Supports Intensity Scale helps identify the type, frequency, and intensity of assistance a person may need across home, community, health, safety, and everyday activities.
In this article
Supports Intensity Scale: 7 powerful takeaways
- Focus on support needs
- Use specific daily examples
- Include the person’s goals
- Consider needs across settings
- Document health and safety supports
- Involve people who know the individual
- Review information when needs change
Assessment information is strongest when it describes what assistance is needed, how often it is needed, and what can happen without that support. Specific examples create a clearer foundation for person-centered planning.
Practical next steps
Before an assessment, families can organize records, list important routines, identify safety concerns, and discuss the person’s priorities. Afterward, review the plan to confirm that it reflects current needs and preferences.
Review Pennsylvania DHS IDD resources and learn more about Lehigh Valley Companion Care Homes.
In Pennsylvania, obtaining waiver services and residential companion care through the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) depends on an essential assessment tool called the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS). Unlike traditional assessments that focus on what an individual cannot do, the SIS is designed to identify the practical supports a person needs to live, work, and participate in their community.
At Lehigh Valley Companion Care Homes (LVCCH), we work with residents’ support teams daily. Here is what you need to know about the SIS and how functional assessments determine care budgets.
What is the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS)?
The SIS is a standardized assessment tool used by PA ODP to evaluate the support needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. The assessment covers multiple domains of daily living, including:
- Home living activities (e.g., preparing food, taking medications, hygiene).
- Community living activities (e.g., using transport, shopping).
- Employment activities (e.g., learning job tasks, maintaining focus).
- Health and safety activities (e.g., recognizing hazards, responding to emergencies).
How the SIS Affects Funding
The results of the SIS assessment group individuals into specific “Needs Groups.” These groups directly determine the funding levels and budgets allocated for their residential, companion care, and community services. A poorly documented assessment can result in insufficient funding, making it difficult to secure the necessary care hours.
Tips for a Successful SIS Assessment
- Focus on the Worst-Case Scenario: When answering questions, describe what support is needed on a difficult day, rather than a good day.
- Be Accurate About Independence: If an individual can perform a task (like cooking) but requires constant verbal prompting or supervision for safety, they are not independent. Document the level of prompting required.
- Coordinate Medical Evidence: Ensure your medical files, psychological evaluations, and individual service plans (ISPs) align with the functional limitations discussed during the SIS interview.
Lehigh Valley Companion Care Homes works closely with families and Support Coordinators to align individual needs with high-quality companion care services. Contact us today to learn how we support residents in our Lehigh Valley homes.
Why this topic matters
Supports Intensity Scale can affect everyday choices, long-term planning, and access to meaningful opportunities. Clear communication, accurate records, and regular follow-up help individuals and families turn information into practical action while keeping the person’s preferences at the center.
Good planning is collaborative. It includes listening to the individual, identifying strengths and support needs, checking reliable sources, documenting decisions, and revisiting the plan when circumstances change. These steps make complex information easier to use without losing sight of dignity, autonomy, safety, and community participation.
Using the Supports Intensity Scale in person-centered planning
Supports Intensity Scale The Supports Intensity Scale is most useful when assessment answers are connected to real routines and the person’s goals. Families and support teams should describe how often assistance is needed, how much time it takes, and what may happen when support is unavailable. Examples from home, work, appointments, transportation, communication, and community activities can provide helpful context. The assessment should not be treated as a label or a complete picture of the person. Strengths, preferences, relationships, culture, and changing circumstances also belong in person-centered planning. Keeping notes before the meeting and reviewing the resulting plan afterward can help participants identify missing details and request corrections when necessary.
Learn more about Lehigh Valley Companion Care Homes and our commitment to dignity, inclusion, and person-centered support.
