Table of Contents

Can I access NDIS funding for cleaning services?

For many of us, cleaning is a never-ending task. As soon as one room is done, you turn around to find a new area to tidy, organise or clean. And while the cleaning tasks seem to pile up like laundry, keeping our living space clean is not only important for our physical health but also our mental wellbeing.

A Clean Home Survey conducted by the Australia Psychological Society found 41 per cent of people feel more relaxed and productive when their home is clean. For people with disability or the elderly, the physical requirements of cleaning can sometimes be too much to manage alone, which is why many people access their NDIS or Aged Care packages to access cleaning supports.

In this month’s blog we explain how the NDIS may be able to fund NDIS house cleaning services to help you dust away your worries and sweep up any stress; and have your house clean in no time.

The NDIS and cleaning services

The NDIS funds services which are deemed reasonable and necessary. In relation to cleaning services, if you find cleaning difficult due to your disability, and it is essential for your health, the NDIS may fund a cleaner for your home.

This kind of support would typically fall under the NDIS category of Supports with Daily Living and is different for each person. You can read about what is covered as part of this support here [https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/what-home-and-living-supports-ndis-funds].

It is important to remember, if you already have NDIS funding, you may not be automatically able to use it for cleaning, unless it is part of your Plan.

How do I know if this is in my Plan?

Assistance with Daily Living is part of Support Category 1, which is a Core Support. This means if you have funding in your Core budget, you may be able to use it for support in the house and garden. Core Supports is the most flexible part of an NDIS package and can be used across four categories:

Assistance with Daily Life – everyday needs, household cleaning, yard maintenance.
Consumables – everyday items you need such as medical items and continence aids.
Assistance with social and community – a support worker to assist you to attend or participate in community activities.
Transport – transport associated with your NDIS Plan activities.

If you have Core Supports in your Plan, you are likely able to use it for cleaning services.

Finding a cleaner

Like other NDIS services, you can choose who you use to clean your home. Just like choosing your allied health provider or in-home care provider, there are a few things to remember:

If you have an NDIA-managed plan, your cleaner will need to be registered with the NDIS. If you have a self-managed or plan-managed you can use a provider without NDIS registration.
NDIS cleaning services are charged on an hourly rate so make sure the provider you pick has pricing which aligns with or is less than the NDIS hourly rate, otherwise you will be required to pay the residual.

Many in-home care providers offer cleaning supports, including Focused Health Care. Using a care-based provider to support you with cleaning can have many benefits, including ease of billing, pre-existing knowledge of your equipment, medical conditions and your home and personal needs.

How Focused Health Care can help

At Focused Health Care our team combines our expertise of clinical support with our personal commitment to ensuring you receive the personal care and support you deserve.

Our services include:

In-home care
Cleaning services
Community access
Respite
Aged Care
Assistive Technology supports

So, when it comes to keeping your home clean, lean on our team of nurses and support workers to keep your home clean and hygienic. And while we are there, we can provide the highest quality of personal care and in-home nursing supports, too!

*All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Focused Health Care can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.

References