At Melba, we passionately believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life, in the home they want, where they want, and with who they want.
We work alongside people to create places to live that have the right balance of support and independence, using the SIL and SDA funding in their NDIS plan, because a good life starts at home.
We currently have vacancies in Bairnsdale, Drouin, Moe, Sale and Warragul. If you’re looking for a home with a bit more room to move, something a bit greener, a tree change with access to transport…then get in touch.
Search for your home with Melba
Brown, Bairnsdale: One vacancy in home close to Jones Bay
The house has two shared living areas, one large shared bathroom with bath, and plans for another bathroom as soon as practical.
The kitchen and dining areas open out to a pergola and backyard outdoor area with a BBQ.
The house has no pets, however would be considered with the consent of other residents.
Number of vacancies: 1
4
2
Wheelchair accessible with ceiling hoist and accessible features
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Why choose Melba for your Supported Independent Living?
Amazing team
Melba’s experienced and dedicated support team creates a true home environment where you can thrive. We take time to understand your unique needs, providing personalised support that respects your independence while helping you achieve your goals.
Access to additional services
Beyond daily support, Melba offers expert Personal Outcome Measures planning, Person Centred Active Support coaching, and dedicated Complex Health nursing services – all at no extra cost. Our integrated approach ensures your wellbeing and independence come first.
Registered provider
As a registered NDIS provider with over 50 years’ experience, Melba delivers support that meets the highest quality and safeguarding standards. Our registration ensures accountability and continuous improvement in all our services.
Experts in complex care
Melba provides expert support for people with complex care needs. Our experienced teams deliver personalised support, combining specialised knowledge with a compassionate approach to ensure the highest quality support for your individual requirements.
FAQs about Supported Independent Living
Understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
What is the difference between Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Housing?
Supported Independent Living (SIL):
- is about the support services provided
- covers daily living assistance from support workers
- includes help with cooking, cleaning, personal care and life skills
- can be provided in any home setting.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA):
- is about the physical housing itself
- refers to specially designed or modified buildings
- often features physical modifications such as ramps, hoists, or wider doorways
- is specifically built or modified for people with a range of needs
- focuses on the building and its accessibility features.
How does Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Housing work?
Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation are two key components of disability support in Australia, primarily funded through the NDIS. Here’s how they work:
Supported Independent Living:
- Provides support for daily living activities in your home.
- Includes help with personal care, household tasks and developing independent living skills.
- Typically involves support workers who provide assistance based on individual needs.
- Can be delivered in your own home or in shared accommodation.
- Funding is based on your assessed support needs and goals.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA):
- Refers to specially designed housing for people with very high support needs.
- Properties are modified with features like wider doorways, ceiling hoists, or automated systems.
- Funded separately from SIL through the NDIS.
- Different design categories available (Improved Livability, Fully Accessible, Robust, High Physical Support).
- Only about six per cent of NDIS participants qualify for SDA funding.
How do SIL and SDA work together?
A person can receive SDA funding for their housing and SIL funding for support services.
Not everyone who receives SIL needs to live in SDA housing.
Participants can choose their preferred SDA property and SIL provider separately.
What is supported independent living (NIDS)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is support typically provided within shared Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). While SDA is the physical house, SIL is the support and care provided within this house to help you live within this house. This might include personal care like help bathing or dressing and other daily tasks. You will usually live with other people within SDA which allows you to socialise if you like. You typically need both SDA and SIL funding within your NDIS support plan, unless you want to engage SIL within a home you already reside in.
Who is eligible for supported independent living?
SIL funding is for people who cannot live independently without significant assistance.
If you are able to live independently with minimal or no support, you might not qualify for SIL funding.
The NDIS will assess how much help you need to manage daily tasks.
Specific eligibility factors include:
- Having significant support needs that impact daily functioning.
- Requiring regular assistance with personal care, household tasks, or skill development.
- Having goals related to increasing independence.
- Being unable to live completely independently without support.
- Having funding approved in your NDIS plan.
How does the process work?
The process:
1. Assessment of eligibility through NDIS planning.
2. Selection of appropriate housing and support providers.
3. Development of a service agreement.
4. Regular reviews to ensure support meets needs.
Where does Melba offer SIL?
We offer Supported Independent Living (SIL) in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes across Victoria including in and around: Ballarat, Horsham, Lilydale, Warragul, Sale, Frankston, and Mornington Peninsula.
How do I choose a Supported Independent Living provider?
Key steps to follow:
- Research registered NDIS providers in your area.
- Check their experience and specialties.
- Request detailed information about their services.
- Visit potential homes/locations.
- Interview providers with prepared questions.
- Review service agreements carefully.
Important things to ask about:
- Staff qualifications and training.
- Staff-to-resident ratios.
- How they handle emergencies.
- Daily routines and flexibility.
- Support for individual goals.
- Cultural sensitivity.
- Cost breakdown.
- Complaint handling processes.
Red flags to watch for:
- Providers who can’t clearly explain their services.
- Unwillingness to provide references.
- Lack of proper NDIS registration.
- Inflexible service arrangements.
- Poor communication during enquiry process.
Practical tips:
- Take your time making the decision.
- Involve family/advocates in the process.
- Ask to meet potential housemates if shared accommodation.
- Request support with transitioning.
Enquire about SIL in the Gippsland area
If you are seeking support for yourself or someone else, contact us today.
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As a trusted NDIS provider Victoria, Melba Support Services acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we work and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. Melba acknowledges and respects their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this region.