Daily activities are essential in supporting independence for people with Down syndrome. These activities develop important life skills, build confidence and nurture self-expression.
Engaging in structured routines, such as preparing meals, managing self-care or participating in social activities, can enhance overall physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing.
Independent support workers on Mable play a key role in this process, offering personalised support in helping individuals develop life skills and stay engaged. By providing the right support tailored to each person’s goals, support workers on Mable can empower people with Down syndrome to make choices, develop new skills, and participate fully in their communities.
Why daily activities matter for people with Down syndrome
Everyday tasks are more than just routine – they are important building blocks for independence. Engaging in daily activities can help people with Down syndrome to develop essential life skills, from communication and problem-solving to self-care and decision-making.
A structured routine can provide stability and predictability, helping to reduce anxiety and create a sense of security. Knowing what to expect each day allows individuals to navigate their own world with confidence, making transitions between activities smoother and less overwhelming. Through repetition and practice, familiar tasks may start to feel easier, reinforcing a sense of achievement and self-reliance.
Routine-based activities also encourage social connection. Whether chatting with a support worker, ordering a meal at a cafe, or participating in a group activity, these interactions tend to strengthen language skills, boost confidence and build meaningful relationships.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises the importance of independence and provides support and resources to help individuals with Down syndrome lead confident, active lives.
Learn more about NDIS eligibility and available support with Mable.
Understanding the impact of Down syndrome on daily life
Down syndrome affects each person differently, influencing physical abilities, cognitive development and social engagement in unique ways. With the right support and routine, people can overcome challenges to shape the life they want.
Building independence starts with understanding the specific ways Down syndrome can impact daily life.
How Down syndrome can affect independence and daily living
Down syndrome may impact how a person learns, interacts and adapts to daily tasks. According to the Better Health Channel run through the Department of Health in Victoria, this includes:
- Physical and motor skills development
- Cognitive and learning differences
- Speech, communication and social interaction
- Sensory and emotional regulation.
By understanding these challenges, carers, families and support workers can provide tailored support that empowers individuals to navigate life with confidence and independence.
Physical and motor skill development
People with Down syndrome may experience lower muscle tone (hypotonia), which can affect movement, coordination and fine motor skills. This may make self-care tasks such as dressing, eating and writing more challenging, requiring additional practice and adaptive strategies.
Differences in motor development can also impact balance and posture, making physical activities like climbing stairs or riding a bike more difficult. Engaging in physiotherapy, strength-building exercises and hands-on learning activities can help improve motor skills and overall physical independence.
Cognitive and learning differences
People with Down syndrome may experience cognitive and learning differences. Structured learning methods, such as using visual aids, breaking down tasks into smaller steps and incorporating hands-on activities, may improve understanding and retention.
By adopting personalised learning approaches, individuals can gain confidence in managing daily responsibilities and developing independence in meaningful ways.
Speech, communication, and social interaction
Expressing thoughts and needs clearly may be challenging for some people with Down syndrome. Individuals may benefit from alternative communication methods, such as Makaton (a system of signs and symbols), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or speech therapy to support effective communication.
Regular social interactions, role-playing exercises and engaging group activities can help to build language skills and build stronger relationships. Creating structured opportunities for meaningful social engagement tends to enhance confidence and a sense of connection.
Sensory and emotional regulation
People with Down syndrome may experience sensory sensitivities, which can influence how they respond to their environment.
Creating a supportive, sensory-friendly space can help individuals feel more comfortable and focused. Strategies may include:
- Designing a quiet, calming area for relaxation
- Sensory aids such as weighted blankets or noise-cancelling headphones
- Structured routines
- Mindfulness exercise
- Gentle movement practices.
Essential daily living activities for people with Down syndrome
Essential life skills are an important part of gaining independence. Essential life skills generally include:
- Self-care
- Household tasks
- Social activities
- Financial management.
Independent support workers on Mable can help to support people with Down syndrome build and strengthen skills in alignment with their personal goals and needs.
Learn more about how Mable can provide support for individuals with Down syndrome.
Self-care and personal hygiene
Grooming and dressing
Gaining independence in personal grooming and dressing independently can help to boost self-esteem and autonomy. With the right strategies, individuals can develop essential self-care habits to enhance their daily lives.
Techniques to improve self-care may include:
- Step-by-step guidance to make tasks more manageable
- Visual schedules and picture guides to reinforce routines
- Adaptive clothing with easy fasteners to simplify dressing.
Meal preparation and healthy eating
Learning to prepare meals can help to build confidence and encourage healthy eating habits. With the right support, individuals can develop valuable kitchen skills that promote independence.
Support workers can assist with:
- Meal planning and grocery shopping
- Step-by-step cooking guidance
- Nutrition education for informed food choices
- Using adaptive kitchen tools to make cooking more accessible.
Learn more about support workers who help with your cooking, grocery shopping and meal preparation.
Home and community-based life skills
Household chores and responsibilities
Completing household tasks, such as cleaning, laundry and tidying up, can help to build responsibility and create a structured routine. Support workers can provide guidance to make these tasks more accessible.
Support workers can assist by:
- Sorting laundry and using simple washing machine settings
- Wiping surfaces, vacuuming and organising personal spaces to maintain clean spaces
- Following a daily or weekly cleaning checklist for consistency.
Navigating the community
Confidently navigating the community promotes independence and social inclusion. Support workers can provide hands-on guidance to develop essential travel skills.
To navigate the community, support workers can help with:
- Using public transport
- Reading timetables
- Learning how to identify the right route
- How to catch a bus or train
- Public transport etiquette
- Visiting stores independently
- Understanding road safety and pedestrian awareness.
* If you would like support with money management from a support worker, you are encouraged to also seek your own independent financial advice and to keep your financial information confidential. You should not be sharing any of your log-in details with anyone.
Social and recreational activities
Group activities and social engagement
Being part of social groups and community events encourages connection and communication. Support workers can help individuals feel comfortable and engaged in fun, interactive settings.
Activities that promote social engagement include:
- Joining hobby groups, sports teams and recreational classes
- Attending local events
- Participating in group outings
- Volunteer work.
Communication and expressive skills
Enhancing communication skills allows individuals to express themselves confidently. Support workers can assist with both verbal and non-verbal communication through structured tools and techniques.
Independent living skills
Preparing for employment or volunteering
Gaining work experience, whether through a job or volunteer role, can provide a strong sense of purpose, routine and personal achievement. Workplace skills may help individuals with Down syndrome develop confidence, social connections and long-term independence.
How employment and volunteering contribute to independence:
- Skill development – Learning workplace expectations, teamwork and task management.
- Social interaction – Building communication skills and relationships in professional settings.
- Financial empowerment – Earning money, understanding payslips and managing expenses.
How Mable supports people with Down syndrome live more independently
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live as independently as possible. Mable’s platform connects people with Down syndrome and their families to qualified, independent support workers who assist with daily tasks, skill development and personal growth.
Independent support workers on Mable provide assistance in key areas, including:
- Self-care and personal hygiene – Helping with grooming, dressing and hygiene routines to promote confidence and independence.
- Meal preparation and healthy eating – Assisting with grocery shopping, cooking and making nutritious choices.
- Social and recreational activities – Encouraging participation in community events, hobby groups and structured social interactions.
- Skill-building for daily life – Supporting individuals in learning financial literacy, navigating public transport and preparing for employment.
Learn more about the support you can find on Mable.
Mable also offers a Home and Living consultancy service, which helps people with Down syndrome and their carers explore housing options and support solutions.
Finding the right support is a deeply personal decision, and our platform makes it easy to connect with professionals who align with individual needs and goals.
Get started on Mable today to find the right support worker for you.
FAQs
What are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for individuals with Down syndrome?
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) refer to essential tasks that support independence and wellbeing in daily life, such as:
- Self-care – Grooming, dressing, personal hygiene and meal preparation.
- Home responsibilities – Cleaning, laundry and organising personal spaces.
- Social engagement – Participating in community activities, making friends and developing communication skills.
- Work skills – exploring employment opportunities.
Can a person with Down syndrome live an independent life?
Absolutely! With the right support, individuals with Down syndrome can lead fulfilling, independent and meaningful lives. Many people with Down syndrome attend school, are employed, form relationships and actively engage in their communities.
Support from family, educators, healthcare professionals and support workers can help people with Down syndrome achieve their goals and live as independently as possible.
How can families balance fun and learning in activities for individuals with Down syndrome?
Combining fun with skill-building can build engagement and motivation. Structured activities that integrate both enjoyment and practical learning may help individuals with Down syndrome develop essential life skills in an engaging way.
Some ideas include:
- Cooking together
- Music and movement activities
- Board games and puzzles
- Outdoor adventures
- Creative arts.
Are there community resources available to support daily living skills for individuals with Down syndrome?
Yes! There is a variety of support available. A great place to start is Down Syndrome Australia, which offers a wide range of resources, including state-specific support services and a comprehensive library of guides on health, education and independent living.
For personalised support, Mable connects individuals with independent support workers who assist with everyday tasks like self-care, meal preparation, social participation and skill development.
Check out how Mable can help support people in Down syndrome.
The information provided in this article is general information only and based on current information at the date of publication. In addition to considering the information shared in this article, Mable encourages you to conduct your own research and seek independent advice about managing life with Down syndrome, including, but not limited to, medical and/or financial advice.
