Nursing at Home vs SIL vs Hospital-in-the-Home for Complex Care
Nursing at home vs SIL vs hospital-in-the-home on the NDIS: which system funds each, what they cover for complex care, and how to choose what fits you.
"Care at home" can mean several very different things, funded by different systems — and mixing them up leads to a lot of confusion. Nursing at home, Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Hospital-in-the-Home are three distinct arrangements for complex care. This guide compares nursing at home versus SIL versus Hospital-in-the-Home, explains which system pays for each, and helps you work out what…
Three different things people mean by "care at home"
Nursing at home (community nursing)
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Hospital-in-the-Home
Which system funds which
How they can work together
Choosing what fits your situation
Where this sits and how to find support
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between nursing at home, SIL and Hospital-in-the-Home?
Nursing at home (community nursing) brings a nurse to deliver clinical care and is NDIS-funded when disability-related. SIL is NDIS-funded support with everyday tasks for people who need help living independently. Hospital-in-the-Home is a health-system program delivering hospital-level medical care…
Is SIL the same as having a nurse at home?
No. SIL funds support workers to help with daily living — personal care, meals, routines — usually in a shared living setting. It isn't nursing. If you also need clinical care, community nursing is funded separately, and SIL workers can be trained under nurse oversight to deliver delegated tasks.
Does the NDIS pay for Hospital-in-the-Home?
No. Hospital-in-the-Home is funded and run by the health system as an alternative to an inpatient stay, providing acute medical care in your home. It can run alongside your NDIS supports during that period, but it isn't part of your plan.
Can community nursing and support workers work together at home?
Yes, and they often do. A registered nurse can deliver the clinical tasks and oversee and train support workers to carry out delegated care between visits. This mix — nurse oversight plus competency-assessed workers — is common and can be more flexible and affordable than a nurse for every task.
How do I choose between nursing at home and SIL?
It depends on what you need. If your main need is clinical care, community nursing fits; if it's everyday living support, SIL or in-home support hours fit; many people need both. Your treating team and support coordinator can help map your needs to the right arrangement and evidence.
Related guides
- Questions to Ask a Complex-Care Provider Before You Sign
- Registered vs Unregistered Providers for High-Intensity Supports
- How to Find & Vet a Complex-Care Provider or Worker on the NDIS
- Evidence & Reports You Need to Get Complex Supports Funded
- Nursing Agency vs Independent Nurse vs Support Worker for Complex Care