Belong Health

Q: What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living is an NDIS support that provides assistance with everyday activities for people who require regular support to live as independently as possible. SIL funds the support a person receives rather than the home they live in.

Q: What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation is specialised housing designed for a small group of NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs whose needs cannot reasonably be met in standard housing.

Q: Is SDA the same as SIL?

No. SDA and SIL are separate NDIS supports that serve different purposes. Some participants receive one support, while others may receive both depending on their functional needs.

Q: Can I receive both SIL and SDA?

Yes. Participants may receive both Specialist Disability Accommodation and Supported Independent Living where they require specialised housing together with ongoing daily support.

Q: What does a SIL Assessment involve?

A SIL Assessment may include interviews, functional observations, assessment of personal care, household activities, community participation, safety, daily routines, clinical reasoning and a comprehensive Occupational Therapy report.

No Waitlist for SDA & SIL Assessments

Belong Health has immediate capacity for SDA and SIL Assessments.

Our experienced Occupational Therapists work closely with participants, families, Support Coordinators, Specialist Support Coordinators, housing providers and other allied health professionals to prepare comprehensive reports that clearly explain an individual's functional needs and housing requirements.

We understand that housing decisions are often time-sensitive, and our team is committed to delivering high-quality assessments and reports while maintaining clear communication throughout the process.

What Are SDA & SIL Assessments?

Although SDA and SIL are often discussed together, they are two separate NDIS supports that address different aspects of independent living.
An Occupational Therapy assessment helps determine whether one or both supports may be appropriate based on the participant's disability-related functional needs.

Understanding the difference is an important first step.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS support that provides assistance with everyday activities for people who require regular support to live as independently as possible.

SIL focuses on the support people receive, rather than the building they live in.
Depending on individual needs, SIL funding may assist with support for:

Personal care
Showering
Dressing
Meal preparation
Household tasks
Medication routines
Community participation
Skill development
Overnight support
Behavioural support implementation
Daily supervision

An Occupational Therapy SIL Assessment explores how much support a person requires throughout the day and night to safely participate in everyday life.

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is an NDIS housing support designed for a relatively small group of participants who have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs and require specially designed housing.

Unlike SIL, SDA focuses on the physical home itself rather than the daily supports provided within it.
An Occupational Therapy SDA Assessment considers whether the participant's current home environment creates barriers that significantly affect:

Safety
Accessibility
Mobility
Independence
Personal care
Community participation
Long-term health
Quality of life

Where appropriate, recommendations may include specialised housing features that better support the participant's functional needs.

What's the Difference Between SIL and SDA?

This is one of the most common questions we receive.
Although SIL and SDA are closely related, they provide different types of support.

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Focuses on daily support services

Funds support workers

Assesses support needs

Determines support ratios

Helps people live independently

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Focuses on specialised housing

Funds the housing design

Assesses environmental needs

Determines housing suitability

Helps create an accessible living environment

Many participants receive one without the other.
Some participants receive both.
The appropriate pathway depends entirely on individual circumstances and functional needs.

Can You Have SIL Without SDA?

Yes.
Many NDIS participants receive Supported Independent Living funding while living in ordinary housing that is not classified as Specialist Disability Accommodation.

For example, a participant may require support workers throughout the day but have a home that already meets their accessibility needs.
In this situation, SIL may be appropriate even though SDA is not.

Can You Have SDA Without SIL?

Yes.
Some participants live in Specialist Disability Accommodation because the design of the property meets their disability-related needs, but they require relatively little day-to-day personal support.

Others may receive both SDA and SIL because they require both specialised housing and ongoing daily support.
An Occupational Therapy assessment helps determine which combination of supports best reflects the participant's individual circumstances.

Why Are SDA & SIL Assessments Important?

Housing plays a significant role in a person's ability to participate in everyday life.
An accessible, well-designed home combined with appropriate daily supports may improve:

Independence
Safety
Privacy
Choice and control
Community participation
Personal care
Daily routines
Family relationships
Sleep
Emotional wellbeing
Quality of life

Occupational Therapists consider not only where someone lives, but how their living environment supports or limits their ability to participate in meaningful everyday activities.

Housing Is About More Than a Building

One of the core principles of Occupational Therapy is that the environment influences occupational performance.
The same person may function very differently depending on where they live.
For example, a participant may struggle to:

Access their bathroom safely
Prepare meals independently
Move between rooms
Enter or leave the home
Sleep comfortably
Manage personal care
Safely evacuate during an emergency

These challenges may not be caused solely by the person's disability.
Sometimes the environment itself creates unnecessary barriers.

An Occupational Therapy Home and Living Assessment explores how changes to housing, support arrangements or assistive technology may reduce these barriers and support greater independence.

Our Person-Centred Approach

Every person's goals are different.
Some participants hope to move into more independent accommodation.
Others wish to remain living with family for as long as possible.

Some require increasing support due to progressive health conditions, while others are developing greater independence over time.
Our Occupational Therapists work collaboratively with participants, families and support networks to understand:

Current living arrangements
Future goals
Functional capacity
Environmental barriers
Support needs
Risks
Strengths
Personal preferences

Every recommendation is based on the individual's unique circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is one of the most commonly misunderstood supports available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Many people believe SIL is a type of accommodation. In reality, SIL is about the support a person receives to live as independently as possible, regardless of where they live.

While some people receiving SIL also live in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), many participants receive SIL while living in standard housing, private rentals, family homes or other community-based accommodation.

The focus of SIL is supporting people to participate safely and meaningfully in everyday life.

What Does Supported Independent Living (SIL) Fund?

SIL funding is designed to assist participants who require ongoing support with daily activities due to the impact of their disability.
Depending on individual circumstances, SIL may fund support for:

Personal care
Showering and bathing
Dressing
Grooming
Toileting
Meal preparation
Household cleaning
Laundry
Shopping
Medication routines
Community participation
Attending appointments
Developing independent living skills
Overnight supports
Behaviour support implementation
Building daily routines

The purpose of SIL is not to reduce independence, but to provide the right level of support so participants can participate as fully as possible in everyday life.

Who May Benefit from a SIL Assessment?

A Supported Independent Living Assessment may be appropriate for people who require regular disability-related support throughout the day or overnight.
This may include individuals who:

Need assistance with personal care
Require prompting or supervision throughout the day
Have complex physical disabilities
Have intellectual disability
Have Autism with high support needs
Have acquired brain injuries
Live with neurological conditions
Have psychosocial disability where ongoing daily support is required
Are transitioning from the family home
Are leaving hospital or rehabilitation
Have increasing support needs over time

Every participant's circumstances are unique, and recommendations are based on individual functional needs rather than diagnosis alone.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Assess During a SIL Assessment?

An Occupational Therapy SIL Assessment focuses on understanding how much support a person requires throughout a typical day.

Rather than simply recording tasks that require assistance, Occupational Therapists examine how disability affects a person's ability to safely and consistently complete meaningful everyday activities.
The assessment may consider:

Personal Care
Including:

Showering
Dressing
Grooming
Toileting
Oral hygiene

The Occupational Therapist considers:

Level of assistance required
Prompting needs
Physical assistance
Supervision requirements
Safety
Consistency

Household Activities
Including:

Cooking
Cleaning
Laundry
Grocery shopping
Household organisation
Meal preparation

The assessment explores whether tasks can be completed independently, require prompting, or require full physical assistance.

Medication Management
The Occupational Therapist may assess the participant's ability to:

Remember medications
Understand medication routines
Take medications safely
Manage medication storage
Recognise medication errors

Where appropriate, recommendations may include additional supports or assistive strategies.

Community Participation
Participation in the community is an important part of independent living.
The assessment may explore:

Shopping
Medical appointments
Recreation
Employment
Volunteering
Public transport
Social activities
Cultural participation

Occupational Therapists consider both physical access and the support required to participate successfully.

Safety
Safety is an important consideration throughout every SIL Assessment.
Depending on the participant's circumstances, Occupational Therapists may assess risks relating to:

Falls
Cooking
Medication management
Wandering
Road safety
Personal vulnerability
Emergency situations
Behavioural risks
Fatigue
Cognitive impairment

Where more detailed assessment is required, recommendations may include a Risk Assessment, Falls Risk Assessment or Home Safety Assessment.

Looking Beyond Physical Ability

One of the greatest strengths of Occupational Therapy is recognising that support needs are not always visible.
A participant may physically be able to complete a task but still require significant support because of:

Executive functioning difficulties
Memory impairment
Sensory processing differences
Emotional regulation
Anxiety
Fatigue
Reduced safety awareness
Decision-making difficulties
Behavioural support needs
Cognitive impairment

For this reason, Occupational Therapists assess the whole person rather than focusing solely on physical ability.

Understanding Support Ratios

One important aspect of a SIL Assessment is determining the level of support required throughout the day and night.

The Occupational Therapist considers questions such as:

How often is support required?
Is supervision needed continuously or only at certain times?
Can the participant be safely left alone?
Is overnight support required?
Are two support workers required for particular tasks?
Does support vary throughout the day?

Recommendations are based on observed functional needs and clinical reasoning rather than predetermined funding levels.

The NDIA ultimately determines whether SIL funding is reasonable and necessary under the NDIS.

Why Functional Capacity Matters

Supported Independent Living recommendations are closely linked to functional capacity.
For this reason, SIL Assessments often draw upon findings from a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) or may be completed alongside one.
Understanding how disability affects:

Self-care
Mobility
Communication
Learning
Self-management
Social participation

helps Occupational Therapists determine the level of support required to enable safe and meaningful participation in everyday life.

Gathering Evidence for a SIL Assessment

High-quality SIL Assessments are based on multiple sources of information rather than a single appointment.
Depending on the participant's circumstances, the Occupational Therapist may gather information from:

The participant
Family members
Carers
Support workers
Support Coordinators
Specialist Support Coordinators
Allied health professionals
General Practitioners
Schools
Hospitals
Previous assessments
Behaviour Support Plans

This collaborative approach helps ensure recommendations accurately reflect the participant's everyday support needs across different environments.

The SIL Assessment Process

Every assessment is individualised, but the process commonly includes:

Step 1 - Referral Review
Understanding why the assessment has been requested and reviewing available background information.

Step 2 - Interview
Meeting with the participant and relevant supports to understand goals, routines and current living arrangements.

Step 3 - Functional Observation
Observing how the participant completes meaningful everyday activities.

Step 4 - Assessment
Evaluating support needs across personal care, household activities, community participation, safety and daily routines.

Step 5 - Clinical Reasoning
Analysing all available information to understand the participant's functional needs and support requirements.

Step 6 - Report Preparation
Preparing a detailed Occupational Therapy report outlining assessment findings, clinical reasoning and evidence-based recommendations.

What May Be Recommended Following a SIL Assessment?

Every recommendation is tailored to the participant's individual goals, strengths and support needs.
Recommendations may include:

Daily support hours
Overnight supports
Skill-building opportunities
Capacity building therapy
Occupational Therapy
Positive Behaviour Support
Speech Pathology
Psychology
Physiotherapy
Assistive Technology
Home Modifications
Functional Capacity Assessment
Specialist Disability Accommodation Assessment (where appropriate)

Recommendations are designed to support meaningful participation and improve quality of life while promoting the greatest level of independence possible.

SIL Is About Building Independence

Although the name includes the words "Supported Independent Living", the goal is not lifelong dependence on support workers.
Occupational Therapists recognise that independence looks different for every person.

For some participants, independence may mean learning new daily living skills.

For others, it may mean using Assistive Technology to reduce reliance on physical assistance.

For someone else, it may involve having consistent support available so they can safely participate in work, education or community activities.
Our recommendations focus on helping participants achieve the greatest level of independence that is realistic, meaningful and aligned with their own goals.

Understanding Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is one of the most specialised housing supports funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

It is designed for a relatively small group of participants who have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs and require housing with specialised design features that cannot reasonably be achieved through standard housing.

Unlike Supported Independent Living (SIL), which funds the support people receive each day, SDA focuses on the physical home itself.
The aim is to provide an environment that enables people to live as safely, independently and comfortably as possible while supporting long-term participation in everyday life.

What Is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation refers to housing that has been specially designed or significantly modified to meet the needs of people with complex disabilities.

The purpose of SDA is to reduce environmental barriers that may otherwise limit independence, safety or participation.

Rather than expecting a person to adapt to an unsuitable environment, SDA focuses on creating a home that better supports the individual's functional needs.
Examples of specialised housing features may include:

Wider doorways
Ceiling hoists
Accessible bathrooms
Height-adjustable kitchen benches
Reinforced walls for assistive technology
Automated doors
Environmental control systems
Improved circulation space
Accessible pathways
Emergency backup systems
Structural support for complex equipment

Every recommendation is based on the participant's individual functional needs rather than diagnosis alone.

Who May Benefit From an SDA Assessment?

An SDA Assessment may be appropriate for participants whose current home environment creates significant barriers to everyday participation or whose disability-related needs cannot be adequately supported within standard housing.

Examples may include individuals who:

Require complex physical supports.
Have progressive neurological conditions.
Require extensive Assistive Technology.
Need significant environmental modifications.
Require specialised equipment throughout the home.
Experience substantial barriers accessing essential areas of their current home.
Require housing that supports complex care needs.
Have very high physical support needs.
Have significant environmental accessibility requirements.

Whether a participant is eligible for SDA funding is determined by the NDIA based on current eligibility criteria.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Assess During an SDA Assessment?

Occupational Therapists assess far more than the building itself.
The assessment focuses on the interaction between:

The person
Their disability
Their everyday activities
Their support needs
Their current environment
Their future goals

This holistic approach helps identify whether specialised housing may improve long-term participation and quality of life.

Functional Capacity

The Occupational Therapist first develops a detailed understanding of how disability affects everyday functioning.
This may include assessing:

Mobility
Transfers
Personal care
Daily living skills
Community participation
Communication
Self-management
Safety
Fatigue
Endurance

Findings from a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) often contribute significantly to an SDA Assessment.

Environmental Barriers

One of the most important components of an SDA Assessment is identifying barriers created by the participant's current home.
Examples may include:

Narrow hallways
Steps at entrances
Inaccessible bathrooms
Limited turning space for wheelchairs
Unsafe transfers
Inaccessible kitchens
Poor access to outdoor areas
Lack of ceiling hoist provision
Limited emergency access
Unsuitable bedroom layouts

Occupational Therapists consider how these barriers affect everyday participation rather than simply describing the environment.

Daily Living Activities

The Occupational Therapist observes how the participant completes meaningful everyday activities within their current living environment.
This may include:

Showering
Dressing
Meal preparation
Laundry
Transfers
Mobility throughout the home
Entering and exiting the property
Community access
Sleeping routines
Equipment use

The focus is understanding how the environment supports or limits participation.

Future Needs

SDA Assessments are not limited to current circumstances.
Occupational Therapists also consider future needs where appropriate.
This may include:

Progressive neurological conditions
Ageing
Changing mobility
Increasing equipment requirements
Changes in informal supports
Future housing goals
Anticipated functional decline
Long-term sustainability

Planning ahead helps ensure housing continues to meet the participant's needs over time.

Understanding the SDA Design Categories

The NDIS currently recognises four SDA design categories.
The most appropriate category depends on the participant's functional needs rather than personal preference.

Improved Liveability
Improved Liveability homes include design features that improve accessibility for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairments.
Features may include:

Improved wayfinding
Enhanced visual contrast
Better lighting
Simplified layouts
Reduced environmental complexity

These design features may support greater independence for people whose needs relate primarily to cognition, sensory processing or orientation.

Fully Accessible
Fully Accessible housing is designed for people with significant physical disabilities who require a high level of physical accessibility throughout the home.
Features may include:

Step-free access
Wider doorways
Accessible bathrooms
Accessible kitchens
Increased circulation space
Wheelchair accessibility

The goal is to maximise independent access to all areas of the home.

Robust
Robust SDA is designed for participants whose disability-related support needs require housing with increased durability and safety features.
Depending on individual needs, features may include:

Impact-resistant materials
Enhanced security
Improved visibility for supervision
Reduced environmental hazards
Durable fixtures and fittings

Recommendations are based on individual functional and behavioural needs.

High Physical Support
High Physical Support homes provide the highest level of accessibility and are designed for participants with very high physical support needs.
Features may include:

Ceiling hoist provision
Emergency power supply
Structural support for complex equipment
Environmental control systems
Extensive wheelchair accessibility
Space for multiple support workers
Advanced communication systems

These homes are designed to support participants with complex physical disabilities requiring significant daily assistance.

Why the Right Housing Matters

Housing influences almost every aspect of everyday life.
An unsuitable home may affect:

Personal care
Sleep
Transfers
Mobility
Pain
Fatigue
Independence
Mental wellbeing
Community participation
Family relationships
Safety

Occupational Therapists recognise that improving the environment can sometimes improve functional participation just as much as therapy or equipment.

SDA Is About Participation, Not Just Housing

The purpose of Specialist Disability Accommodation is not simply to provide a different building.
The goal is to provide an environment that enables people to:

Live more independently.
Participate more fully in everyday life.
Reduce unnecessary barriers.
Improve safety.
Increase choice and control.
Support long-term wellbeing.
Enhance quality of life.

Occupational Therapists consider how housing supports meaningful occupations such as self-care, family life, employment, recreation, education and community participation.

The SDA Assessment Process

Although every assessment is individualised, the process commonly includes:

Step 1 - Referral Review
Reviewing available reports and understanding the purpose of the assessment.

Step 2 - Interview
Meeting with the participant, family and support network to understand current living arrangements, goals and future aspirations.

Step 3 - Functional Assessment
Assessing mobility, transfers, self-care, daily living activities, communication and participation.

Step 4 - Environmental Assessment
Evaluating how the current home supports or limits everyday function.

Step 5 - Clinical Reasoning
Analysing assessment findings to determine whether specialised housing may better support the participant's disability-related needs.

Step 6 - Comprehensive Report
Preparing a detailed Occupational Therapy report outlining functional needs, environmental barriers, clinical reasoning and recommendations.

How Occupational Therapy Supports SDA Applications

Occupational Therapists play an important role in helping participants understand how their housing environment affects their everyday functioning.
An Occupational Therapy SDA Assessment provides evidence regarding:

Functional capacity
Environmental barriers
Accessibility needs
Daily living activities
Assistive Technology requirements
Housing design considerations
Future planning
Clinical recommendations

The report may assist participants and the NDIA in understanding whether specialised housing should be explored.
Eligibility decisions remain the responsibility of the NDIA and are assessed against current SDA eligibility criteria.

SDA Assessments Often Work Alongside Other Occupational Therapy Assessments

Depending on the participant's circumstances, an SDA Assessment may be completed alongside:

Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)
Home Assessment
Assistive Technology Assessment
Pressure Care Assessment
Seating and Wheelchair Assessment
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment
Falls Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
SIL Assessment

Together, these assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of the participant's functional needs, environmental barriers and long-term housing goals.

Individualised Living Options (ILO), SIL and SDA - What's the Difference?

Choosing the right home and living support can feel overwhelming, particularly when terms such as ILO, SIL and SDA are often used together.
Although these supports are related, they each serve different purposes within the NDIS.

Understanding the differences can help participants, families and Support Coordinators make informed decisions about the most appropriate pathway.

Individualised Living Options (ILO)

Focuses on flexible living arrangements and natural supports

May include living with a host, co-resident or other tailored arrangements

Emphasises individualised living arrangements

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Focuses on daily support provided to help people live independently

May include support workers throughout the day and overnight

Emphasises assistance with everyday activities

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Focuses on specialised housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs

Provides funding for the physical home rather than daily supports

Emphasises accessibility, safety and specialised housing design

Each option is designed to support independence, but the most appropriate pathway depends on the participant's individual circumstances, goals and functional needs.

How Occupational Therapists Help Determine the Right Home and Living Supports

Occupational Therapists play an important role in helping participants understand which home and living supports may best meet their current and future needs.
Rather than recommending a particular funding pathway based on diagnosis alone, Occupational Therapists consider:

Functional capacity
Daily routines
Personal goals
Current supports
Informal supports
Environmental barriers
Safety
Mobility
Community participation
Future planning

Recommendations are always based on how disability affects everyday life and what supports may help reduce barriers to participation.

Functional Capacity, SIL and SDA - How They Work Together

Many participants require more than one assessment to fully understand their support and housing needs.
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) often provides the foundation by exploring how disability affects everyday functioning across multiple domains.

Depending on the findings, the Occupational Therapist may recommend additional assessments.
For example:
Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)
⬇
Identifies disability-related functional needs
⬇
May recommend:

Each assessment provides more detailed information about a specific aspect of the participant's support needs.

Do You Also Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?

Planning for Supported Independent Living often involves understanding a participant's everyday functional abilities. Depending on your circumstances, a Functional Capacity Assessment may provide valuable information about your current support needs and future goals. Learn when an FCA may be beneficial.

Learn more Do I Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?

Positive Behaviour Support and Home & Living Assessments

Housing and daily supports are not determined by physical needs alone.
For some participants, behavioural, emotional or sensory factors significantly influence the type of home environment and daily supports required.

Where appropriate, Occupational Therapists may work collaboratively with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioners to better understand how the participant's environment affects:

Emotional regulation
Behavioural support needs
Sensory regulation
Daily routines
Community participation
Safety
Relationships within the home

Collaborative assessments help ensure recommendations consider the participant's overall wellbeing rather than focusing on a single area of need.

Where appropriate, participants may also benefit from a dedicated Positive Behaviour Support Assessment or Behaviour Support Plan.

Home and Living Assessments Are About More Than Funding

Although SDA and SIL Assessments are commonly completed to support NDIS funding decisions, they also provide valuable information for long-term planning.
A comprehensive assessment helps participants and families better understand:

Current strengths
Current support needs
Environmental barriers
Housing goals
Opportunities to improve independence
Risks that may affect safety
Future planning considerations
Appropriate therapy and support services

Even where funding is not immediately being sought, these assessments can help guide future decision-making and collaborative care planning.

Why Choose Belong Health?

Belong Health provides comprehensive Home and Living Assessments completed by experienced Occupational Therapists who understand the complex relationship between disability, environment and everyday participation.

Our assessments are:

Person-centred
Neurodiversity-affirming
Goal-focused
Evidence-informed
Individualised
Practical
Based on current Occupational Therapy practice

We support:

Children
Adolescents
Adults
Older adults
NDIS participants
Private clients where appropriate

Our Occupational Therapists regularly complete assessments across:

Perth
Mandurah
Rockingham
Peel Region
Regional Western Australia
Telehealth where clinically appropriate

We work collaboratively with:

Participants
Families
Support Coordinators
Specialist Support Coordinators
Plan Managers
Housing providers
General Practitioners
Specialists
Allied health professionals

to develop recommendations that are meaningful, realistic and tailored to each participant's unique circumstances.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you are exploring Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Individualised Living Options (ILO) or simply want to better understand your current home and living needs, Belong Health is here to help.

Our experienced Occupational Therapists provide comprehensive Home and Living Assessments throughout Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham, the Peel Region and wider Western Australia.

Every assessment is tailored to your individual goals, functional capacity and support needs, with practical recommendations designed to support meaningful participation, greater independence and improved quality of life.

If you would like to discuss whether an SDA Assessment, SIL Assessment or another Occupational Therapy assessment is right for you, contact our friendly team today.

Call 08 9586 3934, submit an online enquiry, or speak with your Support Coordinator about arranging an Occupational Therapy Home and Living Assessment with Belong Health.

Enquire Now

Related Occupational Therapy Assessments

Depending on your goals and support needs, your Occupational Therapist may recommend additional assessments, including:

Functional Capacity Assessments
A comprehensive assessment of everyday functioning across all NDIS functional domains.

Home Safety Assessments
Identifies environmental barriers and recommends practical home modifications to improve accessibility and safety.

Assistive Technology Assessments
Provides detailed recommendations regarding specialised equipment that may improve independence and participation.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessments
Explores how independently a participant completes everyday personal care and household activities.

Cognitive Assessments
Assesses how memory, attention, executive functioning and problem-solving influence everyday participation.

Falls Risk Assessments
Identifies factors contributing to falls risk and recommends strategies to improve safety and confidence.

Risk Assessments
Explores physical, environmental and behavioural risks that may affect daily living.

Pressure Care Assessments
Assesses seating, positioning and skin integrity to reduce the risk of pressure injuries.

Seating and Wheelchair Assessments
Provides recommendations for appropriate seating systems, wheelchairs and postural support.

Related Resources

You may also find these free guides helpful:

Understanding the NDIS Functional Domains
What to Expect From an OT Assessment
Preparing for an OT Assessment
Referral Checklist for Support Coordinators
Preparing for Guardianship or Administration
My Equipment Wishlist
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home
Falls Prevention
Energy Conservation Tips

Frequently Asked Questions - SDA & SIL Assessments

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS support that provides assistance with everyday activities for people who require regular support to live as independently as possible. SIL funds the support a person receives rather than the home they live in.

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is specialised housing designed for a relatively small group of NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs whose disability-related needs cannot reasonably be met in standard housing.

What is the difference between SIL and SDA?
SIL funds the support a person receives each day, while SDA funds the specialised housing itself.
SIL focuses on daily assistance with activities such as personal care, meal preparation and household tasks.
SDA focuses on the physical design and accessibility features of the home.

Is SDA the same as SIL?
No. Although they are often discussed together, SDA and SIL are separate NDIS supports that serve different purposes. Some participants receive one support, while others may receive both depending on their functional needs.

Can I receive SIL without SDA?
Yes. Many NDIS participants receive Supported Independent Living while living in standard housing, rental accommodation or their own home.

Can I receive SDA without SIL?
Yes. Some participants require specialised housing but only minimal daily support. Others receive both SDA and SIL.

Can I receive both SIL and SDA?
Yes. Where appropriate, participants may receive both Specialist Disability Accommodation and Supported Independent Living if they require specialised housing together with ongoing daily support.

What is a Home and Living Assessment?
A Home and Living Assessment is an Occupational Therapy assessment that explores a participant's housing, daily support needs and long-term living goals. Depending on the findings, it may include recommendations relating to SIL, SDA, Assistive Technology, Home Modifications or other supports.

What is a SIL Assessment?
A SIL Assessment is an Occupational Therapy assessment that evaluates the level of daily support a participant requires to live as independently and safely as possible.

What does a SIL Assessment involve?
A SIL Assessment may include:

Interviews
Functional observations
Assessment of personal care
Household activities
Community participation
Safety
Daily routines
Clinical reasoning
A comprehensive Occupational Therapy report

What does an Occupational Therapist assess during a SIL Assessment?
The Occupational Therapist may assess:

Personal care
Household activities
Meal preparation
Medication management
Community participation
Safety
Decision-making
Executive functioning
Functional mobility
Daily routines

What are SIL support ratios?
Support ratios describe the level of daily support a participant may require throughout the day or overnight. Recommendations are based on functional needs rather than predetermined funding levels.

Does SIL include overnight support?
It can. Where clinically appropriate, an Occupational Therapist may recommend overnight support based on the participant's functional needs.

What is an SDA Assessment?
An SDA Assessment is a comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessment that explores whether specialised housing may better support a participant's disability-related needs.

What does an SDA Assessment involve?
The assessment may include:

Functional assessment
Home assessment
Environmental assessment
Clinical observations
Future planning
Clinical reasoning
A comprehensive Occupational Therapy report

Who may be eligible for SDA?
SDA is designed for a relatively small number of NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Eligibility decisions are made by the NDIA.

What are the four SDA design categories?
The current SDA design categories are:

Improved Liveability
Fully Accessible
Robust
High Physical Support

The most appropriate category depends on the participant's individual functional needs.

Can Occupational Therapists recommend SDA?
Yes. Occupational Therapists provide evidence-based recommendations regarding functional needs and environmental barriers. Eligibility decisions are made by the NDIA.

Does the NDIS fund SIL Assessments?
Where appropriate and where funding is available within a participant's plan, SIL Assessments may be funded through the NDIS.

Does the NDIS fund SDA Assessments?
Where appropriate and where funding is available within a participant's plan, SDA Assessments may be funded through the NDIS.

Who decides if I receive SDA or SIL funding?
The NDIA makes funding decisions based on current legislation, operational guidelines and the available clinical evidence, including Occupational Therapy reports and assessments.

Can a Functional Capacity Assessment replace an SDA or SIL Assessment?
Not always. A Functional Capacity Assessment provides broad evidence regarding everyday functioning, while dedicated SDA and SIL Assessments provide more detailed information about housing requirements and daily support needs.

Will the Occupational Therapist visit my home?
Often, yes. Home visits provide valuable information about how the participant functions within their everyday environment and help inform recommendations.

Can family members or Support Coordinators be involved?
Yes. With the participant's consent, family members, carers and Support Coordinators often contribute valuable information during the assessment process.

How long does an SDA or SIL Assessment take?
Assessment times vary depending on complexity. The face-to-face appointment is only one part of the assessment process, with additional time required for reviewing information, clinical reasoning and report writing.

Will I receive a written report?
Yes. Participants generally receive a comprehensive Occupational Therapy report outlining assessment findings, clinical reasoning and recommendations.

Do I need a referral?
Not usually. Many participants self-refer, while others are referred by Support Coordinators, General Practitioners, hospitals or other health professionals.

Does Belong Health provide SDA and SIL Assessments across Western Australia?
Yes. Belong Health provides Occupational Therapy SDA and SIL Assessments throughout Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham, the Peel Region and many regional areas of Western Australia, with home visits and telehealth available where clinically appropriate.

NDIS SDA & SIL Assessments
Occupational Therapy Home & Living Assessments

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NDIS SDA & SIL AssessmentsOccupational Therapy Home & Living Assessments