Household Assistance vs Skill Building
Sometimes the immediate need is to get an essential household task done. At other times, the goal is to help the participant learn or practise the task themselves.
Household assistance focuses on the task
Practical household assistance may involve cleaning, laundry, meal preparation or other everyday chores where disability affects the participant’s ability to manage the task.
The purpose may be to keep the home safe, functional and manageable while providing the level of help the participant currently needs.
Skill building focuses on participation and learning
Skill-building support involves the participant in the task where possible. A worker might break cooking into steps, practise using a washing machine, develop a cleaning checklist or help create a routine that the participant can increasingly manage themselves.
The aim is not to remove support suddenly. It is to build skills at a pace that matches the participant’s capacity and goals.
The same activity can be approached differently
Cooking dinner could be direct assistance on a difficult day or a skill-building activity on another day. The purpose, level of assistance and participant goal help determine how the support is delivered.
Funding categories and rules can vary, so participants should check their current plan and official NDIS information when deciding how a particular support can be purchased.
Helpful related pages
Continue with the guide or service page that best matches the support question you are working through.
Official NDIS information used for this guide
NDIS rules and terminology can change. These official pages are useful for checking the latest position.
Important: This AIC Services guide is general information, not an NDIS funding decision, clinical advice or legal advice. Participants should check their current plan and official NDIS information for their circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Is cleaning always skill building?
No. Cleaning may be practical household assistance, skill building, or a combination depending on the participant’s needs, goals and how the support is delivered.
Can a worker cook with me instead of cooking for me?
Yes, where this matches the participant’s goals and support arrangement. Working together can help build confidence and practical daily living skills.
Do skill-building supports use the same funding as household assistance?
Not necessarily. The correct budget and support category depend on the participant’s plan, the purpose of the support and current NDIS rules. Check the plan and official guidance.
Contact AIC Services
AIC Services
54 Main Road
Moonah, TAS 7009
Phone:
1300 023 456
Email:
support@aicservices.com.au
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
54 Main Road, Moonah TAS 7009
To reduce unnecessary third-party requests, interactive mapping is available from our Contact page and Moonah office page.
Contact details & map