What’s Really Inside a SIL House? A Tour & Checklist
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Quick Summary: A quality SIL house in Adelaide combines accessible physical features with compassionate support. Key elements include private bedrooms, shared living spaces, full accessibility modifications, 24/7 support staff, and a homely atmosphere. Use our comprehensive checklist when touring potential homes.
Introduction: A House vs. A Home
If you’re exploring Supported Independent Living (SIL) in Adelaide, your biggest question is likely, ‘What will it actually be like?’ It’s easy to imagine a clinical, facility-like setting, but a true SIL property isn’t just a house—it’s a home.
Every quality SIL house is made of two essential parts:
1. The House
(The “Bricks & Mortar”)
The physical building, its accessibility features, and comfortable living spaces designed for independence and safety.
2. The Support
(The “Heart”)
The dedicated team of support workers providing personal care, skill-building assistance, and companionship when needed.
This guide is your virtual tour. We’ll walk you through the key features of a high-quality SIL home in Adelaide and provide a checklist you can take with you when you visit potential homes.
The Private Space: Your Bedroom
Your bedroom is your personal sanctuary in a SIL house—a space you can decorate and make completely your own. Here’s what to look for:
Accessibility
Wide doorways for wheelchairs or walkers, with easy-to-use handles
Privacy
Lockable door (with staff having emergency access for safety)
Comfort
Good lighting, heating/cooling, and well-maintained space
Storage
Built-in wardrobe or adequate space for your furniture
The Shared Spaces: The “Heart” of the Home
These are the spaces where residents come together, build community, and share daily life. A well-designed SIL house balances privacy with opportunities for social connection.
🌳 Outdoor Areas
- Safe, secure, and accessible outdoor space
- Gardens, patio, or balcony areas
- Outdoor seating and social spaces
- Accessible pathways and surfaces
🧺 Laundry Facilities
- Accessible washer and dryer
- Front-loading machines where possible
- Space for sorting and folding clothes
- Support for developing laundry skills
The “Invisible” Features: Safety & Support Systems
These are the behind-the-scenes elements that provide peace of mind for residents and their families, ensuring both safety and quality support.
🏠 Physical Safety Features
- Ramped, no-step access to all entrances
- Widened hallways for easy navigation
- Smoke alarms and emergency lighting
- Clear emergency exit paths
- Secure windows and doors
- Non-slip flooring throughout
- Emergency call systems if needed
👥 Support Staff System
- 24/7 on-site support availability
- Overnight awake or sleepover staff
- Dedicated office or staff space
- Staff communication systems
- Medication management processes
- Emergency response protocols
- Regular staff training and development
Your SIL House Tour Checklist
Use this comprehensive checklist when visiting potential SIL houses in Adelaide. Print it out or save it on your phone to ensure you don’t miss any important details.
My SIL House Tour Checklist
Overall Vibe & First Impressions
- □ Does the house feel warm, clean, and welcoming?
- □ Do the current residents seem happy and comfortable?
- □ Is the neighborhood safe and accessible?
- □ Can I decorate my own room with personal items?
- □ Does it feel like a home rather than an institution?
Accessibility & Safety Features
- □ Is there ramp access to get into the house?
- □ Are doorways and hallways wide enough for mobility aids?
- □ Is the flooring non-slip and easy to move on?
- □ Are there working smoke alarms throughout?
- □ Are fire escape plans clearly displayed?
- □ Are emergency exits clearly marked and accessible?
Your Private Bedroom
- □ Does the room have adequate privacy (lockable door)?
- □ Is there good natural and artificial lighting?
- □ Are heating and cooling systems effective?
- □ Is there enough space for my personal belongings?
- □ Are power points accessible and in good condition?
- □ Is there a comfortable bed and bedroom furniture?
Bathroom Facilities
- □ Is there an accessible roll-in shower?
- □ Are grab rails installed by toilet and shower?
- □ Is there space for a shower chair or commode?
- □ Is the flooring non-slip and drainage adequate?
- □ Are taps and controls easy to use?
- □ Is the bathroom clean and well-maintained?
Shared Living Spaces
- □ Is the kitchen accessible for me to participate in cooking?
- □ Do I have my own dedicated food storage space?
- □ Is the living area comfortable and large enough for everyone?
- □ Is the outdoor area safe and easy to access?
- □ Are laundry facilities accessible and available?
- □ Is there adequate seating for all residents and visitors?
Support & Staff Systems
- □ Is there 24/7 support staff on-site?
- □ Is there a separate office or room for staff?
- □ Are staff friendly, professional, and respectful?
- □ What is the process for raising concerns or complaints?
- □ How are medications managed and stored?
- □ What is the staff turnover rate?
Conclusion: A Home to Build Your Independence
A great SIL house is more than just its accessible features. It’s the combination of a safe, comfortable home with a supportive, professional team that helps you build your skills and live life on your terms.
The right SIL home should feel like your home—a place where you have privacy when you want it, companionship when you need it, and the support to grow your independence every day.
Ready to Tour a Real SIL Home in Adelaide?
At Humanity Care Australia, we are proud of the homes we manage across Adelaide. We believe that everyone deserves to live in a space that feels like home, with the right support to achieve their goals.
We invite you to see for yourself. Contact us to discuss our current SIL vacancies and arrange a personal tour of a home that’s ready to welcome you.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIL Houses
1. How many people typically live in a SIL house?
SIL houses in Adelaide typically accommodate 2-4 residents, though this can vary. The ideal number depends on the size of the house, compatibility of residents, and individual support needs. Smaller homes often provide more opportunities for personalized support and stronger community bonds.
2. Can I bring my own furniture and personal items?
Absolutely! Your bedroom is your private space, and most SIL providers encourage you to bring your own furniture, bedding, decorations, and personal items to make it feel like home. Some houses may provide basic bedroom furniture, but you can usually add your own touches or replace provided items.
3. What happens if I don’t get along with my housemates?
Good SIL providers have conflict resolution processes in place. This might include facilitated conversations, house meetings, or temporary adjustments to routines. In cases of ongoing incompatibility, providers will typically work to find a more suitable living arrangement, which might involve moving you or the other resident to a different house.
4. Are visitors allowed in SIL houses?
Yes, visitors are generally welcome, though most houses have reasonable guidelines about visitor hours, overnight guests, and notification procedures. These rules are designed to balance your right to have visitors with the comfort and privacy of your housemates. Specific policies should be clearly explained before you move in.
5. How are household chores and cleaning managed?
This varies by provider but typically involves a balance of staff support and resident participation. Staff will assist with tasks you cannot manage independently, while supporting you to develop skills in areas like cooking, cleaning, and laundry. There’s usually a cleaning schedule, with staff handling more complex cleaning while supporting residents with daily tasks.
6. What’s the difference between SIL and SDA housing?
SIL (Supported Independent Living) refers to the support services you receive to help with daily living. SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) refers to the physical housing that is specially designed for people with significant functional impairment. You can receive SIL in an SDA property, or in standard housing with appropriate modifications. Read in detail about the difference.
Remember: Trust Your Instincts During the Tour
While checklists and features are important, don’t underestimate the value of how a house feels to you. Pay attention to the atmosphere, the interactions between current residents and staff, and whether you can genuinely imagine building your life there.
The right SIL home should give you a sense of possibility—a place where you can see yourself growing, learning, and living your best life with the right support around you.