AboutDaily Living and Assistance with Self-Care

Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care refers to the NDIS support provided to individuals who need help managing their day-to-day physical and domestic tasks. This support is essential for maintaining independence, and quality of life for the elderly, people with disabilities, or those recovering from illness.

Highlights of the Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care Service

It empowers individuals to stay in their own homes comfortably.

The support reduces the risk of falls, malnutrition, and medication errors.

Routine social interaction with caregivers helps prevent loneliness and depression.

Professional assistance allows family members to balance their own lives while ensuring their loved one is cared for.

Support can range from occasional check-ins to 24-hour care, depending on the individual’s needs.

Examples include:

Hands-on Help:

Physical assistance with bathing, dressing, or feeding.

Supervision & Prompting:

Reminders to take medication or verbal guidance during a task to ensure safety.

Assistive Technology:

Using tools like shower chairs, reachers, or automated medication dispensers.

Environmental Changes:

Home modifications like installing grab bars or ramps to improve safety.

The tasks under Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care are primarily divided into two categories:

1. Basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

These are the fundamental self-care tasks required for physical survival and personal hygiene.

2. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

These are more complex tasks that allow a person to live independently within their community.

Who can benefit from Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care?

Older Adults (Seniors)

As people age, natural declines in mobility, strength, and memory can make daily routines difficult.

Solo Agers: Elderly individuals living alone who need a safety net for household management.

70/ 80+ : Statistically, this group has the highest need for help with basic hygiene and mobility.

Those with Neurodegenerative Disorders: People living with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or Dementia often require specialised prompting for self-care and safety.

People with Disabilities

Assistance helps bridge the gap between a person’s functional abilities and the demands of their environment.

Physical Disabilities: Individuals with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, or multiple sclerosis who may need help with transferring (e.g., getting from a bed to a wheelchair).

Intellectual/Learning Disabilities: Those who benefit from routine-building and assistance with complex tasks like budgeting or meal planning.

Sensory Impairments: Individuals with severe visual or hearing impairments who need help navigating their community safely.

Individuals with Chronic or Complex Health Conditions

Chronic illnesses can cause fatigue, pain, or limited range of motion that fluctuates daily.

Chronic Diseases: People managing Diabetes, Arthritis, or Cardiopulmonary issues often need help with medication management and specialised nutrition.

Mental Health Challenges: Individuals dealing with severe Depression, PTSD, or Bipolar Disorder may struggle with executive function, making it hard to maintain personal hygiene or a clean home.

People in Recovery (Short-Term Support)

Not all assistance is permanent; many benefit from temporary, rehabilitative care.

Post-Surgery Patients: Individuals recovering from major procedures (like hip replacements) who cannot safely bathe or cook during the healing process.

Injury Recovery: People rehabilitating after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or severe accident.

Family Caregivers

While not the primary recipients of the care, families benefit immensely through Respite Care.

Burnout Prevention: Professional assistance allows family members to return to their roles as sons, daughters, or spouses rather than acting as full-time medical aides.

Safety Peace of Mind: Knowing a professional is handling medication or fall-risk activities reduces household stress.

What you need to get started

To receive Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care service, you must first be an eligible NDIS participant, and then the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Agency – NDIA) must assess Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care as a necessary support for you.

If you have more questions and need help to understand this better, do drop us a message.

NDIS Eligibility for Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care

Here is what you need to know regarding the eligibility criteria for Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care.

Eligibility for daily living and self-care assistance is primarily based on a person’s functional need, what they can and cannot do rather than a specific medical diagnosis.

The general rule of thumb used by most healthcare providers is that if an individual cannot perform at least two Activities of Daily Living (e.g., bathing and dressing) without help, they are generally considered eligible for professional assistance.

A person with a NDIS plan will generally be able to access funding through the NDIS for transport assistance, if you cannot use public transport without substantial difficulty due to your disability. 

Depending on the NDIS transport budgets, Lifest Healthcare can provide transport options to align with your NDIS goals. 

Type of Participant

Transport Line Item Code

Transport Line Item Name

SIL (Supported Independent Living)

1_799_0115_1_1

Provider travel – non-labour costs

CAS (Community Social and Rec Activities)

04_799_0125_6_1

Provider travel – non-labour costs

Self-Care Activities

01_799_0107_1_1

Provider travel – non-labour costs

You could also request either of these services in addition to any selected service if you need them, and your NDIS plan covers them.

Services include Assistance with Daily Living Tasks, Personal Care, and High Intensity Supports.

Our participants’ journeys receiving support via Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care

Meet our

expert support workers

We can provide unmatched care and support because of the team of dedicated and skilled professionals. 

Liva Robinson

Health Services Designation

Maria Mervyn

Founder & CEO Shine Health Services

Maria Mervyn

Founder & CEO Shine Health Services

TESTIMONIALS

FAQsabout Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care

What is Daily Living and Assistance with Self-Care service?

Daily Living and Self-Care Assistance is a core NDIS support designed to help you live as independently as possible. It focuses on the essential tasks you need to get through your day.

If you contact us on 1300 523 524, a member of the Lifest Healthcare team can help you determine what disability support services you require for your specific needs.

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