If you've decided to move into a supported independent living (SIL) home, then you'll have to go through some additional stages to help you find the right place to live. Read on to learn more about these stages.
1. Work Out Your Ratio
During your SIL move, your support team will assess your needs and give you a ratio number. For example, if you need one-to-one care, then your ratio will be 1:1. If you can share care with two other people, then it will be 1:3.
This ratio number is important. It affects which homes you can live in. For example, you won't generally be allowed to move into a home with an average 1:3 care ratio if your number is 1:1.
Residents in SIL homes typically have the same ratio needs. The people who live in each home will need the same levels of support. Once you know your ratio, you can start looking for homes that match it.
2. Get a Support Assessment
Your support team will create a formal care assessment for you. Your occupational therapist will do a lot of this work.
This plan sets out how much support you need. It outlines when you need care and at what levels. It also includes your preferences. You have some say in the types of care you get.
Any home you want to live in will have to deliver to your care plan before you'll get approval to move in from your support team. A home won't accept your application if they can't give you the right types of support.
3. Meet Current Residents and Staff
You shouldn't choose a home and simply accept a place without checking it out first. You need to know that your new home environment will be right for you.
So, you're likely to be invited to make at least one visit to the premises to meet other residents and staff. You might also be offered a trial stay where you live in the home for a short period.
This gives you the chance to look around the home to see if you like it. You get an initial view of whether you like other residents and staff; they can also see how they get along with you.
This is an important stage. You don't want to move into the home only to find that you don't like the property. You need to find compatible housemates.
To find suitable homes in your chosen location, contact supported independent living providers.