The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides essential support to individuals with disabilities, enabling them to live as independently as possible. One crucial category of NDIS support is Assistance with Daily Life, which covers various personal and household tasks to promote self-sufficiency and well-being.

For many individuals, managing household duties can be challenging due to mobility limitations, cognitive impairments, or other disabilities. NDIS funding under this category allows participants to receive support for tasks essential for daily living. But what kind of household tasks are covered under NDIS Assistance with Daily Life? Let’s explore in detail.

Understanding NDIS Assistance with Daily Life

Assistance with Daily Life is a core NDIS support category designed to help participants manage everyday tasks at home. It covers a range of activities that contribute to maintaining a clean, organised, and safe living environment. The support can be provided in different ways, including hands-on assistance, supervision, or skill development to enable participants to manage these tasks independently in the future.

It’s important to note that while NDIS covers assistance with household tasks, it does not cover general living expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, or cleaning supplies. Instead, it funds support workers to help with specific activities related to maintaining a participant’s home.

Household Tasks Covered Under NDIS Assistance with Daily Life

Here is a breakdown of the key household tasks covered under this NDIS category:

1. Cleaning and Dusting

Maintaining a clean and hygienic home is essential for health and well-being. NDIS can provide support for:

• Dusting surfaces, furniture, and shelves
• Cleaning and sanitising frequently used areas such as the kitchen and bathroom
• Wiping down countertops and appliances
• General tidying up

2. Laundry Assistance

Washing clothes and maintaining fresh linen is a basic yet crucial task for daily life. NDIS-funded support can include:

• Washing, drying, and folding clothes
• Hanging clothes on a line or using a tumble dryer
• Essential ironing to ensure clothes are neat and wearable
• Assistance with organising laundry space

3. Grocery Shopping

For individuals with disabilities, grocery shopping can be a physically demanding task. Support workers can assist with:

• Making a shopping list
• Visiting the supermarket and selecting items
• Carrying groceries and unpacking them at home
• Online grocery shopping for convenience

4. Meal Preparation and Cooking

A well-balanced diet is essential for overall health, and NDIS provides assistance with:

• Planning meals that are nutritious and cater to dietary needs
• Preparing ingredients for cooking
• Cooking meals under supervision or with full assistance
• Storing food properly to maintain freshness

5. Small Home Repairs and Maintenance

While major repairs are not covered, minor household maintenance tasks supported by NDIS may include:

• Changing light bulbs
• Tightening loose screws on furniture
• Reporting necessary repairs to landlords or property managers
• Basic home safety checks

6. Dishwashing and Kitchen Maintenance

Keeping the kitchen clean is crucial for hygiene and food safety. NDIS-funded support may include:

• Washing dishes and utensils
• Loading and unloading the dishwasher
• Cleaning the sink, stove, and microwave
• Organising kitchen cabinets and storage spaces

7. Vacuuming, Sweeping, and Mopping

Participants who find physical tasks difficult due to mobility issues can receive assistance with:

• Vacuuming carpets and rugs
• Sweeping hard floors
• Mopping to maintain a sanitary environment
• Cleaning under furniture where dust accumulates

8. Garden and Outdoor Maintenance

Maintaining a tidy outdoor space contributes to overall well-being. NDIS can support with:

• Watering plants and keeping garden beds tidy
• Lawn mowing and basic landscaping
• Sweeping outdoor areas such as patios and driveways
• Removing garden waste and keeping pathways clear

9. Learning Essential Cleaning Skills

In addition to direct assistance, NDIS aims to build participants’ capacity for independent living. Support workers can provide training on:

• Proper cleaning techniques
• Organising a weekly or monthly cleaning schedule
• Using safe and effective cleaning products
• Maintaining hygiene in the home

10. Changing Bed Linen

For individuals who struggle with lifting and changing bedding, support can include:

• Stripping and replacing bed sheets
• Fluffing pillows and arranging bedding for comfort
• Laundering bed linens regularly

11. Rubbish Disposal

Proper waste management is necessary for maintaining a clean home. NDIS-funded assistance can help with:

• Taking out household rubbish
• Separating recyclables and disposing of waste responsibly
• Ensuring bins are placed out for collection

12. Bathroom and Toilet Cleaning

To maintain hygiene, NDIS may cover support for:

• Scrubbing sinks, showers, and bathtubs
• Disinfecting toilets
• Replacing toilet paper and bathroom essentials
• Wiping down mirrors and fixtures

What NDIS Assistance with Daily Life Does NOT Cover

While NDIS provides extensive support for independent living, there are some expenses and services that it does not cover. These include:

• Rent or mortgage payments – Housing costs remain the responsibility of the participant.
• Cleaning supplies and household products – Participants need to provide their own cleaning equipment and materials.
• Utility bills – Water, electricity, gas, and internet bills are not covered.
• Personal expenses unrelated to disability – This includes entertainment costs, luxury items, or home décor.
• Meals and food costs – While meal preparation support is included, the actual cost of food is not covered.
• Recreational and social activities – While support may be provided for community participation, ticket costs or membership fees must be covered by the participant.

How to Access NDIS Assistance with Daily Life?

To receive funding for Assistance with Daily Life, you must have an approved NDIS plan that includes this category. Here’s how you can access the support:

1. Discuss Your Needs – Work with an NDIS planner or support coordinator to outline your daily living challenges.
2. Include the Support in Your Plan – Ensure household tasks are considered in your NDIS plan.
3. Choose a Service Provider – Select an NDIS-registered provider who offers daily living assistance.
4. Start Receiving Support – Once approved, you can begin accessing services to enhance your independence.

Final Thoughts

NDIS Assistance with Daily Life plays a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable home environment. From household cleaning and laundry to meal preparation and garden maintenance, this support category ensures that participants can focus on their well-being while receiving the necessary assistance.If you or a loved one require help with daily household tasks, consult with an NDIS provider like Coastwide Disability Care to understand your options and start accessing the right support today.