Living independently requires a range of daily living skills, including personal care, household management, financial planning, and social interaction. For people with disabilities, developing these skills can sometimes be challenging due to physical, cognitive, or sensory limitations. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to support individuals in building these essential life skills, empowering them to live more independently and participate in their communities.
This guide explores:
✅ What daily living skills are and why they are important
✅ How NDIS helps develop daily living skills
✅ The different types of NDIS-funded supports available
✅ Tips to maximize your NDIS plan for improving daily life skills
1. What Are Daily Living Skills and Why Are They Important?
Daily living skills refer to the everyday activities that enable individuals to take care of themselves and their surroundings. These skills are crucial for independence, improving confidence, well-being, and social inclusion.
🔹 Examples of Essential Daily Living Skills
| Category | Skills |
|---|---|
| Personal Care | Bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, toileting |
| Household Management | Cooking, cleaning, laundry, home organization |
| Money Management | Budgeting, paying bills, grocery shopping, financial planning |
| Social & Communication Skills | Conversing, making phone calls, using public transport, engaging in community activities |
| Health & Safety | Medication management, first aid, personal safety awareness |
Without these skills, individuals may struggle with self-care, maintaining their homes, or managing finances, which can lead to dependence on others and reduced quality of life.
2. How Does NDIS Support Daily Living Skills?
The NDIS provides funding and services to help participants build and improve their daily living skills, enabling them to become more independent. The support is tailored to individual needs and goals, ensuring that participants receive the necessary assistance, training, and resources to succeed.
🔹 NDIS Support Categories for Daily Living Skills
NDIS provides funding under two main categories:
| NDIS Support Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life | Provides help with personal care, household tasks, and community participation |
| Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills | Funds skill development programs, training, and therapy to improve independence |
3. Types of NDIS Support for Daily Living Skills
🔹 1. Personal Care & Hygiene Support
Maintaining personal hygiene and self-care is essential for good health and confidence. NDIS provides assistance with:
✅ Bathing, dressing, and grooming
✅ Oral hygiene and skincare
✅ Toileting and continence care
✅ Learning new self-care techniques
Example: If a participant struggles with dressing, an occupational therapist can teach adaptive techniques or recommend assistive devices like dressing aids.
🔹 2. Household Tasks & Home Maintenance
NDIS helps individuals learn how to manage their homes independently by providing:
✅ Training on meal preparation and cooking
✅ Guidance on cleaning, laundry, and home organization
✅ Support for shopping, grocery management, and healthy eating
✅ Assistance in setting up daily routines
Example: A support worker can teach a participant how to follow a simple recipe, ensuring they can prepare meals safely.
🔹 3. Budgeting & Money Management
Financial independence is crucial for living independently. NDIS supports:
✅ Budgeting skills – Learning to track expenses and manage finances
✅ Banking support – Understanding how to use ATMs, pay bills, and manage accounts
✅ Shopping skills – Learning how to compare prices and make informed purchases
Example: A financial mentor might help a participant create a weekly budget plan and teach them how to pay bills online.
🔹 4. Communication & Social Skills
Being able to communicate effectively improves confidence and social interactions. NDIS provides:
✅ Speech therapy for individuals with communication difficulties
✅ Training on making phone calls, writing emails, and using technology
✅ Support in developing conversational skills
Example: A participant struggling with phone conversations may receive role-play training to practice speaking with confidence.
🔹 5. Using Public Transport & Community Access
Getting around independently is a key aspect of daily living. NDIS supports:
✅ Public transport training – Learning how to read schedules, use bus/train passes, and navigate routes
✅ Support workers for travel training
✅ Funding for taxi or ride-sharing services
Example: A mobility trainer might teach a participant how to safely board a bus and recognize their stop.
🔹 6. Health & Safety Awareness
NDIS provides training to ensure individuals stay safe and healthy, including:
✅ Medication management – Learning how to take medicine on time
✅ Basic first aid skills – Knowing how to handle minor injuries
✅ Emergency response training – What to do in case of fire, falls, or medical emergencies
Example: A participant with diabetes may receive support on how to monitor blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy diet.
4. Tips to Improve Daily Living Skills with NDIS Support
✅ 1. Set Clear Goals in Your NDIS Plan
When developing your NDIS plan, clearly outline your goals, such as:
- “I want to learn how to cook and prepare meals independently.”
- “I want to improve my budgeting skills to manage my expenses.”
- “I want to travel on public transport without assistance.”
The more specific your goals, the better your chances of receiving appropriate support.
✅ 2. Work with an Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist (OT) can:
- Assess your strengths and challenges
- Develop a personalized plan to improve daily skills
- Recommend assistive technology to enhance independence
✅ 3. Take Small Steps & Practice Daily
Improving life skills takes time, so focus on small, achievable steps, such as:
🔹 Cooking a simple meal before attempting complex recipes
🔹 Managing small expenses before handling larger budgets
🔹 Practicing social interactions in comfortable settings first
✅ 4. Use Assistive Technology & Tools
There are many assistive devices that can help with daily tasks, including:
🔹 Dressing aids – Button hooks, zipper pullers
🔹 Cooking tools – Adaptive cutlery, talking kitchen scales
🔹 Communication aids – Speech-to-text apps, visual schedules
✅ 5. Seek Support from a Life Skills Coach
A life skills coach can provide hands-on training and help participants develop essential skills in real-life settings.
5. Conclusion
Improving daily living skills is essential for building independence, confidence, and quality of life. The NDIS provides tailored support, training, and funding to help individuals learn personal care, household management, budgeting, social skills, and transportation.
At The Carer Agency, we specialize in helping NDIS participants develop practical skills for independent living.
📍 Address: 87 Evesham Drive, POINT COOK VIC 3030
📧 Email: thecareragency2024@outlook.com
📞 Phone: 0420 472 600
Contact us today to explore how we can support your journey toward independence! 😊
