COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Assisting NDIS Participants with Daily Life Tasks in Shared Living course. This program has been developed to prepare disability support professionals to provide high-quality, person-centred assistance to individuals residing in shared living environments. Supporting daily life in these settings involves far more than completing routine tasks—it requires a respectful, adaptive, and empowering approach that promotes autonomy, social connection, and skill development. Through this training, you will gain the knowledge, strategies, and ethical frameworks needed to support participants in leading meaningful, dignified lives within shared accommodations.

Daily life supports in shared living are designed to assist participants with everyday activities while promoting active engagement and independence. This course begins by introducing the scope and purpose of these supports within shared environments, including their application in Supported Independent Living (SIL), respite care, and residential aged care settings. It explores the differences between temporary, ongoing, and short-term supports and highlights the importance of tailoring services to meet the individual and collective needs of those living together.

Understanding the NDIS structure is essential for delivering compliant and effective supports. This section provides a detailed overview of the NDIS principles and how they apply specifically to shared living contexts. It explains the funding framework behind SIL arrangements, the expectations of NDIS-registered providers, and the distinct roles of support workers. Emphasis is placed on upholding participant choice and control while adhering to the provider responsibilities outlined in the NDIS Practice Standards.

Support must always be tailored to the individual. This section outlines the process of developing person-centred plans that reflect each participant’s goals, routines, cultural values, and support needs. It discusses the importance of collaborative planning with families, guardians, and other service providers, and how to design plans that are flexible enough to accommodate changes in health, preference, or living conditions.

Developing and maintaining daily living skills is a core goal for participants in shared environments. This section focuses on practical strategies for assisting with personal care tasks, nutritional planning, and household routines. It also addresses how to build time management capabilities and establish daily schedules that empower participants to take ownership of their routines while receiving the necessary level of support.

Shared accommodations require cooperation and shared responsibility for household functioning. This section explores how to support participants in maintaining their home environment, including participation in chores, budgeting, and upkeep of communal spaces. It also covers strategies to promote equity, reduce tension, and encourage pride in shared home responsibilities.

Effective communication is vital in fostering respectful relationships and harmonious living. This section addresses how to support participants in expressing themselves clearly, understanding others, and resolving interpersonal challenges. It also includes practical techniques for developing social skills and increasing engagement within the home and broader community.

A holistic view of health is critical in shared living support. This section explains how to assist participants with both physical and mental wellbeing, including medication support, health appointment coordination, and promotion of healthy routines. It also covers ways to identify emerging health concerns early and support access to appropriate healthcare services.

Safety is a shared responsibility in communal living spaces. This section outlines how to identify environmental hazards, implement safety procedures, and respond to emergencies such as falls, fires, or medical incidents. Participants must also be educated on personal safety practices and supported to engage in emergency drills and awareness activities where appropriate.

Cultural competence is essential for respectful and inclusive support. This section explores how to provide culturally appropriate care in a shared environment where residents may have differing cultural, religious, or linguistic backgrounds. It includes guidance on adapting daily tasks and communication styles to reflect the values and traditions of participants while promoting mutual respect within the home.

Autonomy must be nurtured and protected in all shared living arrangements. This section discusses how to encourage decision-making and support self-determination while balancing safety, risk, and shared responsibilities. Providers must also understand the importance of informed choice and how to support participants to exercise their rights with confidence.

Accurate documentation is a professional and legal obligation. This section provides guidance on maintaining detailed records, incident reports, and progress notes. It also addresses confidentiality, the secure handling of participant information, and how to appropriately escalate concerns regarding changes in behaviour, wellbeing, or support needs.

Boundaries are critical in maintaining professionalism and ensuring participant safety. This section outlines ethical standards, codes of conduct, and strategies for managing personal-professional boundaries in intimate living environments. It provides scenarios and strategies to deal with potential boundary challenges while upholding trust and consistency in service delivery.

Collaborative practice ensures that participants receive coordinated and consistent support. This section explores how to work effectively with colleagues, families, allied health professionals, and other stakeholders involved in a participant’s care. It covers how to participate in team meetings, contribute to shared goals, and support an integrated approach to daily life assistance.

Participants in residential aged care settings often require specific and adapted forms of support. This section addresses how to understand and respond to the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals in aged care, while respecting the protocols and care structures of the facility. It also discusses how to collaborate with aged care staff to ensure seamless, consistent support.

Short-term accommodation and respite services provide essential relief for families and opportunities for participants to experience new environments. This section details how to plan and deliver high-quality respite services, support transitions into temporary settings, and ensure continuity of care. It also explores how to evaluate the impact of respite services on both participant wellbeing and family sustainability.

Compliance with legislation and NDIS quality standards is non-negotiable. This section outlines the key laws and regulatory requirements that govern shared living supports, including WHS regulations, incident reporting obligations, and NDIS Code of Conduct. It highlights how to maintain compliance and understand the consequences of failing to meet provider obligations.

Reflective practice supports continuous improvement and service excellence. This section encourages staff to engage in professional development, receive feedback constructively, and identify areas where practice can evolve. It also explores how to use supervision and peer discussion to build capability and address challenges proactively.

Transitions are a natural part of life, and participants in shared living may move toward greater independence or new living arrangements. This section provides guidance on planning and supporting such transitions, setting and reviewing personal goals, and acknowledging growth and achievement. It reinforces the importance of forward planning and support continuity during times of change.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped to provide respectful, culturally competent, and person-centred support for NDIS participants living in shared accommodation. Your work will help promote independence, dignity, safety, and connection—enabling participants to thrive in their homes and live fuller, more empowered lives.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Daily Life Supports in Shared Living

·       Understanding the scope and objectives of daily life supports within shared living environments

·       Differentiating between temporary, ongoing, and respite support services

·       Recognising the unique needs of participants in residential aged care facilities

2. NDIS Framework and SIL Overview

·       Comprehending the principles and goals of the NDIS in relation to shared living

·       Exploring the structure and funding mechanisms of Supported Independent Living (SIL)

·       Identifying the roles and responsibilities of support workers within the NDIS framework

3. Person-Centred Support Planning

·       Developing individualised support plans that reflect participants' goals and preferences

·       Collaborating with participants, families, and other stakeholders in the planning process

·       Ensuring plans are adaptable to changing needs and circumstances

4. Daily Living Skills Development

·       Assisting with personal care tasks such as hygiene, dressing, and grooming

·       Supporting meal planning, preparation, and nutritional guidance

·       Facilitating the development of routines and time management skills

5. Household Management in Shared Settings

·       Encouraging participation in household chores and maintenance tasks

·       Teaching budgeting and financial management skills relevant to shared living

·       Promoting cleanliness and organisation within communal spaces

6. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

·       Enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication abilities

·       Navigating interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution in shared environments

·       Supporting the development of social skills and community engagement

7. Health and Wellbeing Support

·       Monitoring and supporting physical and mental health needs

·       Assisting with medication management and medical appointments

·       Promoting healthy lifestyle choices and activities

8. Safety and Risk Management

·       Identifying and mitigating potential risks within the living environment

·       Implementing emergency response procedures and safety protocols

·       Educating participants on personal safety and emergency preparedness

9. Cultural Competency and Diversity

·       Respecting and accommodating cultural, linguistic, and religious differences

·       Providing culturally appropriate support and communication

·       Understanding the impact of cultural backgrounds on daily living practices

10. Supporting Autonomy and Decision-Making

·       Encouraging self-determination and informed decision-making

·       Balancing support with the promotion of independence

·       Recognising and respecting participants' rights and choices

11. Documentation and Reporting

·       Maintaining accurate and confidential records of support provided

·       Understanding legal and ethical obligations in documentation

·       Reporting incidents, concerns, and changes in participant needs appropriately

12. Professional Boundaries and Ethics

·       Establishing and maintaining appropriate professional relationships

·       Adhering to ethical guidelines and codes of conduct

·       Managing challenges related to boundaries in shared living contexts

13. Collaborative Practice and Teamwork

·       Working effectively with colleagues, families, and other professionals

·       Participating in team meetings and shared decision-making processes

·       Sharing information and resources to enhance support delivery

14. Supporting Participants in Residential Aged Care

·       Understanding the specific needs of participants in aged care facilities

·       Coordinating with aged care staff to provide consistent support

·       Adapting support strategies to suit the aged care environment

15. Short-Term Accommodation and Respite Services

·       Planning and facilitating short-term stays and respite care

·       Ensuring continuity of support during temporary relocations

·       Evaluating the effectiveness of respite services in meeting participant needs

16. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

·       Familiarising with relevant legislation and NDIS guidelines

·       Ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety regulations

·       Understanding the implications of non-compliance and reporting mechanisms

17. Continuous Improvement and Reflective Practice

·       Engaging in ongoing professional development and training

·       Reflecting on practice to identify areas for improvement

·       Implementing feedback to enhance service quality

18. Transition Planning and Goal Achievement

·       Assisting participants in setting and achieving personal goals

·       Supporting transitions to more independent living arrangements

·       Celebrating milestones and recognising progress in skill development

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.