SAH2600 – Support at Home – Coordinator Checklist

Purpose

Help coordinators quickly decide what can and cannot be included under Support at Home, and how to describe services correctly. PDF Link >

Start with the WHY (Always first)

Ask:

• Is the service required due to an age‑related functional limitation?
• Is there a safety risk if the client does this themselves?
• Has the client’s capacity remained the same (no change in need)?

If YES → continue
If NO → likely not fundable.

Generally INCLUDED (when linked to need)

Domestic Assistance

• General cleaning (floors, bathroom, kitchen)
• Laundry (washing, ironing, bedding)
• Cleaning tasks the client cannot safely perform (must be framed as safety‑related)

Home Maintenance (minor only)

• Minor repairs for safety
• Gutter cleaning (safety‑related)
• Maintenance needed to keep the home functionally safe

Support Services

• Transport (health or social)
• Shopping assistance
• Emotional or social support
• Respite

Red Flags – STOP & CHECK

These are often excluded or closely reviewed:

⛔ Standalone window cleaning

⛔ General home services anyone would normally pay for

⛔ Large repairs or capital works

⛔ Cosmetic or aesthetic work

⛔ Trade‑style services not clearly linked to ageing‑related need

If you see these → reframe or escalate.

Wording Test (Critical)

Before approving or submitting:

• Does the wording explain WHY the client needs help?
• Does it mention safety, mobility, balance, or functional limits?
• Does it avoid excluded terms (e.g. “window cleaning”)?

Approved wording example:

Domestic assistance provided due to the client’s physical inability to safely clean internal and external glass surfaces, due to mobility and safety risks.

Transition Check (New rules)

Ask:

• Was this service previously approved and funded?
• Was it delivered before clarification of new rules?
• Has an audit note been added if needed?

If YES → may qualify for transitional handling.

Final Sense Check

Ask yourself:

• If an auditor saw this with no background, would the client need and safety risk be obvious?

If YES → Proceed.

Coordinator Comment Examples (Use in File Notes)

Use one of the following examples or adapt as needed. These comments demonstrate alignment with HCP / Support at Home requirements.

Domestic Assistance – Cleaning / Glass

• Approved under Domestic Assistance in line with Support at Home guidelines. Service required due to the client’s reduced mobility and balance, which prevents them from safely completing the task. Supports a safe and hygienic home environment.

Minor Home Maintenance – Gutters / Safety Tasks

• Approved as Minor Home Maintenance under Support at Home. Task required to address safety and water overflow risks. Client is unable to undertake task due to physical limitations. No capital works involved.

Outdoor / Access Safety

• Approved under Domestic Assistance / safety-related outdoor maintenance. Task required to maintain clear and safe access to the home due to increased falls risk and limited mobility.

Shopping / Errands

• Approved under Daily Living Support. Client requires assistance due to reduced mobility and endurance, impacting ability to safely complete essential shopping independently.

Coordinator Rule of Thumb

It’s not about the task — it’s about the client’s functional need and safety outcome.

Disclaimer

This checklist supports day-to-day coordinator decision-making. Complex, high-cost, unusual, or trade-related services must be checked against the full Support at Home inclusions and exclusions or escalated for review.

Common Exclusions – Quick Reference (Support at Home)

Use this page when a service feels unclear or high risk.

Personal & Household Costs (Always Excluded)

⛔ Rent, mortgage, rates

⛔ Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone)

⛔ Home or contents insurance

⛔ Private health insurance premiums

General Home Services (Excluded)

⛔ Standalone window cleaning

⛔ Cosmetic or aesthetic home services

⛔ General home services not linked to ageing-related need

Home Modifications & Capital Works (Excluded)

⛔ Major renovations or building works

⛔ Non-safety related modifications

⛔ Repainting, re-flooring, extensions

Trade & Maintenance Services (Excluded unless minor & safety-related)

⛔ Roofing, fencing, solar panels

⛔ Pool cleaning or maintenance

⛔ Electrical or plumbing works beyond minor safety fixes

Gardening & Outdoor Works (Mostly Excluded)

⛔ Landscaping or garden redesign

⛔ Tree removal or major pruning

⛔ Extensive gardening or property maintenance

Health & Medical Costs (Excluded)

⛔ GP or specialist appointments

⛔ Hospital costs

⛔ Medications not approved under program rules

Lifestyle & Discretionary Costs (Excluded)

⛔ Entertainment, hobbies, club memberships

⛔ Holidays or accommodation

⛔ Beauty services (hair, nails, massage)

When in Doubt

If a service is:

⛔ High cost

⛔ Trade-related

⛔ New or unusual

STOP and escalate before approving!

Common Client Requests – How to Handle Them

Windows / Glass (inside or outside)

✔ Include only when framed as domestic assistance due to mobility or safety risk

✘ Do not approve as standalone window cleaning

Gutters

✔ Minor gutter cleaning where required for safety or water damage prevention

✘ Full roof or stormwater works

Gardening

✔ Light gardening to maintain safe access (paths, entry points)

✘ Landscaping, tree removal, redesign

Pressure Cleaning

✔ Small safety-related areas (e.g. slippery entry) with clear justification

✘ Driveways, patios, cosmetic cleaning

Handyman Tasks

✔ Minor safety-related fixes (loose rails, minor repairs)

✘ Trade works, renovations, capital improvements

Shopping & Errands

✔ Support to shop due to mobility or cognitive issues

✘ Paying general household bills

Technology / Equipment

✔ Safety or independence-related items with justification

✘ General household electronics

Subcontractor Guidance (Matching Version)

What We Can Claim

• Domestic assistance linked to client safety or functional limits
• Minor home maintenance for safety

What We Cannot Claim

• Standalone window cleaning
• Trade services or major repairs
• Cosmetic or discretionary work

Invoice Wording (Required)

• Invoices must explain why the client needs help, not just the task.

Approved example:

• Domestic assistance provided due to the client’s physical inability to safely complete the task, due to mobility and safety risks.
• If unsure, check with ACare WA before invoicing.