How Scope can help you find your dream home

This is the second article in our series on Supported Independent Living. You can read the first article here.

Living independently in a home of your choice is most people’s dream, including people with disability. You can choose where you live and who you share it with. Having friends and family around is an important part of living independently. Yet finding the right home and securing funding for support services can seem complicated.

The good news is that the NDIS has funding available for both, the house (‘bricks and mortar’) and the personal support. This includes everything from personal care, cooking and eating, cleaning, to shopping. These two funding types are Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL).

Even better news? Scope’s experienced Vacancy Coordination Team are here to help you get started with SIL and SDA. They can help you find a suitable home, considering your situation and preferences. Let’s take a look at what’s involved.

Who is eligible for SIL and SDA?

First things first. To receive SIL and SDA funding, you need to be an NDIS participant and have it included in your NDIS plan. If you’re not sure of your eligibility, complete this checklist.

Once you qualify, next step is to work with your NDIS planner to identify if SIL and SDA are the right types of support. If you need significant amount of help throughout the day and need to live in a specially-designed or modified home, then you may qualify for SIL and SDA funding.

Note that SIL and SDA funding don’t cover rent, groceries or utilities – you’ll still need to pay these bills.

How do you find the right home?

Depending on where you live, finding a home that suits your needs can take some time so think of starting early. This helps you be clearer of what you need and how to go about getting it. For example, do you need wheelchair access? Specialised bathing equipment? Proximity to certain services?

At Scope, we understand that every person has unique needs and that every house has unique characteristics. This means finding the right home for you is a coordinated process.

With over 250 specialist SIL homes around Victoria, Scope can help you find the right house that suits you.

Our Vacancy Coordination Team will work closely with you to find a home suitable for you. Our coordinated process involves many steps including an Open for Inspection and completing an application. If a suitable home isn’t readily available, we will place you in our waitlist and will be in regular contact to ensure you are well-supported.

Sourcing accommodation

Once you find the right house, you will need to go through an application process as set by the SDA provider (landlord).

Moving into your new home

Once your application is successful there will be a transition period before you moving into your new home. This will help ensure you have all the required supports in place. The Scope team will work with you and your support network throughout this onboarding process. This is an opportunity to create the perfect space full of things that bring you joy.

When you’ve settled into your new home, Scope’s experienced friendly staff will work with you to ensure your tailored SIL support meets your needs.

Ready to get started?

Already have SDA funding and are looking for your dream home? Or still thinking about building your independence by moving out of home in the future? Whatever your situation, our Vacancy Coordination Team is here to help answer your questions.