When people hear “in-home support”, they often picture help with one or two tasks. In practice, an NDIS support worker at home can help across much of the day, depending on a participant’s goals, routine and NDIS plan. Here’s a room-by-room look at what that can include. Aus Care Community Services provides in-home support across Sydney and NSW.
In the Bathroom
Personal care is often the most important part of in-home support, and it’s where comfort and dignity matter most. A support worker may help with:
- showering, bathing and washing hair
- getting dressed and undressed
- toileting and continence support
- shaving, grooming, skin care and oral hygiene
Good personal care follows the participant’s lead: their preferred order, their privacy, and how much they’d like to do themselves.
In the Kitchen
A support worker may help with:
- planning meals and writing shopping lists
- preparing and cooking meals, or cooking together to build skills
- eating and drinking, where support is needed
- cleaning up afterwards
For some participants, the goal is a hot meal on the table. For others, it’s learning to cook one meal on their own. Both are valid goals.
In the Bedroom
Support may include:
- getting in and out of bed
- changing bed linen
- keeping the room tidy and safe to move around in
- helping with a morning or evening routine
In the Living Areas
Support may include:
- light housework, such as vacuuming, dusting and tidying
- laundry, including washing, folding and putting clothes away
- keeping walkways clear and the home safe
- company and conversation during the day
Want to talk through what in-home support could look like for you? Speak with a Care Navigator →
Out the Front Door
In-home support often connects with life outside the home. A support worker may help a participant:
- get ready to leave the house
- attend appointments
- do grocery shopping
If a participant would like support to take part in community, social or cultural activities, that’s usually arranged as Social & Community Access.
What an NDIS Support Worker at Home Can and Can’t Do
Support workers can:
- help with personal care and daily living tasks
- support participants to build independence and everyday skills
- follow the participant’s routine and preferences
- notice changes in a participant’s wellbeing, and let the right people know
Support workers generally can’t:
- provide clinical or nursing care, unless they’re trained and it’s arranged in line with the participant’s plan and NDIS rules
- make decisions for a participant
- do tasks unrelated to the participant’s support, such as caring for other household members or doing heavy home maintenance
- give medical or financial advice
Some tasks, such as medication support or complex care, need specific training. Where a support worker is trained, these are arranged in line with the participant’s support plan.
Getting the Most From In-Home Support
- Share your routine. Explain how you like things done, and in what order.
- Talk about your goals. Would you like tasks done for you, or support to do more yourself?
- Keep communication open. Let your provider know early if something isn’t working.
- Plan across your budget. In-home support is usually funded from Core Supports, under Assistance with Daily Life. Read more: How Many Hours of Personal Care Does My NDIS Plan Cover?
How Aus Care Community Services Provides In-Home Support
Through our In-Home Support & Personal Care, we match each participant with a primary and a secondary support worker, so there’s someone familiar if their primary support worker is away. Before support starts, participants can meet their support workers at a meet-and-greet.
A Care Navigator works with each participant to plan support around their routine, and checks in as their needs change. We support participants across Sydney and NSW.
Looking for tips on finding the right fit? Read How to Choose the Right NDIS Support Worker. Or see A Day in the Life of an NDIS Support Worker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an NDIS support worker do at home?
An NDIS support worker can help with personal care, meals, housework, laundry and daily routines, as well as supporting participants to build independence. What’s included depends on the participant’s goals and NDIS plan.
Can a support worker help with showering and personal care?
Yes. Personal care, such as showering, dressing, grooming and toileting, is a common part of in-home support. It’s planned around the participant’s preferences and privacy.
Can a support worker clean my house?
Support workers can help with light housework, such as tidying, vacuuming and laundry, as part of in-home support. Heavy cleaning or home maintenance is generally not part of a support worker’s role.
Can a support worker help with medication?
Medication support requires specific training, and is arranged in line with the participant’s support plan. Talk to your provider about what’s needed.
How is in-home support funded?
In-home support is usually funded from the Core Supports budget in an NDIS plan, under Assistance with Daily Life. What the NDIS funds is decided by the NDIA and depends on each participant’s plan.
Looking for In-Home Support in Sydney or NSW?
This information is general in nature and isn’t individual NDIS advice. What the NDIS funds is decided by the NDIA. For help with your own situation, Speak with a Care Navigator.
