The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a transformative initiative supporting Australians with permanent and significant disabilities. Among the various types of support funding available, the Improved Daily Living category stands out as an essential component. It is designed to help participants enhance their functional skills, independence, and ability to take part in everyday life and community activities.
If you’re an NDIS participant or planning to apply, understanding how this funding works and what it can be used for can help you get the most out of your plan.
What Is Improved Daily Living Funding?
Improved Daily Living is part of the NDIS Capacity Building budget. This funding focuses on helping individuals build the skills they need to live more independently. This could include a broad range of services delivered by allied health professionals, such as therapy, training, and assessments.
The goal is to increase a participant’s ability to manage daily tasks, communicate more effectively, move confidently, and participate in everyday activities more easily.
What Services Can It Cover?
Improved Daily Living Funding is highly flexible and can be tailored to suit the specific goals outlined in your NDIS plan. Here’s a breakdown of common supports covered under this category.
1. Professional Assessments and Reports
A qualified professional typically conducts an assessment before support begins. These assessments help identify your current abilities, needs, and goals. They are essential for creating a structured support plan and can provide evidence for future funding requests.
Common assessments include:
- Functional capacity assessments
- Occupational therapy home assessments
- Speech and language evaluations
- Behaviour support assessments
These reports are helpful for personal progress and essential when submitting evidence for plan reviews.
2. Therapy Services
Therapeutic supports form the core of Improved Daily Living. The following allied health services are commonly funded:
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Assists with developing skills needed for daily activities, such as showering, cooking, or using assistive devices.
- Speech Therapy: Supports communication challenges and may assist with swallowing and non-verbal communication.
- Physiotherapy: Helps improve strength, coordination, and mobility, especially beneficial for those with physical impairments.
- Psychology or Counselling: Offers mental health support, helps manage emotions, and develops coping strategies for everyday challenges.
- Exercise Physiology: Focuses on improving physical well-being through tailored fitness programs.
- Dietetics: Helps participants manage their nutrition, including meal planning and managing dietary conditions.
Depending on your preferences and goals, these therapy sessions can be delivered one-on-one or in groups.
3. Life Skill Development
Improved Daily Living Funding can be used to build practical skills to enhance your ability to manage at home or in the community. These may include:
- Personal care skills: Learning to bathe, dress, brush teeth, or use grooming tools independently.
- Household management: Skills such as cooking, budgeting, organising laundry, and keeping your living space tidy.
- Community access skills: Support to learn how to navigate public transport, shop at supermarkets, attend appointments, or participate in local events.
This area of funding is designed to reduce your dependence on others by strengthening your ability to manage your day-to-day routines independently.
4. Support for Families and Carers
The NDIS recognises the important role that families and carers play. Improved Daily Living Funding can also be used for carer education and training to help them better understand and support your needs. For example, a carer might receive training from an occupational therapist to reinforce therapy strategies at home or learn how to assist with mobility tasks safely.
5. Behaviour Support Services
This funding may also be used to implement Behaviour Support Plans for participants with behavioral challenges. Trained professionals develop these plans and aim to reduce behaviours of concern by teaching alternative skills and supporting emotional regulation.
Behaviour therapy sessions might also involve family members or support workers to ensure consistent approaches across all environments.
6. Assistive Technology Assessments
In some cases, Improved Daily Living Funding can be used for assessments to obtain assistive technologies (such as mobility aids or communication devices). These assessments ensure the right equipment is prescribed and can include trials, training, and recommendations for using specific tools or modifications.
Benefits of Improved Daily Living Funding
The core benefit of this funding is its focus on long-term skill development. Rather than offering one-off assistance, it supports continuous growth and improved independence.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Increased ability to manage personal and domestic routines
- Greater confidence in accessing the community
- Reduced reliance on informal supports or carers
- Enhanced quality of life and emotional well-being
- Development of a more straightforward, goal-focused support pathway
Is It Flexible?
Yes, one of the main advantages of this funding is its flexibility. Services are adapted to your goals and delivered in a way that works for you. You can choose providers, schedule sessions at your convenience, and even request changes if your needs evolve.
Whether you need weekly therapy, a short-term skills course, or occasional assessments, your NDIS plan can be designed to reflect these preferences.
Conclusion
Improved Daily Living Funding is a valuable part of NDIS plans. It is essential in helping people with disabilities achieve greater independence and build the skills needed for a more fulfilling life. From therapy to skill-building and career support, this funding stream supports practical goals and personal development.
If you’re unsure how to make the most of this funding or need support implementing your NDIS plan, Alliance Multicare Services is here to help. We offer expert guidance and high-quality, personalised services to help you reach your goals.
Contact us today at 1800 448 449 to learn how we can support you through Improved Daily Living and other NDIS services.
