The Semi-Independent Living Program offers support and assistance to individuals in developing their unique potential for independent living, and provides in-home support to enable individuals to maintain their chosen living situation. Individuals accepted must have a desire to become more independent, either in their current living situation or with the intention of moving to a more independent environment.
To fully benefit from the Semi-Independent Living Program, an individual should be:
- Independently mobile, with or without aids.
- Able to use transportation, with or without support.
- Able to manage the activities of daily living with minimal assistance from non-professional, in-home support staff.
- Able to attend a day program.
- Able to be left alone for periods of time without supervision.
- Able to medicate independently.
Each person is supported in creating a Self-Directed Plan. The plan focuses on health, community, home, personal and social life, work and education. This plan guides how appointments and support hours are used, and is reviewed semi-annually, but can be reviewed any time as requested. The Semi-Independent Living Program supports individuals in using the natural support systems that exist in the community to build and maintain their independence. This includes encouraging family and friends to play an active role.
The Semi-Independent Living Program offers two types of support:
- One-on-one:
- Each person is offered one-on-one support to reach his or her goals. This will often take place at an individual's home or in the community.
- Group sessions:
- The Semi-Independent Living Program offers a variety of group training sessions. Group session topics are usually identified through the self-directed planning process.
The Semi-Independent Living Program supports and encourages individuals in exploring many aspects of life, including:
- Finding accomodation.
- Finding a roommate.
- Learning safety skills.
- Setting up and maintaining BC Benefits.
- Meal preparation.
- Volunteering.
- Learning how to keep your home clean and tidy.
- Reducing stress.
- Shopping for necessities (clothes and groceries).
- Creating a budget (that works).
- Menu planning.
- Community participation.
- Recycling.
- Visiting with friends and family.
- Learning the bus system.
- Social skills.
Referrals to the Semi-Independent Living Program are made by social workers at the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Community Living Services. Program spaces may also be purchased through Individualized Funding.
Staff who work in the Semi-Independent Living Program are members of the Association's Community Living Services team. Each person receiving service is assigned a Key Worker who acts as the main contact. When a Key Worker is sick or unavailable for an appointment, a different worker is offered.
The Semi-Independent Living Program has office space in the Association's administrative building. People are encouraged to make appointments, as staff are often out of the office on a home visit or in the community. Voice messages are checked throughout the day.
Hours are flexible and responsive to individual schedules. Appointments are scheduled during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, unless specially requested. Extra support is also available throughout the week for help with unplanned matters. The type and amount of support provided will vary with changing interests, needs, and social resources.
Contact the program staff at silp@cvacl.org, or (250) 746-4135 extension 232, for more information.