For many people living with disability, receiving support in the comfort of home is essential for maintaining independence, dignity, and safety. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises this need and funds a wide range of in-home support services. Whether it’s help with daily living tasks, managing complex care needs, or just having someone check in regularly, in-home support can make a real difference.
At APTOS, we work closely with participants and their families to coordinate person-centred in-home care tailored to each individual’s goals and lifestyle. In this guide, we explore what in-home supports are available under the NDIS, who is eligible, and how to access the right services for your situation.
What Is In-Home Support?
In-home support refers to any service provided in your home that helps you with everyday tasks, healthcare needs, or building independent living skills. These supports can range from a few hours a week to full-time assistance, depending on your needs and funding.
The aim is to ensure that you can live as safely and independently as possible, while still being supported in a familiar and comfortable environment.
Types of In-Home Supports Funded by the NDIS
The NDIS can fund a variety of in-home services under different budget categories, such as Core Supports, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports. Here are some of the most common types:
1. Personal Care Support
- Assistance with showering, dressing, grooming, and toileting
- Help with eating and drinking
- Mobility and transfers (e.g., from bed to wheelchair)
- Medication prompts or supervision
2. Domestic Assistance
- Light cleaning and household chores
- Laundry and linen changing
- Grocery shopping and meal preparation
3. Complex Care and Health Supports
- Enteral feeding and stoma care
- Wound care and pressure area management
- Catheter care and continence management
- PEG feeding or tracheostomy support (provided by trained nurses)
These supports may require the involvement of community nursing and trained disability support workers, depending on the complexity.
4. Overnight and 24-Hour Support
- Sleepover or active overnight care
- Daily check-ins or high-intensity care
- Emergency on-call assistance
5. Skill Development and Daily Living Training
- Support with budgeting and money handling
- Learning to cook, clean, or shop independently
- Developing routines and time management
These are typically funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living and aim to build confidence and self-reliance.
6. Social and Emotional Support
- Companionship and reducing isolation
- Emotional regulation support
- Supporting connection with family or community activities
Who Is Eligible for In-Home Support?
Any NDIS participant who experiences barriers to daily living due to a permanent and significant disability may be eligible for in-home support. The NDIS considers whether a support is:
- Directly related to your disability
- Reasonable and necessary
- Likely to help you pursue your goals
- Cost-effective and appropriate
Your eligibility for specific supports depends on the goals in your NDIS plan and the evidence you provide during your planning meeting or review.
How to Access In-Home Support
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Start by thinking about where you need help in your day-to-day life. Ask questions like:
- What tasks do I struggle with?
- What could I do with the right support?
- What are my short- and long-term goals?
Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence
Work with your GP, occupational therapist, or support coordinator to collect assessments or reports that explain your functional needs.
Step 3: Include It in Your NDIS Plan
During your planning or review meeting, clearly explain the need for in-home support. Be specific about the type of assistance required and how often it’s needed.
Step 4: Engage a Service Provider
Once your plan is approved, a support coordinator (like those at APTOS) can help connect you with skilled and reliable in-home support workers or nursing professionals.
The Benefits of In-Home Support
1. Maintaining Independence
In-home supports enable people to stay in their own homes longer, without needing to move into residential care.
2. Customised Care
Services are tailored to your preferences, routines, cultural background, and communication style.
3. Improved Wellbeing
Consistent care can reduce stress, improve physical health, and support emotional resilience.
4. Stronger Family Support
When families know professional care is in place, they can focus more on their relationship with the participant and less on the logistics of daily care.
5. Flexibility
You can scale support up or down as your needs change. This flexibility is especially useful during recovery, transition, or periods of increased stress.
Why Choose APTOS for In-Home Support?
At APTOS, we take a holistic, person-centred approach to in-home care. Our team of disability support workers and nurses are:
- Compassionate and respectful
- Trained in high-quality, evidence-based care
- Responsive to your changing needs
- Committed to empowering independence and inclusion
We work with you to build a support strategy that aligns with your NDIS goals and reflects your values and preferences.
Final Thoughts
In-home support under the NDIS allows you to live with greater independence, dignity, and comfort—all from the familiarity of your own home. Whether you need daily personal care, medical support, or help learning new skills, the right team makes all the difference.
Looking for in-home support that fits your life? APTOS is here to help. Contact us today to find out how our team can support you at home.
