Understanding ILO vs. SIL
ILO (Individualised Living Options): Up to 11 hours of care per day
SIL (Supported Independent Living): 12+ hours of care per day
SIL care ratios: Generally 1 participant to 3 care staff
Key Points for Justifying ILO
Individualised Support:
Template: "[Participant's name] requires a tailored living arrangement that aligns with their specific preferences and support needs. ILO offers this personalisation, unlike the more structured SIL environment."
Flexibility:
Template: "ILO allows [Participant's name] to [live alone/with family/in shared housing], providing the flexibility to adapt supports as their needs change. This adaptability is crucial for [Participant's name]'s long-term independence goals."
Capacity Building:
Template: "Through ILO, [Participant's name] has the opportunity to develop essential life skills such as [list specific skills], potentially reducing the need for intensive, ongoing support in the future."
Community Integration:
Template: "ILO provides [Participant's name] with a living arrangement more typical of the broader community, facilitating better social participation and community engagement. This aligns with [Participant's name]'s goals of [list specific community engagement goals]."
Cost-Effectiveness:
Calculation:
ILO Cost: [X] hours per day * [Y] rate per hour * 365 days = $[Annual ILO Cost]
SIL Cost: 24 hours per day * [Z] rate per hour * 365 days / 3 (staff ratio) = $[Annual SIL Cost]
Potential Savings: $[Annual SIL Cost] - $[Annual ILO Cost] = $[Savings Amount]
Template: "While ILO requires an initial investment, the long-term cost savings are significant. Over [X] years, choosing ILO over SIL could result in a savings of approximately $[Savings Amount * X], while also promoting [Participant's name]'s independence and community integration."
Practical Tips for Report Writing
Detailed Assessment:
Conduct a comprehensive assessment using standardised tools (e.g., CANS, WHO-DAS)
Template: "Based on the [Assessment Name] conducted on [Date], [Participant's name] demonstrates [specific abilities/challenges] that align more closely with the ILO model of support."
Goal Alignment:
Template: "[Participant's name]'s goals include [list specific goals]. The ILO framework directly supports these goals by [explain how], which is not as feasible within a SIL environment."
Risk Management:
Template: "Potential risks associated with ILO for [Participant's name] include [list risks]. These can be effectively managed through [list specific strategies], ensuring a safe and supportive environment while promoting independence."
Support Network:
Template: "[Participant's name] has a support network consisting of [list relationships]. These informal supports can be effectively leveraged in an ILO setting, complementing formal supports and promoting community integration."
Evidence-Based Practice:
Cite relevant research supporting ILO benefits
Template: "Research by [Author] (Year) demonstrates that individualised living arrangements like ILO lead to improved outcomes in [specific areas] for individuals with similar support needs to [Participant's name]."
NDIS-Specific Language
"Reasonable and necessary": Use this phrase when describing proposed supports
"Value for money": Highlight how ILO provides better value compared to SIL
"Ordinary life": Emphasise how ILO allows the participant to live an "ordinary life" in the community
Conclusion
Wrap up your report with a strong summary:
Template: "In conclusion, ILO represents the most appropriate, cost-effective, and participant-centred option for [Participant's name]. It aligns with their goals, leverages existing supports, and provides the flexibility needed to promote long-term independence and community participation. The potential for significant cost savings over time further supports the choice of ILO over SIL."
Remember to tailor all templates and calculations to the specific needs and circumstances of each participant. This guide provides a framework, but your professional judgment and detailed knowledge of the participant should inform the final report.