How to Build Life Skills with NDIS SIL
For people with disabilities, supported independent living is a great way to live life on their own terms. SIL can provide a sense of independence and freedom that they might not otherwise have.
In a SIL arrangement, residents have their own private space and can come and go as they please. They also have the support of staff members who can help with activities of daily living, such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
For many people with disabilities, SIL provides the perfect balance between independence and support.
What activities can help build life skills for people with disabilities living in supported independent living?
By engaging in activities that build life skills, residents can gain independence and improve their quality of life.
Some activities can include:
Cooking and meal planning
For residents of supported independent living, cooking and meal planning with the help of a carer can offer many benefits. It can provide an opportunity to socialise and bond with others and learn new skills.
Plan and prepare meals
Follow recipes
Time management
Numeracy skills
Literacy skills
Select healthy ingredients
Understand nutrition and eat a balanced meal
Social skills
By working alongside a carer, cooking and meal planning, residents of supported independent living can benefit from both practical skills and knowledge.
Gardening
Participating in the gardening with the help of a carer when living in supported independent living can provide significant benefits such as:
Horticultural skills
Gain a better understanding of the natural world and how plants and animals interact
Plant identification
Seed sowing and composting
Physical activity
Gardening also provides the opportunity to relax and enjoy the outdoors in a safe and supportive environment. These factors contribute to residents' physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Paying bills and budgeting
One of the benefits of living in a supported independent living arrangement is that residents have opportunities to learn essential life skills, such as budgeting and paying bills.
They learn essential financial literacy skills, become familiar with budgeting and financial planning, and learn how to make informed decisions about spending and saving.
For many people, these skills are taken for granted. However, for individuals with disabilities, they can be challenging to master.
Having a carer present to assist with budgeting and bill-paying can make a big difference. Not only will they learn how to handle their finances, but they will also gain a greater sense of independence.
The act of budgeting and paying bills is a good way to familiarise oneself with the cost of living in their community. This knowledge can be valuable when it comes time to move out of supported independent living and into a more independent situation.
Personal care
Carers play an important role in helping residents in supported independent living with their personal care.
They can help develop skills with:
Bathing
Dressing
Grooming
Stay on top of their personal care
Medication reminders
For many people living in supported independent living, the ability to maintain their hygiene and appearance is a key part of maintaining their independence.
Exercise and staying healthy
Incorporating exercise and good nutrition into a daily routine leads to happier, healthier lives. With the assistance of a carer, residents can:
Build coordination and stamina
Lower risk of chronic health conditions
Improve mental health
Keeps bones and joints healthy
Improve cognitive function
Build a routine, proper form and how to use equipment
Socialisation
With the help of a carer, they can stay active and receive the proper nutrition needed to maintain their health. Exercise is not just physically beneficial it also helps mentally and emotionally.
Exercise can take many forms, such as dancing, but often includes activities such as walking, light weightlifting, and flexibility exercises.
What are the benefits of engaging in life skills activities?
Building life skills can help people with disabilities in many ways. It is important to find activities that work best for each individual, as everyone has different needs and abilities.
There are many benefits to building life skills, including:
Increased physical abilities
Improved emotional well-being
Stronger social connections
How can building life skills improve the quality of life?
Building life skills can significantly impact on the quality of a person's life in supported independent living.
Often, people with disabilities or chronic medical conditions need assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and eating.
Learning how to perform these activities independently can greatly improve the individual's quality of life.
In addition, life skills training can help people develop essential interpersonal skills, such as communication and conflict resolution. These skills are important for maintaining healthy relationships with roommates, support staff, and others in the community.
Life skills training can help people learn how to manage their finances and plan for the future. This can reduce stress and anxiety levels and give a greater sense of control and independence.
Building life skills can profoundly impact the quality of a person's life in supported independent living.
Supported independent living with Caspian Care
At Caspian Care, we are committed to helping all residents live their best lives.
Our inclusive program helps residents build skills in our supported independent living environment.
We offer various services and activities that help residents develop independence and life skills.
We also offer a variety of community-based resources that help residents stay connected to the community.
Contact Caspian Care today to learn more about our program and how we can help you or your loved one get independent and start living life to the fullest.