NDIS participants can access Short-Term Accommodation Assistance (STAA) for up to 14 days at a time, which includes care, meals, and activities.

This change in environment improves independence and provides carers with relief.

What does respite care involve in the NDIS?

Respite care in the NDIS involves short-term support provided at home, in the community, or in a care facility to give carers a break while keeping participants safe and engaged.

Support can be informal through family and friends or formal through NDIS-registered providers.

Inclusions in respite care are as listed below.

• Short-term accommodation in a facility (STAA)
• Overnight and 24-hour support
• Meals and drinks
• Personal self-care assistance
• Community access activities
• Planned recreational programs

This structure allows participants to enjoy care and activities in a safe environment while carers step back, rest, and recharge.

When can respite care be accessed under the NDIS?

Respite care can be accessed when it is included in a participant’s NDIS plan or during emergencies when carers are unable to provide support.

• Scheduled respite allows families to plan regular breaks and prevent carer burnout.
• Emergency respite is available if a carer becomes sick, injured, or faces unexpected circumstances.

This flexibility ensures both participants and carers receive the right support when it is needed most.

What are the types of respite care in the NDIS?

The NDIS offers several types of respite care to suit different needs. These include in-home respite, centre-based programs, overnight or weekend care, residential respite, and transition care.

• In-home respite – a support worker visits the participant’s home during the day or night.
• Centre-based respite – activities and social interaction in a safe day centre.
• Overnight or weekend respite – short-term care provided at home or in another house.
• Residential respite – a short stay in a care home with 24-hour support.
• Transition care – short-term support after hospital discharge, often with therapy services.

This range of options enables participants and caregivers to select respite care that best suits their situation and goals.

Do participants receive support during respite care?

Yes, participants in respite care receive tailored support based on their individual needs. Providers can arrange support workers to assist with personal care, therapy sessions, or group activities such as fitness, art, or community day trips.

This support helps participants build capacity, gain independence, and enjoy new experiences while ensuring their well-being during the respite period.

How can respite care be included in an NDIS plan?

Respite care can be included in an NDIS plan by raising it with your support coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) during a plan review meeting.

They assess your needs and add Short-Term Accommodation (STAA) or other respite options into your plan.

If you do not have a coordinator, Help at Hand Support can connect you with quality providers and assist with plan adjustments to make sure respite care is covered.

Where can respite care services be found?

Respite care services can be found through NDIS provider directories, community organisations, and with the help of support coordinators.

Help at Hand Support makes this process easier by assisting participants and carers in finding suitable respite options, connecting with trusted providers, and ensuring funding is included in the plan.

Why is respite care important for carers and participants?

Respite care is important because it supports participant wellbeing while protecting carer health and preventing burnout.

• Participants benefit by meeting new people and engaging in different activities.
• Carers gain rest, peace of mind, and time to manage personal responsibilities.

How can Help at Hand Support assist with respite care?

Help at Hand Support assists with respite care by connecting families to trusted providers, scheduling services, and ensuring respite options are included in NDIS plans.

Our team works across Melbourne to match participants with services that enhance independence and wellbeing while giving carers peace of mind.

Call 1300 822 190 or contact us online to discuss respite care options today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between STAA and respite care?

STAA is the formal NDIS term for short-term accommodation, while respite care describes the broader concept of giving participants and carers a break.

How long can I use respite care for?

You can access up to 14 days at a time, depending on your NDIS plan.

Is respite care covered by the NDIS?

Yes. Respite care is covered when it aligns with a participant’s goals and is written into the plan.

Can respite be arranged in emergencies?

Yes. Emergency respite can be organised when carers are sick, injured, or unavailable.

Does respite care include activities?

Yes. Many providers include activities such as therapy, fitness, arts, and social programs.

Explore Aged Care Respite Care Services with Help at Hand Support

Respite care is not only about giving carers a break but also about ensuring participants receive the right kind of support.

At Help at Hand Support, we also provide Aged Care Respite Care services designed to meet individual needs with comfort and dignity.

Linking respite under the NDIS with our aged care options helps families find flexible solutions, whether short-term accommodation, daily assistance, or extended care is required.