Think about everything you’ve already done today. You’ve probably showered, dressed, prepared breakfast and loaded the dishwasher. You may have done some online banking or made a shopping list. And then you may have left home at the right time so you could catch your bus or train and continue your day.
Independent living takes a considerable skill set. If you’re living with disability, injury or age-related changes, those skills can be harder to master.
That’s where we come in.
What is daily living skills training?
Enabled Designs provides training in daily living skills to support people who want to live more independently in their own homes and communities.
Daily living skills training is a core part of our Occupational Therapy service. Sometimes called independent living skills training or activities of daily living (ADL) training, it involves practical, goal-based support designed to help people navigate the demands of everyday life.
Depending on each person’s needs, a daily living skills training program may cover:
- Personal care tasks such as showering, grooming, or toileting
- Domestic activities like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and using household appliances
- Money management, including budgeting, shopping, and banking
- Meal planning and healthy food preparation
- Time management and routines
- Communication and social skills
- Using public transport or navigating the community
- Safety awareness and emergency preparedness.
How can training support independent living?
Developing daily living skills can help you feel more confident and in control of your life, helping you live with greater independence.
Imagine Emily, a young autistic woman who also has ADHD and OCD. She’s recently moved into a shared supported living home. Mostly, it’s going well but Emily is struggling with food preparation, which limits her ability to make her own choices about meals. With support from an Occupational Therapist, Emily could learn how to use kitchen equipment, follow a recipe and cook food she enjoys.
Or imagine Mark, a stroke survivor who is relearning how to dress, shower and use the bathroom independently. His training program developed his skills and also simplified the tasks using assistive devices and carefully chosen clothing. Thanks to this support, Mark is less reliant on others and feels more like his old self.
Daily living skills training at Enabled Designs
At Enabled Designs, we provide daily living skills training as part of our comprehensive Occupational Therapy services. We understand that each person’s needs, environment, and goals are different, so we take a collaborative, person-centred approach from the outset.
Our qualified Occupational Therapists begin by conducting a functional assessment to understand your current abilities, routines, and challenges. We then work with you to develop a tailored plan based on your goals, which could include things like:
- Managing household tasks more independently
- Improving self-care routines
- Building the skills needed to transition into Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
You’ll notice the Enabled Designs difference in the way that we:
- Take a goal-oriented and empowering approach rather than a prescriptive one
- Offer in-home and community-based training, so support happens in your real-life environments
- Use evidence-based strategies, adaptive equipment, and coaching methods that promote lasting skill development
- Help you and your support network track progress and adjust the plan as needed
- Advocate on your behalf when funding or service adjustments are needed through the NDIS.
You may be developing independent living skills for the first time or regaining them after illness or injury. Enabled Designs is here to help you build your independence, confidence and enjoyment of life.
Please contact us to learn more.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
Enabled Designs can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.
References
- Edemekong PF, Bomgaars DL, Sukumaran S, et al. Activities of Daily Living. [Updated 2025 May 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470404/ [Accessed 22 May 2025]