Maintaining a tidy garden or keeping your living space clean and safe might require more effort or assistance than you can manage independently. Fortunately, for many NDIS participants, support for these essential home services, including gardening, cleaning, and home maintenance, can be included in their individualised plans.
This guide will walk you through the possibilities of using your NDIS funding for gardening and other home support services. We’ll look at the types of support generally included, how to get them added to your NDIS plan, and how to choose the right service providers.
Can Your NDIS Funding Cover Gardening?
The short answer is, yes! Your NDIS funding can be used for gardening services if these services are “reasonable and necessary” to support your disability-related needs and help you pursue your goals. This means that if your disability impacts your ability to maintain your garden, and an untended garden would negatively affect your health, safety, or well-being, then NDIS funding can likely be allocated for gardening support.
Consider these scenarios where NDIS funding for gardening might be applicable:
Physical limitations
If you have mobility issues, chronic pain, or other physical disabilities that make bending, lifting, or prolonged physical activity difficult or impossible, NDIS funding can support regular garden or yard maintenance. This could include lawn mowing, weeding, pruning, and general tidying.
Safety concerns
Overgrown gardens can pose safety hazards, such as slippery paths, attracting pests, or obstructing access. If your disability makes it difficult for you to address these hazards yourself, NDIS funding can ensure your garden remains a safe and accessible space.
Mental health and well-being
For some individuals, spending time in a well-maintained garden can positively impact their mental health and well-being. If your disability affects your mental health, and access to a pleasant outdoor space is part of your support needs, then consider NDIS funding for gardening.
Other Home Support Services Covered by NDIS Funding
Gardening is just one aspect of how your NDIS funding can support you in maintaining your home. Several other essential home support services can also be included in your plan if they meet the “reasonable and necessary” criteria. These often fall under the categories of “Assistance with Daily Life” or “Home and Living Supports.”
Here are some examples of other home support services that your NDIS funding might cover:
Cleaning
If your disability prevents you from performing household cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathroom cleaning, and kitchen maintenance, NDIS funding can be allocated for professional cleaning services. This ensures a hygienic and safe living environment.
Laundry
Assistance with washing, drying, folding, and putting away laundry can be crucial for individuals with physical limitations or cognitive impairments. Your NDIS funding can support this essential task.
Meal Preparation
If your disability impacts your ability to plan, shop, or cook meals, your NDIS funding can be used to access support workers who can assist, ensuring you receive nutritious food.
Home Maintenance
You might also be able to use your NDIS funding for minor home repairs and maintenance that you can’t manage due to your disability, such as changing light bulbs, clearing drains, or other essential fixes for a safe and functional home.
Navigating Your NDIS Plan to Include Home Support Services
To access NDIS funding for gardening and other home support services, you need to ensure these supports are included in your individualised NDIS plan. Here’s how you can approach this:
1. Identify Your Needs
Think carefully about the specific gardening and home support tasks you struggle with due to your disability and how these challenges impact your daily life, health, safety, and well-being. Document these needs clearly.
2. Discuss During Planning Meetings
When you meet with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC), clearly articulate your needs for gardening and other home support. Explain how these supports will help you achieve your goals and live more independently. Provide specific examples of the tasks you require assistance with and the positive impact this support will have.
3. Provide Supporting Evidence
If you have reports from occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or other allied health professionals highlighting your limitations in performing these tasks, provide these documents to support your request for NDIS funding.
4. Focus on “Reasonable and Necessary”
Remember that the NDIS will assess whether the requested supports are “reasonable and necessary.” This means they must be related to your disability, represent value for money, and be likely to be effective and beneficial for you.
5. Explore Different Funding Categories
Home support services can often be funded under the “Assistance with Daily Life” or “Home and Living Supports” categories within your NDIS funding plan. Understand how your funding is allocated to identify the most appropriate budget for these services.
6. Request Specific Line Items
When discussing your plan, ask for specific line items for the gardening and home support services you need. By requesting specific line items, you’ll know how your allocated NDIS funds can be used for these supports, and it will simplify the process of identifying suitable providers who offer those services.
Finding the Right Service Providers
Once you have NDIS funding allocated for gardening and home support, the next step is to find suitable service providers. You have several options:
Registered NDIS Providers
Registered NDIS providers are those who meet the NDIS’s quality and safety standards. You can find registered providers through the NDIS Provider Finder tool on the NDIS website.
Unregistered Providers
Those who self-manage their NDIS funding or have a plan manager can also opt to use unregistered service providers. Unregistered providers may offer more flexibility but are not subject to the same NDIS quality and safety standards. It’s crucial to conduct thorough checks and ensure they have appropriate insurance and qualifications.
Utilising Your Existing Networks
You might already know local gardeners or cleaners who are willing to work with your NDIS funding. If they are not registered, you can still engage them if you are self-managed or plan-managed.
When choosing a provider, consider factors such as their experience working with NDIS participants, their rates (which should align with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits), their reliability, and their communication style.
Choose Comfort, Choose Home of Choice & Care
Home of Choice & Care is a dedicated provider committed to helping NDIS participants like you access quality cleaning and gardening services, making your home a true haven. Ready for a helping hand around the house and garden? Contact us today to find out how we can bring more ease to your life.
