Household task equipment

Assistive technology

Equipment that makes household tasks easier or possible, such as adapted kitchen tools, reachers and other aids for cooking, cleaning and daily chores.

The short answer

Household task equipment includes adapted tools and aids that make cooking, cleaning and daily chores easier or possible.

About Household task equipment

Small aids can make a big difference to independence at home. Adapted kitchen equipment, such as easy-grip knives, one-handed chopping boards, jar openers and kettle tippers, helps people cook and prepare food. Reachers, long-handled tools and trolleys help with picking things up, carrying and cleaning.

An occupational therapist can look at how you do tasks at home and suggest equipment or different ways of working. Sometimes a change of technique or layout does as much as a new gadget, so an assessment can save money and frustration.

When buying, try items where you can. What suits one person can be awkward for another, and comfort, weight and grip all matter. Ask about returns, and think about safety, especially with sharp objects, hot liquids and electrical appliances.

Who is this service for?

People who find kitchen and household tasks difficult and could use adapted tools or aids to make them easier or possible.

What a typical session looks like

Household task equipment is anything that makes everyday jobs safer and easier, such as adapted kitchen tools, jar openers, long-handled reachers, perching stools, easy-grip utensils, lightweight vacuum cleaners or trolleys for carrying items. An occupational therapist or supplier usually looks at the tasks you find difficult and suggests equipment to try.

Once the equipment is chosen, you try it in your own home, in the kitchen, laundry or wherever it will be used. A good supplier or therapist gives you time to check that it really helps, shows you how to use it safely and makes sure it is stored where you can reach it.

Who delivers this support

Occupational therapists are often the best people to recommend household equipment, since they look at how you do tasks and what gets in the way. Suppliers and specialist retailers stock a wide range of products. Ask about experience with equipment for your particular needs, and whether you can trial items before you buy.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Identify the tasks you find hardest.
  2. Speak to an occupational therapist about options.
  3. Try a few items and choose what works best.
  4. Review after a few weeks and ask for adjustments if needed.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Household equipment complements household management, cleaning and personal care supports. Sometimes a simple piece of equipment means you can do a task yourself and need less hands-on help. It also links with home modifications, since some problems are better solved by changing the space than by adding equipment.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Household task equipment if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Assistive technology is funded according to its cost and complexity: lower-cost items are usually paid from a Core budget, and higher-cost or more complex items from a Capital budget, sometimes needing an assessment or quote. Your planner or an assistive technology advisor can explain how this applies to Household task equipment. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Equipment prices vary widely with the type of item and how it is set up for you. Ask for a written quote that separates the item, fitting and training, and for information about warranty and servicing for Household task equipment. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Assistive technology & equipment providers on the NDIS register

4,258 NDIS providers list assistive technology & equipment supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing assistive technology & equipment

See all 4,258 assistive technology & equipment providers

Listings by state and territory

Suburbs with the most listings

Listings covering the most areas

Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of household equipment can help?

Examples include adapted kitchen tools, jar openers, reachers, trolleys and other aids designed to make cooking, cleaning and daily chores easier.

How do I know what will suit me?

An occupational therapist can look at how you do tasks at home and suggest equipment. Trying items before you buy helps you avoid ones that do not work for you.

Are simple aids worth it?

Often. Small, low-cost items can make a big difference to independence and safety, so they are worth asking about alongside larger equipment.

Where can I buy adapted household items?

Specialist suppliers, pharmacies and some general retailers. An occupational therapist can suggest reliable sources.

Are adapted tools expensive?

It varies. Some items are inexpensive, and a therapist can help you weigh cost against benefit.

Can equipment help me stay safe in the kitchen?

Yes. Items such as stable chopping boards and kettle tippers can reduce risks. Ask a therapist for a kitchen safety check.

Do I need an occupational therapist to choose household equipment?

Not always, but a therapist can help you pick equipment that suits your body and the way you work, especially for complex needs. For simple items you may be able to choose yourself.

Where can I buy equipment for household tasks?

Specialist disability equipment suppliers, some pharmacies and larger retailers stock a range. A therapist or your provider can suggest where to look.

Can I trial equipment before buying?

Many suppliers allow trials, and a therapist may be able to arrange one. It is a good idea to test items in your own kitchen or home.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Household task equipment?

If Household task equipment is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Household task equipment provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

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