For many people in Victoria, a home is more than just a building. It is a place where you should feel safe and relaxed. However, keeping a home and garden tidy can be a lot of physical work. If your disability makes it hard to push a heavy mower or fix a shelf, you might wonder what help is available.
The most common question we hear at GV Complete Care is: "Does the NDIS pay for someone to mow my lawn or fix my leaking tap?"
The answer depends on your specific needs. The NDIS can help with these tasks, but the rules can be a bit tricky. In this guide, we will explain how home and garden maintenance funding works. We will look at what is covered, what isn't, and why a safe home is so important for your health.
Understanding "Reasonable and Necessary"
To get funding for home or garden help, the task must be "reasonable and necessary." In simple terms, the NDIS asks: Is this task hard for you because of your disability?
If most people without a disability would usually hire a professional for the job—like a licensed plumber to fix a burst pipe—the NDIS usually will not pay for it. That is considered a normal cost of owning a home.
However, if your disability stops you from doing a task that people usually do themselves, like mowing a small lawn or weeding, the NDIS can help. The support must directly relate to your disability and help you stay safe and independent.
Maintenance vs. Modifications: What is the Difference?
It is easy to get these two things mixed up. Here is a simple way to tell them apart:
Minor Home Maintenance (Safety and Access)
This is about keeping your home in good, safe shape. It usually falls under your core supports budget. It covers things like:
Mowing the lawn so grass does not hide trip hazards.
Clearing paths of wet leaves so you do not slip.
Trimming bushes that block your driveway or ramp.
Basic cleaning and tidying to keep your home hygienic.
Many people find that adding personal care & daily living support helps them keep the inside of their home just as safe and clean as the outside.
Home Modifications (Changing the House)
This is a different type of support. It is about physically changing your house to suit your needs. This might include:
Installing grab rails in the bathroom.
Building a ramp for a wheelchair.
Changing a bathtub into a walk-in shower.
While we provide home and garden maintenance to keep your space safe, major changes like these often require an assessment from an Occupational Therapist first.
Why a Tidy Garden Matters for Your Safety
A well-kept yard is not just about looking nice for the neighbors. For people with limited mobility, an overgrown garden can be dangerous.
Preventing Falls: Long grass can hide uneven ground or holes. Wet leaves on a path can be as slippery as ice. By keeping your lawn short and your paths clear, we help prevent trips and falls.
Keeping Access Clear: If you use a walker or a wheelchair, you need a clear path to get in and out of your home. Overgrown hedges or low branches can block your way. Regular maintenance ensures you can always move freely and safely.
Fire Safety: In Victoria, we know how important it is to keep our yards tidy for fire safety. Clearing away dry leaves and sticks helps keep your home and your neighborhood safer during summer.
The Power of a Safe Space for Mental Health
Your environment has a big impact on how you feel. Many of our participants tell us that when their garden is messy, they feel stressed and overwhelmed. It can be hard to relax when you are worried about the work that needs doing.
A clean, safe home and garden can:
Reduce Anxiety: You can enjoy your morning coffee outside without worrying about tripping.
Improve Pride: It feels good to live in a home that is well cared for.
Encourage Connection: When your home is tidy, you might feel more comfortable inviting friends or family over for a visit.
What the NDIS Usually Will Not Fund
It is important to know the limits so you can plan your budget. The NDIS usually does not pay for:
Major Repairs: Things like fixing a roof, electrical wiring, or major plumbing are homeowner costs.
Cosmetic Work: The NDIS will not pay for "pretty" upgrades, like planting a flower bed just for looks or painting a room a new color.
Materials: Usually, the NDIS pays for the labor (the worker’s time), but not the materials like wood, soil, or new plants.
How GV Complete Care Can Help
We believe that everyone deserves a home they can be proud of. Our team provides reliable, friendly help across Victoria. We focus on the tasks that keep you safe and help you live life your way.
Whether you need a regular lawn mow or help keeping your paths clear, we are here to support you. We take the stress out of home upkeep so you can focus on your goals.
Ready to make your home safer?
Contact Us Today to talk about your home maintenance needs.
Common Questions About Home and Garden Help
Will the NDIS pay for someone to mow my lawn?
Yes. The NDIS can pay for lawn mowing if your disability stops you from doing it yourself. Long grass can hide holes or things you might trip on. Keeping the grass short helps you stay safe when you walk outside.
Can I get help with a leaking tap or broken lights?
Usually, no. The NDIS does not pay for major repairs like plumbing or electrical work. These are costs that any homeowner has to pay. But, we can help with small tasks that keep you safe, like changing a lightbulb or fixing a loose handle.
What is the difference between maintenance and modifications?
Maintenance means keeping your home tidy and safe. This includes weeding or cleaning. Modifications mean changing the building. This might be adding a ramp or grab rails. Most big changes need a report from a therapist first.
Will the NDIS pay for new flowers or garden soil?
No. The NDIS pays for the worker’s time to help you. It does not pay for the things you buy for the garden. You will need to buy your own plants, seeds, or mulch.
How do I get these services in my plan?
You should talk to the NDIS about your goals for living at home. Tell them how a tidy garden helps you stay safe and move around. This helps them see that the support is "reasonable and necessary" for you.
Do you help people across all of Victoria?
Yes! GV Complete Care has teams that help people in Shepparton and all across Victoria. We want to make sure everyone has a home and garden they can enjoy safely.