Domestic Assistance: Getting Support With Everyday Household Tasks
A basket of laundry involves several jobs: lifting, carrying, washing, drying, folding and putting everything away. When disability makes any of those steps difficult, practical help can make a difference to your day.
Domestic assistance supports you with everyday household tasks so your home works better for you. Depending on your needs, it may include cleaning, laundry and meal preparation. The support should reflect your priorities and the way you like to live.
What can domestic assistance include?
The exact tasks depend on your disability-related needs and what you agree with your provider. Common areas to discuss include:
Keeping everyday spaces clean
Support may include vacuuming, mopping, dusting reachable surfaces, washing dishes and cleaning kitchens or bathrooms.
You can identify the areas that matter most and agree on what can reasonably be completed during each visit.
Managing laundry and bed linen
Help may include washing and drying clothes, hanging out laundry, folding, putting items away and changing sheets.
Share any preferences about washing instructions, delicate clothing and where you keep things.
Preparing meals
Support may include planning simple meals, preparing ingredients, cooking and cleaning up afterwards. Discuss your food preferences, allergies and any relevant mealtime instructions before support begins.
Keeping household routines organised
A worker may help you follow a household routine, put frequently used items in agreed places or break a task into manageable steps.
For specialist cleaning, repairs or tasks requiring particular equipment, discuss the arrangements separately.
What might a visit look like?
You might choose to fold clothes while a worker hangs the washing, or prepare ingredients together before they help clean the kitchen.
On another visit, you may need the worker to complete the agreed tasks for you. The amount you take part can reflect your needs, preferences and goals. Support can also help you develop household skills if that is something you want.
Your home, your preferences
Inviting someone into your home can feel personal. Talk about what will help you feel comfortable.
You might want to explain:
Which rooms or belongings are private.
Where cleaning products and equipment are kept.
Any sensitivities to fragrances, noise or particular products.
How you prefer the worker to communicate with you.
Your cultural practices and household routines.
How access, keys and pets should be managed.
Workers should respect your privacy, choices and belongings. Agree before items are moved, reorganised or discarded.
If you share a home, discuss how the support relates to your needs and how shared household tasks will be handled.
Make a simple plan before the first visit
A short conversation can help everyone understand what to expect.
Choose your priorities. List the tasks you need help with and what matters most.
Agree on the scope. Confirm which tasks the provider can deliver and any limits.
Check supplies. Ask who provides cleaning products and equipment.
Confirm the arrangements. Discuss visit length, frequency, charges and cancellation conditions.
Plan for changes. Ask what happens if your usual worker is unavailable or your needs change.
For example, your first priorities might be a clean bathroom, fresh bed linen and support preparing a meal. Review the arrangement after the first few visits and give feedback about what you would like adjusted.
Can NDIS funding cover domestic assistance?
The NDIS may fund help with essential household tasks you cannot do because of your disability, where the support meets the funding criteria and fits your plan. This can include cleaning, laundry and meal preparation.
You remain responsible for ordinary living costs, such as groceries, bills and standard household purchases. Paying for help to prepare a meal is different from paying for its ingredients. Confirm your funding and request a clear quote before booking. Your NDIS contact or support coordinator can help with funding questions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose which tasks are done first?
Discuss your priorities with your provider and agree on a practical task list. You can review it as your needs change.
Can I receive personal care as well?
You may need both household help and support with routines such as showering or dressing. Tell the provider about both needs so you can agree on the right tasks, worker skills and funding arrangements.
Get household support with Care Cube
Looking for help around the home in Ballarat or other areas in Victoria?
Talk to Care Cube about the tasks you find difficult, your preferences and the routines you want support with. Ask about available domestic assistance and the arrangements that suit your needs.
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