Many people with disabilities in Victoria use the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to access a range of supports that help them live independently. Cleaning and gardening are two common services that can be bundled together to give a more holistic approach to home maintenance and well‑being. This article explains how these supports work, who can use them, how they are funded, and the practical steps to get them into your NDIS plan.
What Cleaning and Gardening Supports Are and Who They Help
Cleaning supports cover routine domestic chores such as sweeping, mopping, dishwashing, laundry, and general tidying. Gardening supports assist with tasks like lawn mowing, weeding, pruning, planting, and garden maintenance. Together they address both indoor and outdoor aspects of home care, improving hygiene, safety, and quality of life.
Cleaning Supports: What They Cover
Cleaning supports are designed to enable participants to keep their living environment safe and comfortable. They typically include:
- Daily or weekly household cleaning tasks
- Laundry and ironing
- Dishwashing and kitchen tidying
- Bathroom and toilet cleaning
- Dusting and surface cleaning
These tasks are carried out by a qualified support worker who follows the participant’s preferences and safety requirements.
Gardening Supports: What They Cover
Gardening supports help participants maintain an attractive and functional outdoor space. They usually consist of:
- Lawn mowing, edging, and fertilising
- Weeding and mulching
- Pruning shrubs and trees
- Planting flowers or vegetables
- Seasonal maintenance such as leaf removal
Gardening tasks can be scheduled as needed or on a regular basis, depending on the participant’s goals.
Eligibility and Access Rules
Eligibility Criteria
To receive cleaning and gardening supports, participants must meet the following:
- They must be registered with the NDIS and have an active plan.
- The supports must be considered a reasonable and necessary part of the participant’s recovery or daily living needs.
- They must demonstrate that the tasks are not easily performed by themselves or by family members.
Eligibility is assessed during the planning meeting with a planner or support coordinator.
Accessing Combined Supports
Participants can request a combined cleaning and gardening package as a single support item or as two separate items within the same plan. When combined, the supports may be more cost‑effective because the support worker can perform tasks in both areas during the same visit.
To access the combined supports:
- Discuss the need for both services with your planner.
- Explain how the tasks are interrelated (e.g., cleaning after gardening to prevent soil spread).
- Request the combined support under the “Household Tasks” or “Domestic Assistance” categories.
What’s Included and What’s Not
Included Services
Included services are those that fall within the scope of cleaning or gardening and are necessary for the participant’s health and safety. Examples include:
- Cleaning up after a garden maintenance session to prevent pests or allergens.
- Regular lawn care to reduce tripping hazards.
- Dusting after pruning to minimise allergen exposure.
Excluded Services
Services that are excluded from funding are typically those that are considered optional or that can be performed by the participant or a family member. These include:
- Deep cleaning of carpets or upholstery (unless linked to a medical need).
- Professional landscaping or large-scale gardening projects.
- Cleaning of commercial or non‑residential premises.
It is important to clarify exclusions with your planner before finalising the plan.
Funding and Planning Considerations
How the NDIS Prices Are Calculated
The latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits set the maximum cost that can be claimed for each support hour. Prices are based on:
- Type of support (cleaning, gardening, or combined).
- Location of service provision (regional rates may differ).
- Skill level of the support worker (e.g., basic domestic assistance versus specialised gardening).
Participants should review the current pricing tables to understand the cost per hour for each activity.
Budgeting for Combined Supports
When budgeting, consider that:
- The combined support may reduce the total number of hours required because tasks can be bundled.
- Some providers offer discounted rates for bundled services.
- It is still essential to track hours against the NDIS plan to avoid over‑claiming.
Plan for a realistic number of hours based on your daily routine and the condition of your home.
How to Request and Activate the Supports
Steps to Add to Your Plan
- Review your current plan. Identify gaps where cleaning or gardening support is needed.
- Schedule a planning meeting. Bring evidence such as a medical report or a daily living assessment.
- Propose the combined support. Explain how the tasks will be integrated and why they are necessary.
- Receive the plan amendment. Your planner will adjust the funding allocation accordingly.
- Confirm the support hours. Agree on a schedule that suits both you and the provider.
Working with Service Providers
Choose a provider who is:
- Registered with the NDIS.
- Experienced in both cleaning and gardening.
- Able to deliver services in Victoria, including the local areas of Belgravia, Chelsea, and Pimlico.
It is useful to request a trial session to assess the provider’s suitability before committing to a long‑term arrangement. For example, you might explore the services listed on NDIS Home Care Supports in Wyndham 35 or NDIS Home Care Supports in Victoria 3.
Local Context: Victoria, Belgravia, Chelsea, Pimlico
Service Availability in Belgravia
Belgravia residents can access a range of local providers that offer both cleaning and gardening. Many small businesses in the area specialise in home maintenance for people with disabilities, providing flexible scheduling and personalised care.
Service Availability in Chelsea
Chelsea has a growing network of NDIS‑registered support workers who can combine domestic cleaning with outdoor gardening. These providers often operate on a per‑hour basis and can adapt to seasonal changes such as spring planting or autumn leaf removal.
Service Availability in Pimlico
Pimlico participants benefit from providers who are familiar with the local environment and can manage tasks such as lawn care for coastal properties. The proximity of services in Pimlico reduces travel time and allows for more frequent support visits if required.
FAQs
What is the difference between cleaning and gardening supports under the NDIS?
Cleaning supports focus on indoor household tasks, while gardening supports address outdoor maintenance. Both can be combined to provide a comprehensive home care package.
Can I combine cleaning and gardening supports in a single NDIS plan?
Yes. Participants can request a bundled support item that covers both activities, which may be more cost‑effective and convenient.
Are gardening tasks covered if they are part of a larger landscaping project?
Only routine maintenance tasks such as mowing, weeding, and pruning are typically covered. Large landscaping projects are usually considered excluded services.
How do I know if my provider is NDIS‑registered?
Check the NDIS provider register on the official website or ask the provider for their registration details. All legitimate providers will have a valid NDIS registration number.
What happens if I need more hours than my plan allows for cleaning and gardening?
You can request a plan amendment by providing evidence of increased needs. Alternatively, you may use out‑of‑budget supports, but these will not be reimbursed by the NDIS.
For further guidance on home care supports, you might find the NDIS Home Care Supports in Wyndham 34 page helpful.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.
