For people with disabilities, gaining independence in daily life is an important step toward greater confidence and self-sufficiency. Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping NDIS participants develop Daily Living Skills that enable them to participate more fully in everyday activities.

What Are Daily Living Skills?

Daily Living Skills are the essential tasks that people need to perform to take care of themselves and manage their day-to-day lives. These include:

– Personal care – Dressing, grooming, hygiene, and toileting.

– Meal preparation – Cooking, using kitchen appliances, and making healthy choices.

– Household tasks – Cleaning, laundry, and home organisation.

– Community participation – Using public transport, shopping, and engaging in social activities.

– Money management – Budgeting, handling cash, and using banking services.

How Occupational Therapy Helps Develop Daily Living Skills

Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with NDIS participants to assess their needs and create tailored plans that help them gain independence in these areas. Here’s how OT can assist:

1. Building Routine and Structure

A structured daily routine can help individuals feel more in control of their lives. An OT can assist in creating a visual schedule or using reminder tools to develop consistent habits.

Example:
James, a 24-year-old with autism, struggled with maintaining a morning routine. His OT introduced a visual schedule with pictures and alarms to help him complete tasks like brushing his teeth, getting dressed, and preparing breakfast independently.

2. Enhancing Motor Skills for Personal Care

Fine and gross motor skills are essential for self-care tasks. OTs provide targeted exercises and adaptations to make daily tasks easier.

Example:
Sophie, who has cerebral palsy, found it challenging to button her shirt. Her OT introduced adaptive clothing with Velcro fasteners and practiced hand-strengthening activities to improve her dexterity.

3. Cooking and Meal Preparation Support

OTs teach safe kitchen skills, including how to use appliances, chop vegetables, and follow simple recipes.

Example:
Ethan, a 30-year-old with an intellectual disability, wanted to cook his own meals but struggled with remembering steps. His OT introduced step-by-step visual recipe guides and worked on kitchen safety techniques like handling knives and using a microwave.

4. Household Chores and Home Management

Occupational therapy can help individuals learn how to manage household responsibilities effectively.

Example:
Lisa, who has Down syndrome, learned how to sort laundry by colour, use a washing machine, and fold clothes with support from her OT through hands-on practice and repetition.

5. Money Management and Budgeting

Managing money is an important life skill that OTs help develop through real-life practice.

Example:
Tom, a young adult with ADHD, struggled with overspending his NDIS funding. His OT introduced a budgeting app and role-played shopping scenarios to help him track expenses and make better financial decisions.

6. Community and Social Skills Development

OTs support individuals in learning how to use public transport, access community services, and engage in social settings confidently.

Example:
Maria, who has an anxiety disorder, found it overwhelming to take the bus alone. Her OT used graded exposure therapy, starting with short accompanied trips and gradually increasing her confidence to travel independently.

How to Access Occupational Therapy for Daily Living Skills Through the NDIS

If you or someone you support is an NDIS participant, you can access Occupational Therapy under ‘Improved Daily Living’ or ‘Capacity Building’ supports. Here’s how:

– Check your NDIS Plan – Ensure you have funding for OT services.

– Find an NDIS-registered OT – Choose a therapist who specialises in daily living skills development.

– Develop a Personalised Plan – Work with your OT to create achievable goals.

– Implement and Review Progress – Regularly update strategies to enhance independence.

Final Thoughts

Developing Daily Living Skills through Occupational Therapy empowers individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Whether it’s personal care, cooking, home management, budgeting, or community engagement, the right OT support can make a lasting difference.

At Sublime Care, we are committed to providing tailored NDIS-approved Occupational Therapy services to support participants in gaining independence. If you or someone you know is looking for expert guidance in developing daily living skills, reach out to us today to explore how we can help!