such as complex bowel care, enteral feeding, dysphagia support, urinary catheter care, tracheostomy support, ventilator support, subcutaneous injections and complex wound care.
Community Nursing may be provided where disability-related health needs require appropriately qualified nursing professionals.
Before these supports commence, we assess your needs, clinical instructions, risks and the competencies required from the workers supporting you.
What support can you provide with daily living, personal care and household tasks?
Depending on your needs and NDIS plan, support may include:
- showering, dressing and personal hygiene
- meal preparation and cooking
- cleaning, laundry and household routines
- shopping and everyday errands
- support with medication within the worker’s authorised role
- developing daily routines
- assistance attending appointments
- support to participate in the community
- building greater independence in everyday activities.
Our approach focuses on supporting you to do as much as possible for yourself, while providing assistance where needed.
How do you make sure my supports are safe and your workers are appropriately trained?
Participant safety is a priority.
Workers are selected according to the type of support they provide and, where required, hold relevant NDIS Worker Screening clearances, qualifications, training and competencies.
For complex or high intensity supports, workers receive appropriate participant-specific training and guidance before providing the support.
We also review risks, support instructions and changes in your needs to help ensure supports remain safe and appropriate.
How can you help me build life skills and participate in the community?
We provide supports designed to build confidence, independence and community participation.
Depending on your goals, this may include:
- cooking and meal planning
- budgeting and money skills
- communication and social skills
- shopping and household management
- using public transport
- accessing education or activities
- developing friendships and social connections
- participating in recreation and community programs
- group and centre-based activities.
Innovative Community Participation and Life Skills supports are tailored to your interests, abilities and NDIS goals.
What is the difference between Support Coordination and Plan Management?
These are two different types of support.
Support Coordination helps you understand and use your NDIS plan, connect with providers and community services, coordinate supports and build your ability to manage your services.
Support Coordination may also assist with significant life-stage transitions, such as moving home, becoming more independent or changing support arrangements.
Plan Management focuses on the financial administration of your NDIS plan. This can include paying provider invoices, monitoring your budget, keeping financial records and providing statements about how your funding is being used.
If both supports are included in your plan, you can use both services.
Can you help with accommodation, home modifications, transport and language support?
Depending on your NDIS plan, needs and our scope of service, we may assist with:
- accommodation and tenancy-related supports
- exploring suitable home and living arrangements
- coordinating appropriate accommodation services
- transport assistance for disability-related activities
- accessing appointments and community activities
- language and interpreter support
- coordinating appropriate home modification services.
Home modifications may require assessments, supporting evidence, approvals and appropriately qualified professionals before work can proceed.
Understanding agreements and your next step
Answers about pricing, service agreements, communication preferences and how to start support with Harmony.
How much do services cost, and what is included in my Service Agreement?
The cost of your services will depend on the type of support you receive, your NDIS funding and the applicable NDIS pricing arrangements.
Before regular services begin, we will explain:
- the supports we will provide
- how and when services will be delivered
- the applicable rates
- cancellation arrangements
- your responsibilities and our responsibilities
- how changes can be made
- how the agreement can be ended.
These details are recorded in your Service Agreement, so you understand the arrangements before agreeing to services.
What if English is not my preferred language?
We welcome participants from all cultural and language backgrounds.
We can communicate with you in a way you understand and, where required, assist with arranging an appropriate interpreter so that you can understand your services, make informed decisions and participate fully in planning your supports.
You can also tell us about cultural, religious, communication or interpreter preferences that are important to you.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple.
Contact our team and tell us what support you are looking for. We will discuss your needs, goals, NDIS plan, funding and preferences and determine whether we are able to provide the supports you require.
If we are the right fit, we will explain the next steps and work with you to develop a support arrangement that reflects your individual needs and goals.
Still have a question?
Tell us what you need help with and our team will point you in the right direction.