Kindship

Gardening isn't just about growing pretty flowers or tasty veggies – it can do wonders for your soul and physical health. I haven’t come across many people who know this, but you can use gardening in your NDIS plan to help with general maintenance (if that gives you more time to focus on your caring role) or to help your child with specific goals.

Let's delve into how gardening can align with NDIS goals for participants and their families:

1. Physical Activity: Gardening gets you moving, which is fantastic for your physical health. It's like a gentle workout that can improve strength, coordination, and flexibility. If your child has NDIS goals related to physical well-being or mobility, gardening can be a fun and effective way to work towards them.

2. Sensory Stimulation: For many participants, sensory experiences are essential. Gardening provides a rich sensory environment with textures, smells, and colors. If your child's NDIS goals include sensory development or exploration, gardening can be a natural and engaging way to achieve them.

3. Goal-Oriented Tasks: Gardening involves setting goals, whether it's planting a new flower bed or maintaining existing ones. This aligns perfectly with NDIS goals, as it teaches your child to set objectives and work towards them, fostering a sense of accomplishment and independence.

4. Stress Relief: Life can get pretty hectic, and gardening offers a peaceful escape. The calming effect of spending time in the garden can be beneficial for both you and your child, especially if you're managing stress-related NDIS goals.

Keep in mind these suggestions will require a support worker. Below is how a gardening service itself can be funded by the NDIS.

5. Emergency Preparedness: Gardening can also assist in emergencies. Growing your fruits and vegetables means you have a stash of fresh produce at your fingertips. This can be a valuable resource in situations where access to food is limited, ensuring that you and your family are well-prepared.

6. Time for NDIS Goals: By taking care of the garden, you're freeing up time that might have been spent on maintenance tasks. This extra time can be redirected towards supporting your child in reaching their NDIS goals, whether they're related to education, communication, or social skills.

So, when you consider including gardening in your NDIS plan, remember that it's not just about having a beautiful garden. It's about physical health, sensory stimulation, goal-setting, stress relief, emergency preparedness, and creating more time for your child to focus on their NDIS goals. Gardening is more than just a hobby; it's a therapeutic and goal-oriented activity that can be a valuable addition to your NDIS journey.

While I've put my heart into aligning these tips with your NDIS path, the road can have its twists. Remember, these are just suggestions. Dive in, explore, and find what truly works for you. Sending you all my best vibes!