Building independence: Daily living skills and the NDIS

Published at 03-02-2025 12:00:00

Building independence: Daily living skills and the NDIS

Independence is an important goal for many NDIS participants. Developing daily living skills enables people with disabilities to live more autonomously, make choices that align with their goals, and participate more actively in their communities. The NDIS provides funding and supports to help participants build and strengthen these essential skills. This article explores how the NDIS can support independent living and offers practical strategies for developing daily living skills.

What are daily living skills?

Daily living skills are essential abilities that allow individuals to manage their day-to-day lives with greater independence. These skills vary from person to person, depending on their needs and goals, but typically include:

• Personal care – Dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting.
• Household tasks – Cooking, cleaning, laundry, and home maintenance.
• Money management – Budgeting, paying bills, and handling finances.
• Transport and mobility – Using public transport, driving, or arranging travel.
• Communication – Social interaction, using technology, and self-advocacy.
• Time management – Planning and organizing daily activities.
• Employment and education – Developing skills to work or study independently.

The NDIS provides various supports to help participants strengthen these skills and work towards greater independence.

How the NDIS supports daily living skills

The NDIS funds a range of services designed to help participants build independence. These supports fall under different funding categories, depending on the type of assistance required. If you want to learn further information on these different types of support categories, check out our previous resource: Understanding NDIS support categories

1. Core supports – Assistance with daily life

Core supports cover everyday activities and are particularly useful for participants who need regular assistance with personal care or household tasks. Some key services include:

• Support workers to help with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene.
• Assistance with grocery shopping and meal preparation.
• Training to develop skills for managing personal care independently.

Here at Just Plan Managers we help participants budget for core supports and ensure that funding is used efficiently!

2. Capacity building supports – Increased independence

Capacity building supports help participants develop skills for greater independence over time. These supports include:

• Improved daily living skills – Therapy and training to build practical skills for everyday life.
• Improved life choices – Budgeting support and decision-making skills to manage funding effectively.
• Improved living arrangements – Assistance with moving towards independent or supported living arrangements.

Funding in this category is designed to empower participants to take greater control over their daily lives.

3. Assistive technology and home modifications

For many NDIS participants, assistive technology and home modifications can significantly improve their ability to perform daily tasks independently. The NDIS funds a variety of assistive technologies, such as:

• Adaptive kitchen tools for cooking.
• Communication devices for social interaction.
• Mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers.
• Smart home modifications, such as automated lighting or voice-activated appliances.

A plan manager can help participants navigate assistive technology funding and ensure that purchases align with their plan budgets.

4. Support coordination

Support coordinators play a key role in helping participants access services that support independent living. They can:

• Connect participants with suitable service providers.
• Assist in developing a plan for skill-building.
• Provide strategies for problem-solving and overcoming challenges.

A strong relationship with a support coordinator ensures that participants receive the right assistance to achieve their independence goals.

Practical strategies for building daily living skills

While NDIS-funded supports are valuable, developing daily living skills also requires practice and commitment. Here are some practical strategies to encourage independence:

1. Set achievable goals

Setting realistic and measurable goals can help participants track their progress and stay motivated. For example:

• Learning how to prepare one meal independently each week.
• Managing personal finances by tracking expenses.
• Using public transport for short trips before progressing to longer journeys.

2. Learn through hands-on practice

The best way to develop daily living skills is through hands-on experience. Participants can practice skills at home with the guidance of a support worker or family member. Regular practice helps reinforce these skills and promotes confidence in handling tasks independently! Some effective ways to build skills include:

• Cooking together – Start with simple meals and gradually build confidence.
• Budgeting with real-life scenarios – Practice managing a small amount of money each week.
• Using assistive technology – Learn how to operate communication devices, mobility aids, or smart home features.

3. Use structured routines

Having a consistent routine can improve independence by making daily tasks more predictable and manageable. Structured routines are particularly beneficial for individuals who find change overwhelming. Strategies to establish a structured routine include:

• Using visual schedules or reminders for important activities.
• Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Practicing skills at the same time each day to build consistency.

4. Build problem-solving skills

Developing problem-solving abilities helps participants adapt to new situations and navigate challenges more effectively. Encourage independence by:

• Allowing participants to try tasks on their own before offering help.
• Teaching strategies for handling unexpected situations (e.g., what to do if a bus is late).
• Encouraging decision-making and critical thinking in everyday situations.

5. Seek community involvement

Engaging in community activities can improve social skills and provide opportunities to practice independence in real-world settings. Participants can:

• Join a local club or group that matches their interests.
• Volunteer for a community project.
• Attend workshops or training sessions to build new skills.

How Just Plan Managers supports independent living

At Just Plan Managers, we are dedicated to helping NDIS participants achieve greater independence. Our plan management services provide:

✅ Budget tracking and management – We help participants allocate funding to essential supports and avoid overspending.

✅ Access to our Portal – Participants, their carers, and support coordinators can view their budget in real time and receive monthly reports to track spending.

✅ Guidance on funding use – We ensure participants make the most of their NDIS plan by recommending services that align with their goals.

✅ Payment processing – We handle provider invoices promptly, so participants can focus on building their independence.

By partnering with Just Plan Managers, participants can take control of their funding with confidence while receiving expert support every step of the way!

Final thoughts

Building independence through daily living skills is a journey that requires support, practice, and the right resources. With the help of the NDIS, participants can develop essential skills that empower them to lead more autonomous lives. By setting goals, practicing skills regularly, and using available NDIS supports, participants can take meaningful steps towards greater independence.

If you need support managing your NDIS funding for independent living, we're here to help. Call us on 1300 217 037 or email us at info@justplanmanagers.com.au to learn how we can support your journey towards greater independence.