We have added a free SIL home-viewing checklist to our website for anyone exploring supported independent living (SIL). You can use it when visiting a home with any provider. You do not need to be a 5 Point Care participant or be considering one of our homes.

I hope it helps people in our community feel more prepared for a viewing and keep a useful record afterwards. Please share it with anyone who might find it helpful, including participants, families, support coordinators and advocates.

Questions to bring along to a viewing

There can be a lot to take in when you visit a home. You might be looking at the bedroom and bathroom while also discussing housemates, daily routines and overnight support. It is easy to leave with another question you wish you had asked.

Our checklist brings those conversations together in six sections:

  • The home, including access, space, privacy and the local area.
  • Housemates and routines, including meals, visitors and personal preferences.
  • Daily and overnight support, including how to get help and what happens when a regular worker is away.
  • Costs to understand, including written information about support, housing and everyday expenses.
  • Agreements and choice, including raising concerns and changing arrangements.
  • Your impression and next steps, including unanswered questions and whether you want another visit.

Choose the questions that matter to you. You can work through them yourself or with someone you trust. There is no need to finish every section during one visit.

Keep the answers as well as the questions

Each question has space for notes. Use that space to record what the provider says, what you notice and anything you want clarified. For example, write down how overnight help would work or which costs still need a written explanation.

You can also mark questions to follow up. Having asked a question does not mean the answer suits you, so keep your own concerns and preferences in the notes.

If you are comparing homes, keep a separate copy for each viewing. Add the home or suburb and visit date so you can return to the details later.

Use it on your phone or take a paper copy

You can use the checklist in your browser, download a blank three-page PDF to write on, or print a copy with your notes. To keep a digital copy of completed notes, choose Save as PDF in your browser’s print options.

The tool does not send your answers to 5 Point Care or save them for your next visit. Print or save your completed checklist before refreshing the page or leaving it.

For viewings with any provider

We are sharing this tool because we hope it will be useful across the community. Please take it to a viewing with whichever provider you are considering. Using it creates no obligation to contact or choose 5 Point Care.

A checklist cannot decide whether a home is right for you. It can help you keep track of the information you need and the questions you still want answered. Your own impressions belong in that conversation too.

Open the free SIL home-viewing checklist to use it online or download your paper copy.