How do support workers know when participants need help, and how do providers organise the right support?
These questions often arise when people begin using Supported Independent Living services. A SIL roster of care is one of the most important tools providers use to organise support in shared or individual living arrangements. It explains when support workers are present, what type of help participants receive, and how support aligns with the person’s needs and NDIS plan.
What Is a SIL Roster of Care?
The SIL roster of care is a structured timetable, detailing how support staff will help a person who is living in SIL accommodation, including an outline of what support is provided, how many staff are on duty, the hours that they will be available (during the day and night), and how support hours will be divided amongst residents. The SIL roster of care also allows NDIS planners and service providers to see how support is to be provided in the property, to what extent they are to be shared, and at what time of day they are available. It provides a framework to allow the delivery of a participant’s support needs during the course of the day, including the provision of morning assistance with personal hygiene, food preparation in the evening as required.
How SIL Funding Connects to the Roster
Supported independent living funding covers the cost of support workers who assist participants in their homes. This funding does not usually cover rent or utilities; it focuses specifically on the support component.
The roster of care plays a major role when providers request SIL funding. NDIS planners assess if the proposed staffing schedule matches the participant’s functional needs.
For instance:
- Participants who need help with personal care, cooking, and medication may require multiple support hours daily.
- Participants with high support needs may require active overnight support.
- Some participants only need occasional supervision rather than constant assistance.
The roster shows how funding will be used in practice and helps the NDIS check if the requested supports are reasonable and necessary.
Understanding Staffing Ratio NDIS Requirements
Another key part of a SIL roster is the Staffing ratio NDIS providers propose for the household. Staffing ratios explain how many participants one support worker assists at the same time.
Common examples include:
- 1:1 ratio: one support worker supports one participant
- 1:2 ratio: one worker supports two participants
- 1:3 ratio:Â one worker supports three participants
The appropriate ratio depends on the level of support participants require.
For example:
- A participant who requires complex behavioural support may need a 1:1 ratio during certain hours.
- In a shared home with three participants who need moderate support, a 1:3 ratio may work during daytime hours.
NDIS planners evaluate the proposed staffing ratio carefully because it directly affects funding costs.
Providers must show that the ratio matches participant needs and does not result in unnecessary staffing.
How Accommodation Supports Fit into SIL
Many individuals think that Supported Independent Living (SIL) automatically includes housing. This is not the case, as SIL focuses on providing support, while housing is included under Accommodation Supports. These supports can include specialist disability accommodation (SDA), private rental housing, shared disability housing arrangements, and community housing arrangements.
Participants can live with one or more NDIS participants in a shared home or receive SIL support in their own individual living arrangements. The roster of care assigns staff to provide support in the participant’s accommodation.
Daily Living Supervision in Supported Independent Living
Participants who receive SIL often require some level of daily living supervision. This supervision does not mean constant control. Instead, it refers to the presence of support workers who can assist when required and help participants stay safe while maintaining independence. Daily supervision may include support with personal hygiene and dressing, medication reminders, and household tasks such as cleaning or laundry. The roster schedules these supervision periods so participants receive assistance at key times of the day.
How Home and Living Supports Work Together
Supported Independent Living is part of the broader category of home and living supports under the NDIS. Home and living supports provide a range of assistance that helps participants live safely and independently in the community.
These supports may include:
- Supported Independent Living
- Individualised living options (ILO)
- In-home support services
- Short-term accommodation
The roster of care specifically applies to SIL arrangements because it structures how support workers operate within the home.
For participants and families comparing different housing options, understanding how the roster works can help them decide whether SIL suits their lifestyle and level of independence.
How SIL Providers Develop a Roster of Care
Experienced SIL providers create a roster by assessing the needs of the participants and the daily routines of everyone who lives in the house.
This process involves several steps:
1. Reviewing participant support needs
Providers review assessments, functional capacity reports, and participant goals to determine the level of support required.
2. Mapping daily routines
Next, providers map out key activities during the day, such as morning personal care, meal preparation, community participation, and evening routines.
3. Allocating staff hours
Support workers are then scheduled to cover these periods.
For example:
- Morning support (6 am – 10 am): Two support workers may assist participants with personal care, getting ready for the day, and preparing breakfast.
- Daytime support (10 am – 4 pm): One support worker may support participants who are attending activities or spending time in the community.
- Evening support (4 pm – 9 pm): Two support workers may help with cooking, dinner preparation, and evening routines.
- Overnight support: A sleepover staff member may remain available in the home to respond if support is required during the night.
This structured plan becomes the official SIL roster of care submitted to the NDIS.
Common Mistakes When Reviewing a SIL Roster
Participants and families sometimes approve rosters without fully understanding how they work. This can create issues later.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Ignoring quiet periods
Some rosters have long gaps where staff availability is limited. Participants should check whether support is available during unexpected situations.
Not reviewing overnight support
Participants should confirm whether the roster includes active overnight support, sleepover staff, and on-call support. These arrangements affect safety and funding.
Overlooking shared support
In shared homes, staff may support several residents at once. Participants should understand how this affects wait times for assistance.
Not matching goals with support
The roster should reflect the participant’s NDIS goals. For example, if the plan includes building cooking skills, the roster should allow time for supervised cooking practice.
Questions Participants Should Ask Before Approving a Roster
Participants can make better decisions by asking providers practical questions.
For example:
- How many support workers are present during peak hours?
- What happens if a participant requires urgent assistance?
- Is overnight support active or a sleepover?
- Can the roster change if a participant needs to change?
Clear answers help participants understand how support will operate in daily life.
Support From Our Team
Clear guidance can help you manage Supported Independent Living (SIL) more easily, whether you are just trying to learn more or accessing a roster for the first time. The Hilda Care team works closely with participants, families, and support coordinators to develop practical support arrangements that match everyday routines and goals. If you would like more information about our SIL services, or if you would like to explore your current arrangements, we’ll be happy to assist you in evaluating and discussing your options.