For many people living with disability, receiving support at home can make everyday activities more manageable while helping them maintain their routines, independence and quality of life.
The type of assistance available depends on a person’s individual needs, circumstances and goals. Support may range from help with personal care and household tasks to assistance with community participation and developing everyday skills.
What Is Disability Support at Home?
Disability support at home involves providing assistance with everyday activities in a person’s own home.
Rather than requiring someone to leave their familiar environment to receive support, services can be arranged around their routines and individual circumstances.
For NDIS participants, the supports available depend on their individual plan and whether the support meets the relevant NDIS requirements.
What Help Can You Receive at Home?
1. Personal Care
Personal care support can assist with everyday activities that may be difficult because of a person’s disability.
This can include assistance with:
- Showering and bathing
- Dressing and grooming
- Personal hygiene
- Toileting
- Getting ready for the day
- Other personal daily routines
Support can be provided in a way that respects the person’s privacy, dignity and preferences.
2. Domestic Assistance
Managing household tasks can sometimes be challenging. Domestic assistance may help with everyday household activities such as:
- Cleaning
- Laundry
- Meal preparation
- Household organisation
- Other routine household tasks
The aim is to help maintain a comfortable and safe home environment while supporting the person’s independence.
3. Meal Preparation
Some people may need assistance with planning and preparing meals.
Support can include helping with meal preparation, organising ingredients and developing practical skills around preparing food, depending on the person’s needs and goals.
4. Life Skills Support
Home can also be an important place for developing everyday skills.
A support worker may assist someone with learning or practising skills such as cooking, organising routines, shopping, planning activities and managing everyday tasks.
The focus can be on helping the person build confidence and independence.
5. Social Support and Companionship
Disability support at home does not only involve practical tasks.
Social support can provide opportunities for conversation, companionship and meaningful interaction. This may be particularly helpful for people who experience barriers to social participation.
6. Support With Community Participation
Although support may begin at home, it can also help someone participate outside the home.
A support worker may assist with preparing for an activity, travelling to a destination or participating in community activities that are important to the person.
This could include shopping, attending appointments, visiting friends, participating in hobbies or attending community events.
7. Transportation Assistance
Some people may need support getting to appointments, shopping or community activities.
Depending on the person’s circumstances and available funding, transportation-related assistance may help make it easier to access important places and participate in everyday activities.
8. Respite Support
Short-term respite can provide temporary support for a person with disability while giving family members or informal carers an opportunity to take a break.
The type of respite available depends on the person’s individual circumstances and applicable funding arrangements.
Why Choose Support at Home?
Receiving support at home can provide several practical benefits.
Familiar Environment
Being supported in a familiar environment can help a person feel comfortable and maintain their usual routines.
Personalised Assistance
Support can be organised around individual needs, preferences and goals rather than following the same routine for everyone.
Greater Independence
Support can focus on helping a person participate in everyday activities and develop skills wherever appropriate.
Support for Families and Carers
Appropriate support can also provide families and informal carers with additional assistance when they need it.
How Much Support Do You Need?
There is no single amount of support that works for everyone.
Some people may only need assistance with particular tasks, while others may require regular support throughout the week.
The appropriate services depend on individual circumstances, goals and, where applicable, the person’s NDIS plan and funding.
Finding Disability Support at Home in Canberra
If you are looking for disability support at home in Canberra, it can help to choose a provider that takes time to understand your individual needs, preferences, routine and goals.
At Born To Care, personalised disability support can assist with everyday activities, personal care, domestic assistance, life skills, social participation and other areas of daily living.
If you or a loved one needs support at home, contact our team to discuss your needs and available support options.