What Is NDIS Respite Care (Short Term Accommodation)?
If you're a family carer looking for a break, or a participant wanting to try something new, NDIS Short Term Accommodation, previously known as respite care, might be exactly what you need. Here's a clear, plain-language guide to how it works under the NDIS.
From Respite to STA
"Respite care" was the term used under the old disability support framework. The NDIS replaced this with Short Term Accommodation (STA). The purpose is essentially the same, a supported short stay away from the usual home, giving both the participant and their informal carers a planned break, but the funding model and terminology changed when the NDIS was introduced.
You'll still see the word "respite" used by families and support coordinators, and it's still common in Google searches. But in your NDIS plan, look for "Short Term Accommodation" under Core Supports.
What STA Provides
STA covers a supported short stay, usually anywhere from one night to a few weeks, in an accommodation setting with qualified disability support staff. It includes accommodation, meals, personal care and daily support for the duration of the stay.
It can be used for many purposes: carer respite, a holiday for the participant with support, trying out a supported living arrangement, post-hospital transition, or emergency accommodation when usual supports break down.
How STA Is Funded
STA is funded under Core Supports (Assistance with Daily Life) in your NDIS plan. The NDIA sets a daily rate that covers both support costs and accommodation/meals. STA funding is separate from your regular daily support budget.
Not everyone has STA in their plan automatically. If you don't have it and you want to access it, work with your support coordinator to request it at your next plan review. Strong evidence of carer stress or a clear participant goal is usually what's needed to get STA included.
How Many STA Days Can You Get?
There is no universal limit: it depends on your individual circumstances, your carer's assessed level of stress and your participant goals. In practice, most participants who access STA receive between 14 and 28 days per year. Higher carer stress or greater participant need can support a case for more.
STA in Queensland
First Priority Care provides STA for NDIS participants across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Redlands. Our STA stays are staffed by experienced support workers and, where needed, registered nurses. We work closely with families to make sure the transition is smooth and the stay is genuinely useful: not just a week of being away from home.
Call 1800 402 205 or visit our Short Term Accommodation page to find out more.
Ready to talk to a registered NDIS provider?
Call us on 1800 402 205 or submit a referral online.
