Home is where many of us start and end our days. It’s where we get ready in the morning, prepare meals, rest and spend time with the people who matter to us. For many people with disability, support at home can be one part of living day to day in a way that feels comfortable and in keeping with their own preferences.

If you’re an NDIS participant, a family member or a carer, thinking about daily living support can feel overwhelming at first. This guide outlines some of the things you may want to consider, so you can feel more prepared when talking about your supports.

What is daily living support?

Daily living support generally refers to help with everyday tasks at home. Depending on a person’s needs, this may include:

• Personal care, such as showering, dressing and grooming
• Meal planning and preparation
• Household tasks, such as cleaning and laundry
• Moving around the home safely
• Support with daily routines
• Help with shopping and other errands

Every person’s needs are different. Some people may want support with one or two tasks, while others may want help with several parts of their day.

Start with your goals

It’s natural to begin with a list of tasks. It can also be helpful to ask a broader question: what would you like your days at home to look like?

You may want to think about:

• Which tasks you would like to keep doing yourself, with or without some support
• Which parts of the day can feel difficult or tiring
• Whether there are skills you’d like to build over time
• How support could leave more time for the things you enjoy

Starting with your goals may make it easier to explain what matters to you when speaking with a support coordinator, plan manager, provider or the NDIS.

Map out your routine

One approach is to write down a typical day or week, from morning to night, and note where support may or may not be useful.

Some questions to consider:

• Are there times of day when support may be more helpful?
• Do your needs change from day to day?
• Who already helps, such as family or friends, and is that arrangement working well for everyone?
• What might happen on busy days, or when someone is unwell?

A realistic picture of your routine can be a useful starting point for conversations about what may suit you.

Look at your home environment

Your home can influence how easily everyday tasks are done. You may want to think about:

• Whether it feels easy and safe to move around each room
• Whether the bathroom and kitchen suit your needs
• Whether any equipment or home changes might be worth discussing with a health professional
• Whether you’ve noticed any safety concerns

An occupational therapist or another qualified health professional may be able to offer advice about your home and your needs. Whether any equipment or modification can be funded depends on individual circumstances and NDIS rules.

Think about who provides your support

The people who support you at home can shape how comfortable you feel day to day. When considering a provider or support worker, you may want to think about:

• Communication: Do they listen to your preferences and explain things clearly?
• Respect: Do they respect your choices, privacy and routines?
• Consistency: Is it important for you to see the same support worker regularly?
• Experience: Do their skills and experience relate to your needs?
• Flexibility: Is it possible to work around your schedule?

It’s reasonable to ask questions or request an introductory conversation before deciding what feels right for you.

Understanding how your plan may be involved

NDIS funding for supports generally depends on what is considered reasonable and necessary for an individual. How daily living supports are funded can vary depending on a person’s plan, their circumstances and the rules in place at the time.

The NDIS is also going through a period of change, with updates being introduced in stages over the coming years. Some of these changes place greater focus on supports being connected to the impairment or impairments related to a person’s NDIS eligibility. How this applies can vary from person to person.

Because information can change, it may help to check the official NDIS website or speak with your support coordinator, plan manager or the NDIS directly for current details.

Keep your records organised

Organised records may make planning conversations and reviews easier. You may want to keep:

• Your current plan and its end date
• Reports from health professionals
• Notes about how your needs have changed
• Service agreements and invoices
• Notes on what has and hasn’t been working well

Record-keeping requirements can also be part of NDIS changes, so it may be worth checking the official NDIS website for current information.

Review your supports from time to time

Needs can change over time. Your health, goals, living arrangements or family circumstances may all shift. It may help to check in regularly with yourself, your family and your providers and ask:

• Does this support still feel right for me?
• Is there anything I’d like to change or try?
• Do I feel respected and comfortable with how support is delivered?

If something doesn’t feel right, you may be able to talk with your provider or support coordinator about options.

Final thoughts

Planning daily living support at home doesn’t need to happen all at once. Taking time to think about your goals, your routine, your home and the people around you may help you feel more prepared for conversations about your supports.

Every situation is different, and what works for one person may not suit another. If you would like to learn more about community care and support, you’re welcome to get in touch with the Instant Community Care team through our website.