The SILosophy’s Podcast

SILosophy Episode 23 - Supporting Complex Participants | Strength In Care

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

SILosophy Episode 22 - Fire Safety in SIL | Equal Access Group

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

SILosophy Episode 21 - Getting the Right Funding for your Participant | Tania Gomez Consulting

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

SILosophy Episode 20 - Managing Property and Money in SIL I ‍SpendAble

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

SILosophy Episode 19 - A SIL Providers Journey I Hilltop Caring

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