The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was developed to provide Australians living with a permanent and significant disability access to the proper supports and services. One of the most valued aspects of the NDIS is its provision for in-home support, assistance delivered directly in a participant’s home to help with day-to-day living, safety, and personal independence.
In-home support is particularly important for individuals who prefer to stay in their own homes rather than move into assisted living or residential care. With the proper support, many people can continue living in familiar surroundings while still receiving help tailored to their specific needs.
What is In-Home Support Under the NDIS?
In-home support refers to a range of services provided in the participant’s residence, designed to help them live safely, independently, and comfortably. The type and level of support vary depending on a person’s disability, goals, and care needs.
These supports fall under the Core Supports or Capacity Building categories of an NDIS plan and must be considered “reasonable and necessary.” This means they must relate directly to the participant’s disability and be likely to help them pursue their goals, improve daily functioning, or participate in community life.
Common In-Home Supports Funded by the NDIS
The NDIS may cover a variety of services when delivered in the home, including the following.
Personal Care Assistance
This is one of the most common forms of in-home support. It includes help with hygiene, grooming, dressing, and mobility. For participants with high care needs, it may also cover assistance with transfers (such as moving from bed to wheelchair), managing continence, or support during mealtimes.
Household Tasks
The NDIS may fund help with household duties that a participant is unable to do due to their disability. This could include cleaning, laundry, washing dishes, and other household chores that contribute to a safe and hygienic living environment.
Daily Living Skill Development
In addition to providing hands-on help, in-home support can involve training and guidance to help participants build or maintain essential life skills. This could include learning how to prepare simple meals, manage household routines, or organise a weekly schedule.
Meal Preparation and Nutrition
For some participants, cooking may be difficult due to mobility, cognitive, or sensory challenges. The NDIS may fund support workers to assist with meal planning, food preparation, and even nutritional education, particularly if the participant’s condition affects their dietary needs.
Behaviour Support in the Home
For individuals with behavioural challenges, the NDIS may include in-home implementation of Behaviour Support Plans. Support workers trained in positive behaviour strategies can help reduce incidents and ensure a safe, supportive environment.
Overnight or 24/7 Support
Some participants may require overnight supervision or live-in assistance to ensure their safety at home. The NDIS may fund sleepover or active overnight support, depending on the participant’s situation. For those with high needs, 24/7 support could also be approved.
Assistance with Technology and Equipment Use
The NDIS can provide funding for assistive technologies used at home, such as hoists, shower chairs, or mobility aids, and also fund support workers who can assist in using these tools safely and effectively.
What the NDIS Does Not Cover
While the NDIS provides many helpful in-home supports, it does not cover general household expenses or items not directly related to a participant’s disability. This includes rent, food, utility bills, and tasks that family members or others would reasonably be expected to carry out if the participant didn’t have a disability.
For example, while cleaning the house might be covered if the disability prevents the participant from doing it, the NDIS won’t pay for a general housekeeping service that exceeds what is required for support.
How to Access In-Home Support Through the NDIS
To access in-home support, participants must first go through the NDIS planning process. During this stage, individuals can outline their goals and identify the specific assistance they need at home. An NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator will then work with the participant to determine what supports are reasonable and necessary.
Once approved, participants can choose a registered provider to deliver these supports. Providers will work with the participant to develop a service agreement, outlining the hours of support and ensuring that the services align with the person’s lifestyle and preferences.
How Alliance Multicare Services Can Help
Alliance Multicare Services understands that no two participants are the same. Our in-home support services are flexible, responsive, and designed to help people live more comfortably and confidently in their own homes. From personal care to skill development and complex support needs, our trained team is dedicated to delivering respectful, reliable care that seamlessly integrates into your life.
We take the time to get to know each participant, understand their goals, and work closely with families or carers to ensure a consistent and supportive experience.
Conclusion
In-home support through the NDIS plays an essential role in enabling people with disabilities to maintain their independence and quality of life. By funding services that support personal care, household tasks, skill development, and daily routines, the NDIS empowers participants to maintain control over their lives in the comfort of their own homes.
If you or a loved one could benefit from in-home support, contact us today at 1800 448 449. Our team is here to help you understand your options, manage your NDIS plan, and begin receiving the right support at home.
