What are Daily Living Skills
Overview
Daily living skills are the practical, everyday tasks a person needs to be able to carry out in order to live as independently and safely as possible in their home and community.
What Daily Living Skills May Include
Daily living skills cover a broad range of activities. Common examples include:
- Personal hygiene and grooming, such as showering, brushing teeth and getting dressed
- Preparing meals and drinks safely in the kitchen
- Managing household tasks such as cleaning, laundry and tidying
- Handling money, shopping and paying bills
- Using public transport or navigating the local community independently
- Managing medications, appointments and daily routines
How Building These Skills Helps
Developing daily living skills supports a person with disability to take greater control of their own life, make everyday choices, and participate more fully in their community. When a person can manage more tasks independently, or with less support over time, it can improve confidence, wellbeing and quality of life. Support in this area is often focused on building capacity rather than simply completing tasks on someone’s behalf.
Daily Living Skills in the NDIS and Disability Sector
In the NDIS, support related to daily living skills typically falls under the Improved Daily Living or Assistance with Daily Life support categories. These supports can be delivered by a range of providers, including allied health professionals, support workers and therapists, depending on the individual’s goals and needs. A person’s NDIS plan will reflect the daily living goals they have identified, and supports are tailored to help them work toward greater independence over time.
Related topics
In-Home Support
Allied Health Professionals
Support Coordination
