Some people may find that their disability makes it more difficult for them to do specific household chores. Cleaning, home maintenance, and gardening are a few examples of what falls under this category. Although it might be a bit confusing to understand exactly what the NDIS will and will not cover, the NDIS can give cash for aids to help with these duties.
Can home upkeep, cleaning, and gardening be paid for by the NDIS?
Yes is the clear answer. If the service is connected to your NDIS goals or meets the NDIA's reasonable and necessary requirements, the NDIS may pay for home upkeep, cleaning, and gardening. But "easy answers' ' aren't exactly the NDIS' style, as we all too well know.
For instance, the NDIS may give cash for services to help you clean your entire house if you live alone and require help. If you share a home or live with your parents rather than alone, the money would only be deemed fair and required in relation to you.
In other words, a service provider might assist you with your own area or bedroom but not with any shared spaces. The NDIS does not provide funding for specialised tasks like plumbing or electrical work.
In general, it is likely to be deemed reasonable and essential for you to spend your NDIS funds for this if you are unable to perform house maintenance, cleaning, or gardening duties due to your disability.
How is this funded?
Funding for tasks like housekeeping, yard work, and gardening often falls under the "Assistance with daily life" area of your Core Support. The purpose of this assistance category is to assist individuals with daily duties.
Your Core Support money is flexible, so you may use it anyway you see fit as long as the assistance you want complies with NDIS standards for reasonable and essential. If one of your objectives is to do these duties on your own and in a timely manner, you could also be eligible for financing under your capacity building support.
In order to make sure you can access the money you require in the right categories, it is advisable to address this with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS gardening services in Melbourne during your planning meeting or plan review meeting.
● Choosing the proper supports:
You have to take note of the following before contacting a service provider:
- What do you want done in terms of duties?
- How frequently you want these chores finished (be careful to verify your plan budget to prevent overpaying)
- Your days available
Here are some queries you may put to a service provider while looking for one:
- How would you characterise your experience?
- Will you be bringing your own gear?
- Are animals acceptable with you?
- Should I be at home when you're working?
- When you're done, will you take any leftover trash with you?
- Do you provide frequent customers with a discount?
- Can we have a service agreement* to make sure we agree on the services to be offered and their price?
To compare the services and prices offered by various providers, it is a good idea to request quotes from a few of them. Talk to your Support Coordinator or a disability advocate if you need assistance negotiating a service agreement.
How plan management may be beneficial?
One of the many advantages of being plan managed is that you have access to NDIS registered and unregistered supports and services. Many organisations or people who can assist with tasks like home maintenance, cleaning, and gardening may not have gone through the time-consuming and expensive process of becoming NDIS registered. In essence, you have more say and discretion over who you choose to hire as a member of your support team.
Sovereign Lives Victoria is an NDIS provider serving Altona region.
We offer NDIS care and support services to people eligible for NDIS funding in Altona.
