In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Ollie Vles, founder and CEO of Strength in Care, to discuss the complexities of managing challenging behaviours in SIL homes. Ollie shares his unique approach to participant support, staffing strategies, property management, and the importance of creating the right environment for success.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Ollie Vles from Strength in Care

02:20 – Common challenges in managing complex behaviours in SIL homes

05:10 – Why the physical environment is a critical factor in reducing incidents

07:45 – Proactive measures to minimise behaviours (reducing anxiety, structuring environments)

10:20 – The importance of long-term, well-supported staff in behaviour management

13:00 – Recruiting & retaining staff for high-needs participants

16:30 – Best practices for communication between staff & participants

19:50 – Managing property damage & dealing with housing limitations

22:15 – Tips for handling reportable incidents & restrictive practices

24:00 – Final thoughts on supporting participants with complex needs

Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting

Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/

#silosophy, #taniagomezconsulting, #complexparticipants, #ndis, #supportwork, #disabilitysupport, #ndissupport, #inclusivepractice, #ndisprovider, #silproviders, #supportcoordination, #disabilitycare, #ndiscommunity, #participantcare

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez speaks with Bruce Bromley, a leading expert in SDA design and fire safety, to explore the critical importance of fire safety in SIL homes. They discuss common risks, essential fire safety measures, and how SIL providers can proactively improve emergency planning to protect participants and reduce liability.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Bruce Bromley from SDA Consulting

02:05 – The biggest fire safety risks in SIL homes

04:30 – Why most SIL homes don’t meet fire safety regulations

07:15 – The importance of fire sprinklers & why they should be standard

09:40 – Fire safety investments: Costs vs. long-term liability

12:20 – How to create an effective emergency plan for a SIL home

14:45 – What to include in a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)

17:00 – Why building relationships with local fire departments is a game-changer

18:50 – The role of fire blankets, smoke alarms & evacuation kits in SIL homes

20:00 – Final thoughts on reducing risk & improving fire safety

Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting

Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/

#firesafety, #sil, #safetyintegritylevel, #taniagomezconsulting, #processsafety, #silcertification, #firesafetytraining, #industrialfiresafety, #firesafetytips, #functionalSafety, #firesafetystandards, #firesafetyawareness, #firesafetymanagement, #firesafetyengineering, #firesafetyepisode22

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Storm Menzies, an expert in NDIS funding and SIL participant support, to discuss how SIL providers can proactively ensure participants receive the right funding for their needs. Storm shares insider tips, advocacy strategies, and practical steps for navigating the funding review process.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Storm Menzies

02:10 – Storm’s background in SIL, support coordination, and allied health

05:20 – The #1 mistake SIL providers make in securing participant funding

07:30 – Why evidence is everything – What NDIS needs to approve funding

10:15 – The importance of proactive documentation & early planning for reviews

13:00 – How to advocate for funding increases – strategies that work

16:45 – Going beyond emails – Why in-person advocacy & local MPs can make a difference

19:20 – How to prepare for NDIS plan reviews & what’s changed in 2024

21:10 – Final tips: Organisation & collaboration are key to funding success

Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting

Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/

#silhosophy #episode21 #taniagomez #taniagomezconsulting #ndisfunding #ndissupport #ndisprovider #participantfunding #ndishelp #fundingforparticipants #ndisepisode #ndisadvice #ndisconsulting #ndissupportcoordination #ndisfundinghelp

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez welcomes Josh Byron, Co-Founder of Spendable, to discuss the complexities of managing client funds in SIL homes. With his background as a SIL provider, Josh shares key insights on financial transparency, risk management, and the role of assistive technology in empowering participants.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Josh Byron from Spendable

02:30 – Josh’s journey from running a SIL service provider to founding Spendable

04:50 – Why managing client funds in SIL is an unspoken burden on providers

08:20 – Major financial risks for SIL providers & the impact of missing funds

12:10 – The dangers of using cash & manual record-keeping – high risk of errors & compliance issues

15:45 – How lack of transparency can lead to financial mismanagement & potential fraud

18:30 – Why business expense tools don’t work for client funds & create accounting complications

21:15 – How Spendable helps providers and participants by offering secure, transparent money management

24:30 – How financial independence improves participant choice & control

28:00 – The future of SIL financial management – technology, automation, and capacity-building

30:20 – Final thoughts: Why every SIL provider needs a secure, compliant money management system

Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting

Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/

#silosophy, #episode20, #spendable, #taniagomezconsulting, #managingmoney, #propertymanagement, #supportedindependentliving, #silfunding, #ndisprovider, #ndissupport, #ndisproperty, #ndisfinance, #silhousing, #moneytips, #disabilitysupport

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Stephen Fakeney, CEO of Hilltop Caring, to explore what it really takes to be a successful SIL provider. With over 25 years in disability accommodation and experience in both the construction and service delivery sides of SIL, Stephen shares valuable lessons for new and existing providers, covering financial sustainability, innovation, collaboration, and the future of SIL in 2025.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with guest Stephen Fakeney from Hilltop Caring

02:15 – Stephen’s 25-year journey in disability accommodation & SIL

04:30 – How SIL has evolved under the NDIS – More choice, competition & innovation

08:20 – Tight funding margins in SIL & how to balance financial sustainability

10:45 – Vacancies are the biggest financial risk – How to manage them effectively

13:30 – Challenges of bureaucracy & NDIS admin workload

16:50 – Why small & medium-sized SIL providers drive innovation in the sector

19:10 – Advice for new SIL providers – Consider collaborating instead of going solo

21:00 – The importance of empowering staff to make decisions & reducing micromanagement

23:10 – Preparing for unannounced audits & the importance of compliance checklists

24:30 – The future of SIL in 2025 – Potential changes & how to adapt

Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting

Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/

#silosophy, #supportedindependentliving, #silproviders, #ndis, #ndisaustralia, #hilltopcaring, #taniagomezconsulting, #siljourney, #disabilitysupport, #ndissupport, #groupaccommodation, #specialistdisabilityaccommodation, #disabilityservices, #silproviderstories, #ndisprovider

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Jackson Dyer from DLA Piper to unpack the layers of regulation impacting SIL providers across different Australian states. They explore how federal, state, and even local council regulations overlap—and sometimes contradict each other—making compliance a challenge for providers.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with guest Jackson Dyer from DLA Piper

02:10 – Why SIL providers must comply with multiple layers of regulation

04:45 – State-based disability laws & how they differ across Australia

07:30 – Council-level regulations – Why they vary & how to check local requirements

10:15 – Restrictive practices & worker screening laws – How state rules interact with NDIS requirements

14:20 – How state and federal laws overlap & where the NDIS Act takes precedence

18:50 – What happens if a provider unknowingly breaks a local council rule?

22:00 – The risk of fines and penalties at different levels of government

25:40 – How to push back against auditors when there’s a legal contradiction

30:15 – NDIS Price Guide vs. Legislation – How much legal weight does the price guide carry?

34:10 – Why NDIS rule changes happen overnight & how to stay ahead

37:00 – Final tips on compliance & how to stay updated on regulatory changes

Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting

Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/

#silosophy, #episode18, #silproviders, #taniagomezconsulting, #supportindependentliving, #ndis, #ndissupport, #ndisprovider, #ndisrules, #ndisconsulting, #ndisregistration, #statebasedrules, #silprovidersupport, #ndisaustralia, #silfunding

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Josh Pix from Resolv to break down SIL profitability—why many SIL providers aren’t making money despite large plan values and what they can do to fix it.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with guest Josh Pix from Resolv

02:20 – Why SIL profitability is much lower than people expect

04:10 – The 3 biggest drivers of SIL profitability

06:00 – Rostering & claiming mistakes – The #1 profit killer in SIL

09:20 – Rent, utilities, groceries & activities – How to manage the subsidy gap

12:00 – Why understanding your vacancy rate is critical

15:30 – The $11,000 per week rule – How much funding is needed to sustain a SIL house

18:40 – What financial reports should every SIL provider have?

22:00 – Why profitability isn’t a bad word – How it leads to better outcomes for participants

23:40 – How Resolv helps SIL providers improve financial performance & sustainability

Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting

Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/

#silosophy, #silprofitability, #taniagomez, #resolv, #consulting, #episode17, #businessconsulting, #profitability, #silosystem, #silomanagement, #businessgrowth, #resolvconsulting, #financialconsulting, #businessstrategy, #businessinsights

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Susan and Lianne from Sunflower Hub to discuss their journey as Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers. They share their passion for participant-centered care, the challenges of balancing business and quality support, and their vision for a community-driven SIL model. From overcoming financial hurdles to creating truly participant-led homes, this conversation is packed with insights for aspiring and current SIL providers.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Meet Susan & Lianne from Sunflower Hub

02:30 – The journey to becoming a SIL provider: Identifying a gap in the market

05:10 – A heart-driven approach: Lived experience & participant-first mindset

08:40 – The challenges of balancing business sustainability with quality care

12:00 – Investing in staff training: Why skilled staff lead to better participant outcomes

16:30 – Overcoming hurdles: Navigating audits, financial struggles, and compliance

20:10 – The future of Sunflower Hub: Expanding SIL services & launching a community hub

Follow Tania Gomez Consulting for More Expert Insights:

Website: www.taniagomez.com.au

Facebook: @taniagomezconsulting

Instagram: @taniagomezconsulting

LinkedIn: Tania Gomez Consulting

#silosophy, #sunflowerhub, #taniagomezconsulting, #silprovidersjourney, #episode16, #consultingjourney, #silosophyepisode16, #sunflowerhubstory, #leadershipjourney, #personaljourney, #smallbusinessconsulting, #entrepreneurship, #consultantlife, #businessgrowth, #womenentrepreneurs

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by an experienced SIL professional Storm Menzies to explore one of the most common challenges in Supported Independent Living (SIL): What happens when participants don’t get along?

With most SIL homes operating on a one support worker to three participants model, ensuring that housemates are well-matched and able to resolve conflicts effectively is crucial. But even with the best planning, conflict is inevitable in shared living.

This episode unpacks common causes of conflict, best practices for matching participants, conflict resolution techniques, and when it’s time to consider relocating a participant.

Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & introduction: Why this is such a common challenge in SIL

02:15 – Why participants don’t get along: Common triggers in shared SIL homes

05:00 – The importance of proper onboarding & housemate introductions

07:30 – Should providers match participants based on disability type or needs?

10:15 – The importance of house rules, communication styles & sensory preferences

12:45 – Conflict is normal! How to train staff in conflict resolution

15:10 – The worst mistakes SIL providers make in handling participant conflicts

17:20 – When do you relocate a participant, and how do you manage that process?

19:30 – Key takeaways & final thoughts on managing housemate dynamics

Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting

Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/

#silosophy, #taniagomezconsulting, #workplaceconflict, #teamdynamics, #conflictresolution, #leadershipskills, #teamworktips, #communicationstrategies, #workplacetips, #episode15, #managementadvice, #professionaldevelopment, #teamconflict, #groupdynamics, #employeeengagement

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Jackson Dyer from DLA Piper to discuss the separation of SIL and SDA—one of the most debated topics in the NDIS space.

For years, the NDIA has advocated for the separation of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) to maintain participant choice and control. Jackson unpacks the legal complexities of this issue, what the future of SIL-SDA separation might look like, and how providers can best prepare for potential legislative changes.

This episode also explores conflicts of interest, the role of collaboration agreements, and best-practice approaches to structuring SDA and SIL services ethically and legally. If you’re a SIL or SDA provider, this is a must-listen!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome & introduction: Meet Jackson Dyer from DLA Piper

02:10 – Why does the NDIA want to separate SIL and SDA?

04:45 – The government’s position: What the NDIS Review recommended

06:50 – Will SIL and SDA separation become law? What to expect

09:30 – The likely legal models for enforcing separation

12:15 – Common ownership loopholes: Can a SIL and SDA provider still have the same directors?

15:40 – Conflicts of interest in SIL & SDA: What are they, and how do you manage them?

18:05 – SIL-SDA collaboration agreements: At what point do they create conflicts?

21:00 – NDIS Practice Standards vs. Legislation: Why isn’t the separation already enforced?

24:10 – How does the NDIA currently regulate conflicts of interest?

27:05 – Best-practice strategies for SIL & SDA providers to prepare for future compliance

29:00 – Final thoughts & how to connect with DLA Piper

Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting

Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/

#silosophy, #Episode14, #sil , #sda , #dlapiper, #taniagomezconsulting , #separationofsIlandsda, #ndis , #ndisproviders , #disabilitysupport , #legaladvice , #ndiscompliance, #supportcoordination , #ndisfunding, #ndisregistration