How Brightwater Helps You Live Life Your Way
If you or someone you care about is living with a disability, navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming. One of the most used types of support is Daily Living Services – and understanding how they work can help you get the most out of your NDIS plan.
At Brightwater, we’re here to break it down and help you access the supports that make a real difference in your day-to-day life.
What Are NDIS Daily Living Services?
Daily Living Services are all about helping you do the things that many people take for granted. These might include:
- Getting dressed
- Bathing and grooming
- Preparing meals
- Shopping assistance
- Moving around safely or using mobility aids
- Prompting or supervision with daily activities
- Managing appointments or daily schedules
- Attending social outings or community events
Support can happen in your home or out in the community, depending on your goals.
Importantly, this support isn’t just about short-term help, it’s also about building independence and confidence over time.
Where Daily Living Services Fit Within the NDIS
NDIS funding is split into three main categories:
- Core Supports
- Capacity Building Supports
- Capital Supports
Daily Living Services fall under two of these:
1. Assistance with Daily Life (Core Supports – Category 1)
- Help with everyday tasks like showering, cooking, cleaning, or transport
- Aimed at keeping you safe, well, and supported in your daily routine
2. Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building – Category 15)
- Supports that help you learn new skills or receive therapy
- May include services from occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, or speech pathologists
How to Access These Services
If your NDIS plan includes funding for either Assistance with Daily Life or Improved Daily Living, then yes – you can access these services.
A functional assessment is usually carried out to help determine your specific support needs. This is often done by an allied health professional, such as an OT or psychologist. During your planning meeting, it helps to talk about your goals and what kind of support would help you live more independently.
You can also use our NDIS Toolkit to get prepared and understand what to expect.
Understanding the Difference: Core vs Capacity Building
This is where it can get a little confusing, so here’s a simple way to think about it:
| Support Type | What It Covers | Goal | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Supports |
Help with day-to-day tasks | Immediate support to stay safe and well | Personal care, meal prep, cleaning, transport |
| Capacity Building |
Therapy, training, and skill-building services | Build independence over time | OT, psychology, physio, speech therapy |
Brightwater’s Approach: Tailored to You
At Brightwater, we support adults with complex disabilities. We focus on delivering meaningful daily living support that aligns with both Core and Capacity Building categories.
While our Core Daily Living Services are provided within our own Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes, we’re not currently offering these supports to people living in their own homes or in SILs run by other providers.
Our services focus on three key areas:
Therapy and Life Skills
- Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy and psychology
- Helping you build the skills to be more independent
Behavioural Assessment and Support
- Our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) practitioners work with you and your support team to uncover the reasons behind certain behaviours.
- We develop practical, personalised strategies that reduce stress and promote wellbeing.
Why it matters:
“People need three things to thrive – to be competent, to have autonomy over their lives and to feel that they belong and are connected to others.” – Claire, Brightwater PBS practitioner
This person-centred approach helps you build confidence, improve relationships, and enjoy greater independence.
Assistive Technology and Equipment
- Recommending and helping you access the right tools to make everyday tasks easier
We believe your voice should drive your support plan – these services are delivered by a dedicated team who understand the importance of taking the time to get to know you and your goals.
Capacity Building Therapy (CBT): Building Skills for Everyday Life
At Brightwater, Capacity Building Therapy is all about helping you develop the skills, strategies, and confidence to take greater control of your day-to-day life. Our services are available to adults with complex disabilities across Perth and are delivered by a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team.
This might include:
- Occupational therapy to support tasks like safe meal prep or morning routines
- Physiotherapy to improve mobility and physical function
- Speech pathology to support communication and swallowing
- Positive Behaviour Support to understand and support complex behaviours
- Dietitian support to address health and nutritional goals
- Support with complex seating and equipment needs
- Tailored assessments and therapy programs to build independence
- Strategies to support social and community participation
Our allied health professionals and allied health assistants work closely together with you to design a support plan that reflects your needs, goals, and lifestyle.
Whether you’re learning to prepare meals safely, improving mobility at home, or rebuilding confidence after diagnosis, CBT can help you move forward with purpose.
Final Thoughts: Your Life, Your Way
Daily Living Services is here to help you do more of what matters to you. Whether it’s brushing your teeth independently, managing your own appointments, or reconnecting with your community- the right support can help you get there.
Have questions?
Call our team on 1300 223 968 - we’ll help you explore the best daily living supports for your needs and goals.
Ready to get the support you need?
Explore our Daily Living Services or contact our team to discuss your NDIS plan and goals.
