Understanding Support Ratios in NDIS: What They Mean and Why They Matter

Fidens Support Services
1 day ago
3 min read

SIL Participants with his support worker on 1:1 ratio

If you are looking for Supported Independent Living (SIL) in Adelaide, you may have seen terms like 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 or 2:1 support. These are called support ratios, and they play an important role in helping participants receive the right level of support at home.

At Fidens, we understand that finding the right SIL arrangement is not just about finding current vacancies. It is about finding a safe, supportive home environment where you feel comfortable, respected, and able to build independence.

What is SIL?

Supported Independent Living, also known as SIL, is NDIS funding for support workers to help participants with daily tasks at home. According to the NDIS, SIL is designed for people who need support or supervision throughout the day and night, and it may involve sharing a support worker or having individual support, depending on the participant’s needs.

SIL can help with everyday tasks such as personal care, cooking, cleaning, routines, social skills, medication support, safety, and building independence.

It is also important to understand that SIL is not the house itself. The NDIS explains that SIL funds support workers, while rent, groceries, utilities and other day-to-day living costs are separate.

What are support ratios?

A support ratio explains how many support workers are available compared with how many participants are being supported.

For example:

1:1 support means one support worker supports one participant.

1:2 support means one support worker supports two participants.

1:3 support means one support worker supports three participants.

2:1 support means two support workers support one participant.

These ratios are based on the participant’s support needs, safety requirements, goals, routines and what is funded in their NDIS plan. Some people may need individual support for certain parts of the day, while others may be well suited to shared support in a home with compatible housemates.

Why do support ratios matter?

Support ratios matter because they affect how support is delivered day to day.

The right support ratio can help a participant:

Feel safe and supported at home
Build daily living skills
Receive help with personal care and routines
Increase independence
Live with compatible housemates
Access support in a way that suits their needs and goals

A higher ratio does not always mean “better” support. What matters most is choosing the right support arrangement for the individual. For some participants, shared support may encourage independence, social connection and confidence. For others, more individual support may be needed for safety, complex needs, behaviour support, or high-intensity daily activities.

Shared support vs individual support

In many SIL homes, participants live with housemates and share support workers. The NDIS notes that SIL is often used when participants live with other NDIS participants and share supports, such as one support worker supporting two participants in the home.

Shared support can be a great option when housemates are well matched and the support environment is thoughtfully planned. It can help create a sense of routine, connection and community while still giving participants the support they need.

Individual support may be more suitable where a participant requires closer assistance, more frequent supervision, or specific support for personal care, behaviours, medical needs, or safety.

Why choosing the right SIL provider matters

Choosing a SIL provider is a big decision. It is not just about the property or the location, it is about trusting another team to support someone you love in their everyday life.

When your loved one moves into a SIL home, you want to know they are supported with dignity, patience and genuine care. You want a team that understands their needs, respects their routines, and treats them with the same compassion you would expect from family.

Beyond genuine care, choosing a registered SIL provider can also give families extra confidence. Registered NDIS providers must meet the NDIS Practice Standards, which set out the quality standards providers are expected to meet when delivering supports and services to NDIS participants.

For SIL, this is especially important because “Assistance with supported independent living” is listed as a registration group that requires a certification audit.

Fidens: Your SIL specialist in Adelaide

At Fidens, we take the time to understand each person before recommending a SIL home. We consider support needs, routines, personality, lifestyle preferences, housemate compatibility and long-term goals.

Our approach is about more than filling SIL vacancies. It is about helping participants find a place where they feel safe, supported and truly at home.

If you are looking for SIL vacancies in Adelaide, Fidens is here to help you explore your options and understand what support ratio may be the right fit for you.

Or email hello@fidens.com.au