What Types of In-Home Support Are Funded by the NDIS?

The NDIS provides funding for a wide range of in-home supports to help participants live safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes. These supports are designed to assist with daily activities that may be difficult due to disability.

In-home supports are commonly funded under Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Living, but may also appear in other categories depending on individual needs.

This blog outlines the most common types of in-home support funded by the NDIS and explains how to access them.

What Is In-Home Support?

In-home support refers to assistance provided in a participant’s home to help with daily living tasks. The goal is to:

• Promote independence
• Maintain health and safety
• Reduce pressure on informal carers
• Improve overall quality of life

Supports are tailored to individual needs and goals.

Common Types of In-Home Support Funded by the NDIS

1. Personal Care Assistance

Personal care is one of the most commonly funded in-home supports.

This may include assistance with:

• Showering and bathing
• Dressing and grooming
• Toileting and continence support
• Oral hygiene
• Hair care
• Mobility assistance (getting in and out of bed or chairs)

Personal care helps maintain dignity, hygiene, and wellbeing.

2. Domestic Assistance (Household Tasks)

If a participant is unable to complete household tasks due to their disability, the NDIS may fund domestic support.

This may include:

• Cleaning
• Vacuuming and mopping
• Laundry and ironing
• Dishwashing
• Changing bed linen
• Basic home organisation

The purpose is to maintain a safe and healthy living environment.

3. Meal Preparation and Nutrition Support

The NDIS may fund assistance with:

• Meal planning
• Grocery shopping
• Cooking meals
• Preparing special dietary meals
• Support during mealtimes

In some cases, meal delivery services may be partially funded if linked to disability-related needs.

This support promotes proper nutrition and independence in the kitchen.

4. Medication Assistance

Support workers may assist with:

• Reminding participants to take medication
• Assisting with medication administration (where permitted)
• Monitoring medication routines

This ensures safety and consistency in managing health conditions.

5. Assistance with Mobility at Home

For participants with physical disabilities, support may include:

• Transfers (bed to wheelchair)
• Moving safely within the home
• Using mobility aids
• Support to prevent falls

This type of assistance promotes safety and independence.

6. In-Home Respite Support

If a carer requires a break, in-home respite may be funded. A support worker provides care within the home while the primary carer rests or attends to other commitments.

This helps maintain sustainable care arrangements.

7. Capacity-Building Supports Delivered at Home

Some therapeutic or skill-building services can be delivered in the home, including:

• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Speech therapy
• Behaviour support
• Life skills training

These supports focus on improving independence over time.

How Are In-Home Supports Funded?

In-home supports are typically funded under:

Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Living

This funding covers everyday personal and household assistance.

Capacity Building Supports

These focus on improving long-term independence and skill development.

Funding must be considered reasonable and necessary, meaning it must:

• Be directly related to the participant’s disability
• Help the participant pursue their goals
• Represent value for money
• Not duplicate other government supports

How to Access In-Home Support Through the NDIS

1. Discuss Your Needs at Your Planning Meeting

Be clear about:

• Tasks you cannot safely complete
• Areas where you require daily assistance
• Risks to health or safety
• The level of informal support currently provided

Providing detailed information helps planners determine appropriate funding.

2. Provide Supporting Evidence

Supporting documents strengthen your request, such as:

• Occupational therapy assessments
• GP or specialist letters
• Functional capacity assessments
• Carer impact statements

Evidence should explain why support is necessary due to disability.

3. Work With a Support Coordinator

A Support Coordinator can help you:

• Understand your funding
• Connect with reliable in-home support providers
• Adjust services if needs change
• Prepare for plan reviews

Benefits of In-Home Support

With the right supports in place, participants can:

• Live independently for longer
• Reduce stress and overwhelm
• Maintain personal dignity
• Improve health and hygiene
• Strengthen daily living skills
• Reduce carer burnout

In-home support allows participants to stay in familiar surroundings while receiving the assistance they need.

The NDIS funds a wide range of in-home supports, including personal care, domestic tasks, meal preparation, medication assistance, mobility support, and therapeutic services. These supports are designed to enhance independence, safety, and overall quality of life.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for in-home support, speak with your Support Coordinator or raise your needs at your next NDIS planning meeting.