Understanding Respite and Short-Term Accommodation
Respite and Short-Term Accommodation can give participants a safe place to stay while also supporting families and carers to take a short break.
What Is Short-Term Accommodation?
Short-Term Accommodation, also called STA, may provide temporary support away from the participant’s usual home. It can include accommodation, personal care, meals, activities and support with daily routines.
Respite can also support families and carers by giving them time to rest, manage other responsibilities or reduce stress.
Advice Care can discuss accommodation and support needs where suitable and where the service matches the participant’s NDIS plan and goals.
Short Stay Support
Temporary support away from the participant’s usual home.
Daily Living Support
Support with personal care, meals, routines and daily activities.
Carer Break
Respite may help families and carers take a short break.
How Respite Support Can Help
Respite and STA can support both the participant and their family. The participant may enjoy a safe change of environment, new activities and support with routines.
Families and carers may also benefit from time to rest, work, study, attend appointments or manage other family needs.
- Short-term support away from home
- Support with personal care and routines
- Opportunities for social activities
- Support for families and carers
- Help during changes or urgent needs
- Support linked to NDIS goals and plan needs
Support When Needed
Respite can provide short-term support for participants and practical relief for carers.
Support PlanningWhat STA May Include
Short-Term Accommodation may include different supports depending on the participant’s NDIS plan, goals, support needs and service agreement.
Accommodation
A temporary place to stay for a short period where suitable.
Meal Support
Support with meals, food routines and daily living needs.
Community Activities
Support to attend social, recreational or community activities.
Community ParticipationDaily Routines
Support to maintain safe and familiar daily routines.
Transport Support
Transport may be discussed where linked to support needs and plan goals.
Transport AssistancePlanning for Respite or STA
Respite and Short-Term Accommodation should be planned carefully. The provider needs to understand the participant’s routine, personal care needs, health information, behaviour support needs, communication style, medication information and safety risks.
Families and support coordinators can help by providing clear information before the stay. This helps the provider plan safe and suitable support.
The participant should also be involved in planning where possible. Their comfort, choices, culture, privacy and preferences should be respected.
Related Advice Care Supports
Accommodation & Tenancy
Support with accommodation needs, tenancy and housing-related goals.
Accommodation SupportCommunity Participation
Support to attend activities, appointments and community programs.
Community SupportQuestions to Ask Before Booking Respite
Before arranging respite or STA, it is helpful to ask questions about support needs, safety, daily routines, funding, accommodation and service arrangements.
- Is STA or respite included in the participant’s NDIS plan?
- What support will be provided during the stay?
- What personal care or health needs must be planned?
- Are meals, activities and transport included?
- What information does the provider need before the stay?
- How will risks, incidents and emergencies be managed?
Need Respite Information?
Contact Advice Care to discuss support needs, referrals and service availability.
Make a ReferralLooking for Respite or Short-Term Support?
Advice Care can discuss accommodation-related support, planning and referral options.
Contact Advice CareFrequently Asked Questions
What is NDIS Short-Term Accommodation?
Short-Term Accommodation may provide temporary accommodation and support away from the participant’s usual home.
Is respite the same as STA?
Respite is often used to describe a short break for families or carers, while STA is the NDIS term often used for short-term accommodation and support.
What can STA include?
STA may include accommodation, personal care, meals, activities and daily living support, depending on the participant’s plan and service agreement.
Can support coordinators refer participants?
Yes. Support coordinators can refer participants through the Advice Care referral form or contact page.