What is the NDIS role of Lawn and Garden Maintenance Services for participants?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognizes that maintaining a safe and accessible home environment is crucial for participants' well-being and independence. Consequently, the NDIS may fund lawn and garden maintenance services when a participant's disability prevents them from performing these tasks themselves.

Eligibility for NDIS-Funded Gardening Services

To qualify for NDIS-funded gardening services, the support must be deemed "reasonable and necessary." This means the service should directly relate to the participant's disability and assist them in living as independently as possible. For example, if a participant cannot mow the lawn due to their disability, the NDIS may cover the cost of hiring a gardener.

Types of Services Covered

The NDIS may fund various gardening tasks, including:

• Garden bed maintenance and weed removal
• Lawn mowing, pruning, and edging
• Trimming of plants and shrubs
• Clearing driveways and pathways of rubbish
• Minor repairs outdoors to allow accessibility

It is important to note that while the NDIS covers the labour costs for these services, it typically does not fund materials such as plants, soil, or mulch. 

Funding and Budget Allocation

These gardening services fall under the "Assistance with Daily Life" category within the NDIS Core Supports budget. Participants should ensure that their NDIS plan includes funding for these services to access them. 

Engaging Service Providers

Participants can choose to engage NDIS-registered gardening service providers or, if they are self-managed or plan-managed, they may hire non-registered providers. It's advisable to establish a service agreement outlining the services to be provided, their frequency, and associated costs. 

Considerations

The NDIS will only fund household activities if your disability prevents you from performing them. If you live with others who can assist with household or garden tasks, the NDIS may not consider it reasonable and necessary to pay for a professional to service the entire property—only your room or part of the house. 

By incorporating lawn and garden maintenance services into their NDIS plans, participants can maintain a safe, accessible, and enjoyable outdoor environment, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.