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NDIS Shared Living vs Supported Independent Living (SIL) | Key Differences

For many Australians living with disabilities, choosing the right NDIS housing option is essential. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for people with different needs, including Shared Living and Supported Independent Living (SIL). Both options offer care and support, but they are designed for different lifestyles, goals, and levels of independence.

What is NDIS Shared Living?

NDIS Shared Living is a housing option where participants live with a host family or in a small group home. The participant becomes part of a household and receives support as needed. This can include help with daily activities, meals, transport, and social interaction.
Shared Living is best suited to individuals who prefer a home-like setting and like staying with others. Participants will be able to acquire social skills, form friendships, and feel as if they are a part of a family or a home. The support is adaptable, needs specific, and can be very personalised.

Benefits of Shared Living

Shared Living offers several advantages:
  • House-like environment: The participants are placed in a supportive house and can develop valuable relationships with hosts or housemates.
  • Flexible support: Assistance in activities of daily living, personal care, and social activities.
  • Better social life: Co-residency can reduce loneliness and provide an opportunity to get to know others.
  • Stability: The participants are likely to be offered regular care by the same caretakers or hosts which develops a sense of routine and stability.
Shared Living works best with individuals who enjoy a family-like atmosphere and can experience day-to-day social support but are somewhat autonomous.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a NDIS support option that enables participants to live on their own, as they receive the support they need. SIL tends to be housed in a group house or apartment environment, so that participants can have their own individual rooms, but they share communal space such as a kitchen or a living room.
The focus of SIL is to help participants develop skills for independent living. This can include managing finances, cooking, cleaning, personal care, and navigating the community. SIL provides a structured environment with professional support staff available as needed.

Benefits of Supported Independent Living

SIL offers different advantages compared to Shared Living:
  • Promotes independence: Participants are supported to perform their own daily tasks and are guided.
  • Skill development: SIL assists one to acquire life skills to achieve long term independence.
  • Flexible support levels: The level of support may be adjusted based on the capabilities and evolving needs of the individual participant.
  • Privacy: Autonomy is increased because participants tend to have their own bedroom and their own space.
SIL is best suited to people who wish to live independently but still require support. It is appropriate for individuals who are willing to assume greater responsibility in the management of their day-to-day life.

Key Differences Between Shared Living and SIL

Understanding the differences between Shared Living and SIL is crucial when choosing the right option:

Feature 

NDIS Shared Living 

Supported Independent Living (SIL) 

Living Arrangement 

Lives with host family or small group 

Own private space within a group home/apartment 

Level of Independence 

Less independence, more guided support 

Higher independence, skill development focus 

Support 

Personal care, meals, social support 

Personal care, skill-building, daily living support 

Social Environment 

Family-like, more social interaction 

Shared communal spaces, more privacy 

Best For 

Individuals needing constant support or a homely environment 

Individuals wanting independence with support available 

Cost 

Usually covered in NDIS plan 

Usually covered in NDIS plan, may vary with support level 

Goal 

Comfort, routine, social connection 

Independence, skill development, self-management 

This table makes it easy to see the main differences and helps participants match their needs with the right option.

Understanding SIL vs Shared Living — Melbourne & Australia Context

When comparing SIL vs shared living NDIS Australia, it’s important to recognise that both options are designed to support independence — but they differ significantly in structure, support levels, and participant experience.
 
In Victoria, especially for participants exploring supported living arrangements in Melbourne, you may also come across NDIS host family accommodation in Melbourne. This is a unique option in which a participant lives with a host family who provides everyday support, fostering social connection and stability.
 
Here’s how the main supported living models differ:
 
🔹 Supported Independent Living (SIL)
 
Designed for people who need ongoing, time-based support with daily living tasks.
 
Support is typically provided in shared homes with trained support workers.
 
SIL focuses on skill development, independence, and community access.
 
🔹 Shared Living
 
The participant lives with housemates or in a shared residential setting.
 
Shared living may offer more flexibility in support routines.
 
Participants often benefit from shared responsibilities and community feeling.
 
🔹 NDIS Host Family Accommodation
 
A hosted living setting where a participant is supported within a family environment.
 
Ideal for those who prefer one-on-one support while maintaining independence.
 
Encourages community connection and everyday life involvement.
 

Difference Between SIL and SDA

While SIL and SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) are sometimes mentioned together, they serve different purposes:
 
SIL (Supported Independent Living) focuses on support services to help with day-to-day living.
 
SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) focuses on housing design — accommodations with specialised features to meet specific disability needs.
 
Understanding the difference between SIL and SDA is key when planning your NDIS supports. One secures the right environment, while the other ensures the right type of support.
 
An experienced provider will guide you through SIL, shared living, and host family options, ensuring your support aligns with your NDIS plan, personal goals, and lifestyle preferences — whether you’re in Melbourne, regional Victoria, or elsewhere in Australia.

Choosing Between Shared Living and SIL

In planning between Shared Living and SIL, consider the following:
  • Level of independence: SIL is preferred by individuals who wish to take more control over their daily life, and Shared Living by individuals who can be supported more effectively in their lives.
  • Social: Shared Living will suit an individual who likes to be social and interact with a family-like atmosphere. SIL is appropriate to people who desire privacy but require support occasionally.
  • Life skills: Shared Living has a specialization in providing a safe and enabling home environment and SIL has a specialization in teaching independent living skills.
  • Support needs: Assess the type and level of support needed to conduct daily activities, personal care and social activities.
The participation of the participants, their family, and NDIS planners should also be considered in decision making. The correct decision must be made according to personal desires and capabilities, as well as living style.

How 3SIXTY5 CARE Can Help

At 3SIXTY5 CARE, we are the registered NDIS provider of both Shared Living and SIL services in Melbourne. Our team assists participants to learn their choice and make the most suitable living arrangement to suit their needs.
We offer individualised support plans, professional staff and safe and comfortable houses in both Shared Living and SIL. We aim to ensure that the participants lead a good life and live independently with the appropriate level of care and support.

Conclusion

NDIS Shared Living and Supported Independent Living are both excellent options, but they serve different needs. Shared Living offers a family-like environment with social support, while SIL focuses on independence and skill development.

Choosing the right option depends on the participant’s independence, social needs, and personal goals. With the right support, individuals can enjoy a safe, comfortable, and fulfilling lifestyle. 3SIXTY5 CARE provides guidance and professional support to help participants make the best choice for their life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is SIL vs shared living NDIS Australia?

SIL vs shared living NDIS Australia refers to understanding how supported independent living (SIL) and shared living arrangements differ within the NDIS. SIL involves structured support focused on independence skills, while shared living emphasises communal living with greater flexibility in routines.

2

What is NDIS host family accommodation in Melbourne?

NDIS host family accommodation in Melbourne is a supported living model where a participant lives with a host family who provides daily support, companionship, and assistance with daily tasks while promoting community inclusion.

3

What is the difference between SIL and SDA?

SIL and SDA are separate NDIS categories that serve different purposes:

  • SIL (Supported Independent Living) provides ongoing support services to help with day-to-day living.
  • SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) provides specialised housing design tailored to specific disability needs.

You can have SIL within SDA, but they are funded separately under your NDIS plan.

4

Can SIL and shared living be part of my NDIS plan?

Yes. Both SIL and shared living support can be included in your NDIS plan if your goals, support needs, and functional requirements justify reasonable and necessary assistance.

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