Introduction
In my work as a physiotherapist and founder of Fleet Healthcare, I’ve met lots of NDIS participants and families who aren’t making full use of their plans. The most common reason? They don’t realise what they’re entitled to under Improved Daily Living.
Whether it’s confusion about what this funding covers, or uncertainty around how to connect it with your goals — it often ends up underused.
This guide is here to make it simple. We’ll unpack what Improved Daily Living is, what you can use it for, and how it can support real skill-building — all from the comfort of your own home.
Key Takeaways
- Improved Daily Living is part of Capacity Building in your NDIS plan.
- It covers assessments, therapy, and training that increase everyday independence.
- Services include physio, OT, podiatry, dietetics, exercise physiology, and more.
- Support can be delivered in-home, online, or in the community.
- This category applies to all ages, including early intervention for kids under 7.
- To access it, services must align with your NDIS goals.
Snapshot: Improved Daily Living at a Glance
- Category: Capacity Building
- Purpose: Assist the development of, or build functional, independent living skills
- Covers: Therapy, assessments, training, early intervention
- Delivered via: Home visits, clinics, or telehealth
- Key Requirement: Must align with NDIS goals
Table of Contents
- What Is Improved Daily Living?
- What Services Are Covered?
- Assessments Funded Under Improved Daily Living
- Home Modifications and Assistive Tech: What’s Included?
- Training for Carers and Families
- Skill Development: Real-World Examples
- Supports for Children Under 7 (Early Intervention)
- Group-Based Services and Social Skills
- How to Link Supports to Your NDIS Goals
- Clarifying the Name: CB Daily Activity vs. Improved Daily Living
- Common Misunderstandings
- FAQs
- Conclusion
1. What Is Improved Daily Living?
Improved Daily Living is part of the Capacity Building section of your NDIS plan. It’s designed to help you gain or improve the practical skills that support independence in everyday life.
These supports aren’t just about treating a health condition — they’re about empowering you to live more fully. Whether you want to manage your own self-care, communicate more clearly, or participate more actively in your home or community, this category is here to help you build those capacities.
The funding covers therapy and training aimed at achieving functional outcomes. That might include learning how to get dressed, cook meals, manage anxiety, or navigate the community safely. The goal is long-term — building your ability to do more, with less ongoing support in the future.
2. What Services Are Covered?
Improved Daily Living is one of the most flexible support categories when it comes to allied health. It covers a wide range of therapeutic services, all aimed at developing skills and independence.
Here’s a closer look at the kinds of supports you can access:
- Occupational Therapy – for daily living skills like dressing, showering, cooking, or using aids
- Physiotherapy – to support mobility, pain management, or falls prevention
- Speech Pathology – to build communication or safe eating skills
- Exercise Physiology – for strength, endurance, and chronic condition management
- Dietetics – to support healthy eating, mealtime planning, and nutrition
- Psychology & Behaviour Support – to manage mood, behaviour, or mental wellbeing
- Art & Music Therapy – for emotional regulation and social connection
- Therapy Assistants – to implement therapy plans under professional supervision
As always, these services must relate back to a goal in your NDIS plan to be funded under Improved Daily Living.
3. Assessments Funded Under Improved Daily Living
Before any service can be implemented, it often begins with an assessment. This funding category covers:
- Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) to assess daily living skills
- Speech and language assessments for communication planning
- Swallowing and mealtime management assessments
- Developmental assessments for children
- Home safety and falls risk assessments
- Assistive technology (AT) assessments and reports
- Home modification recommendations
These reports are crucial for justifying NDIS support, informing plan reviews, and providing the evidence needed to access funding for various categories, including potential home modifications or assistive technology.
Fleet Healthcare delivers these assessments in-home, making them more accessible and directly applicable to your everyday setting.
4. Home Modifications and Assistive Tech: What’s Included?
While the purchase or installation of assistive technology is funded under your Capital Supports budget, the necessary assessments and reports that justify these purchases are typically covered under the Improved Daily Living section of your Capacity Building budget.
For example:
- An OT might assess your bathroom and recommend installing grab rails or a non-slip shower chair
- A physio might assess your mobility and prescribe a walker or transfer aid
- A speech pathologist might complete an evaluation for an AAC device to support communication
Our team frequently provides these assessments, liaises with support coordinators, and prepares NDIS-compliant documentation to streamline the approval process.
5. Training for Carers and Families
NDIS recognises that it’s not just the participant who benefits from therapy — the people around them often need guidance, too. Improved Daily Living can cover training sessions for carers, family members, and support workers.
These sessions might include:
- Safe transfer training — like how to move someone from a bed to a wheelchair
- Manual handling techniques — guidance from our physiotherapists and occupational therapists on proper lifting and support to prevent injury for both the participant and their carers.
- Foot care and footwear guidance — our podiatrists can educate carers on maintaining good foot hygiene and selecting appropriate footwear for participants with specific foot health needs.
At Fleet Healthcare, we run these sessions at home or via video, making them accessible and relevant to real-life care situations.
6. Skill Development: Real-World Examples
This category is about real-world progress. Whether you’re living with disability, recovering from injury, or simply looking to increase independence, this funding helps build the skills you need every day.
Here are practical examples we work on regularly:
- Learning to prepare meals safely
- Getting dressed without assistance
- Developing a morning routine
- Improving social skills to participate in group activities
- Navigating public transport confidently
- Maintaining personal hygiene or managing continence
- Falls prevention
- Improving strength, balance, and coordination
- Diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs
- Providing nutrition and dietary advice
These are the things that matter most — and we work with you to build progress, one achievable step at a time.
7. Supports for Children Under 7 (Early Intervention)
For children under 7, early support can change the trajectory of their development. Improved Daily Living can be used for:
- Play-based occupational therapy – to support fine motor skills, focus, or emotional regulation
- Speech therapy – to develop early language and social communication
- Feeding therapy – to address fussy eating or sensory-based food refusal
- Parent education – to equip families with strategies they can use daily
- School readiness programs – to build confidence for transitions into kindergarten or school
8. Group-Based Services and Social Skills
Some participants thrive in group settings. Improved Daily Living can fund group-based therapy where it supports your goals.
These groups may focus on:
- Balance, strength and mobility – like group physiotherapy or exercise physiology classes
- Social communication – like speech groups practising turn-taking and expressive language
- Teamwork and cooperation – through art, music, or movement
- Pre-employment or school readiness – like building resilience or conflict resolution
This is especially useful for children, teens, or adults who benefit from peer learning — or who find 1:1 therapy overwhelming.
9. How to Link Supports to Your NDIS Goals
This is the most important step — and it’s where many plans fall short.
Every service under Improved Daily Living must clearly align with a goal in your NDIS plan. For example:
- If your goal is “to improve my functional independence” physiotherapy is relevant.
- If your goal is to “communicate more confidently,” speech therapy is relevant.
- If your goal is to “prepare my own meals,” OT and dietetics can be funded.
- If your goal is “to participate in the community,” EP and social work could apply.
At Fleet Healthcare, we make this alignment clear in your service agreements and reports — giving you a strong foundation for success and for your next plan review.
10. Clarifying the Name: CB Daily Activity vs. Improved Daily Living
These two labels mean the same thing.
“CB Daily Activity” is the official NDIS terminology used in your plan. “Improved Daily Living” is how many providers, support coordinators, and the community refer to it. So if your plan says one or the other — or both — you’re in the right place.
This is the budget that funds therapy, assessments, and supports aimed at building your independence.
11. Common Misunderstandings
| Myth | Truth |
| “It’s just for psychology.” | No — multiple allied health services qualify. |
| “You must attend a clinic.” | Not true — in-home and telehealth are eligible. |
| “It’s for kids only.” | This support applies to all ages. |
| “Long-term therapy isn’t covered.” | It is — if it’s tied to your goals. |
| “Carer training isn’t included.” | It absolutely is, when related to participant needs. |
12. FAQs
Q: Can this fund OT and physio at home?
Yes — as long as the therapy supports an NDIS goal.
Q: Can assessments be covered?
Yes. This includes FCAs, communication assessments, and AT reports.
Q: Can I use this for carer or family training?
Yes, particularly when the training helps support therapy carryover or daily routines.
Q: Can services be ongoing?
Yes, when linked to your plan goals and outcomes.
Q: Can children access this support?
Absolutely — it’s a key part of early intervention funding.
13. Conclusion
Improved Daily Living is one of the most versatile categories in the NDIS — and one of the most underutilised. When used well, it can open doors to greater independence, skill development, and daily confidence.
From therapy and assessments to carer training and early intervention — this funding is here to help you thrive. And best of all, you don’t need to leave your home to get started.
Contact Fleet Healthcare today and let’s build a plan that works — for you, your goals, and your life.
Author Bio
Alexander Hunt is the Founder and Managing Director of Fleet Healthcare. As a practising physiotherapist, he brings over a decade of experience across NDIS, aged care, and mobile allied health. Alex is passionate about delivering care that meets people where they are — and helps them thrive in their everyday environment.
Professional Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
While we aim to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, professional standards, funding arrangements, eligibility criteria, and regulatory frameworks may change and may vary between providers and governing bodies.
Any references to funding or service access are general in nature and should be confirmed directly with the relevant provider or authority.
Fleet Healthcare Services Pty Ltd accepts no liability for actions taken based on the information provided in this article.
