Elderly people are often in the same position, with disabilities impacting how they can function, as well as people without children or a spouse around to help. This is when it can be helpful to get professional assistance, while still staying independent. 

Imagine facing daily tasks that most people take for granted—things as simple as taking a shower, cooking a meal, or even going to a doctor’s appointment—become Herculean challenges. This is the reality for many Australians with disabilities, older individuals, and those recovering from illness or injury. For some, receiving immediate help with personal activities in Sydney or elsewhere can feel frustrating and isolating. In this article, we’ll explore the crucial role that getting assistance in personal activities play in achieving independence and improving quality of life. We’ll discuss what these assisted activities are, who can benefit from them, and how to access support in achieving a fulfilling life

What are assisted personal activities?

Personal care involves an integrated set of supports to help people with daily living activities. All these are aimed at assisting people to live independently and be community members to the maximum extent. It is not a matter of doing things for or to someone but doing things with the person to help them reach goals.

• Personal care, also bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
• Meal preparation, i.e., planning, preparing, and serving.
• Household tasks like laundry, cleaning, and overall home maintenance.
• Participation in the community, which can include help with social activities, appointment reminders, and errands.

For example, a personal activity like helping can involve having a support worker wash and clothe a physically impaired individual in the morning, assist an elderly person in cooking a nutritious meal, or help someone attend a social event so that they feel less socially isolated. Small acts like these may mean a great deal to the individual.

Types of assistance with personal activities

Personal care

Personal care help is usually the most minimal type of help. It’s helping individuals maintain their dignity and personal cleanliness. This can include:

• Bathing and showering
• Dressing and grooming
• Toileting and continence care
• Oral care

Meal preparation

Appropriate nutrition is essential to health. Assist personal activities can include:

• Meal planning and shopping for groceries
• Preparation and cooking of meals
• Feeding assistance

Household tasks

Everyone wishes to have a safe and clean environment to reside in. Assist with household activities can involve:

• Cleaning and tidying
• Laundry and ironing
• General home maintenance

Community participation

Emotional and social well-being needs to be achieved in the community. Assist personal activities can be carried out by:

• Assisting with social events and activity attendance
• Assisting with errands and appointments
• Accompanying people on outings

Who benefits from assist personal activities?

A range of people can gain from assist personal activities.

• People with disabilities: Assist personal activities may help people be more independent and active within their communities.
• Older people: As we age, some tasks become more challenging. Assist personal activities can help older people maintain their independence and quality of life in their homes.
• People recovering from injury or illness: Short-term support can be vital to recovery, enabling people to become independent again.

Accessing support for personal activities

NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a prominent funder of personal activities support for eligible individuals with disabilities. The NDIS can be difficult to access, but support coordinators can assist people in setting up their plans and accessing the support they require.

Other funding options

For those not eligible for the NDIS, other government programs, community organisations, or private health insurance can offer accessible funds.

Support providers

Finding a suitable support provider is critical. Find an organisation with qualified staff, experience in the specific kinds of support needed, and a person-centred focus.

High intensity daily personal activities

Others require more specialist help with high-intensity daily personal activities. These can:

• Complex wound care
• Tracheostomy management
• Enteral nutrition

These interventions require specialist expertise and experience to be safe and effective.

Benefits of assist personal activities

The benefits of assist personal activities are far-reaching.

• More independence: These services help individuals live more autonomously and have their autonomy.
• Improved quality of life: These services enhance well-being and social participation and reduce social exclusion by enabling people to perform everyday and social activities.
• Reducing family burden: Support services can help reduce some burden on family carers so they can work on other aspects of their lives.

Choosing the right support provider

Choosing the right support provider is a significant decision. Consider the following:

• Qualifications and experience: Ensure the provider has qualified, experienced staff.
• Personalised support plans: Choose a provider who develops individualised plans based on particular goals and needs.
• Communication and compatibility: Choose a provider you can communicate effectively with and understand your needs.

Case study

The secret to independence starts with the proper support, and my case study revealed the life-altering impact of assist personal activities for individuals with disabilities. In Sydney, I learned how personalised support services allow individuals to conquer daily life confidently. Through closely tailored support with personal care, transport, and getting out and about in the community, participants were able to acquire skills and potential to live more meaningful lives. One of the key learnings was how individually designed care plans, directed at daily living activities and social participation, optimised NDIS funding and overall quality of life. From assistance with personal care activities to enabling access to community services, the correct support was what it was all about. This experience reinforced the worth of flexible, client-driven services tailored to individual goals and needs. By enabling personal activities to help individuals live independently, we would allow people to thrive, opening new pathways to healthier, more independent living.

Conclusion

Support personal activities is crucial to enable people to lead fulfilling lives. From personal care support to cooking and engaging in the community, such activities can be beneficial. By knowing what help is available and how to obtain it, people can unlock the door to independence and be everything they can be. If you or someone you know would benefit from assist personal activities, call a support provider today to schedule an appointment and discover what is possible.