6 min read
Key Takeaways
- Respite care is short-term support that helps carers take a break while participants continue receiving the care they need
- It can happen at home, in the community, or in short-term accommodation settings
- Respite care is funded under the Core Supports budget as Short Term Accommodation (STA)
- Accessing respite starts with including it in your NDIS plan
- Support coordinators and experienced providers like Number 1 Care Provider can help arrange flexible care options
Caring for someone with a disability can be a full-time responsibility and like any important role, it’s essential to have time to rest and recharge. This is where respite care plays a vital role. But what is respite care, and how does it fit into your NDIS plan?
In simple terms, respite care offers temporary support for a person with disability while their usual carer takes a break. It’s a valuable part of many NDIS service plans, providing relief for carers and ongoing support for participants.
Let’s take a closer look at how it works, who it’s for, and how to access respite care under the NDIS.
What Does Respite Care Look Like in Practice?
Respite care is flexible and can take many forms, depending on what suits the participant and their carer. It can be as short as a few hours or as long as several days.
Here are some common examples of respite care:
- A support worker visits the participant’s home for a few hours
- The participant stays overnight with a provider in a safe, supported environment
- Care is arranged in an emergency when the usual carer becomes unwell
- A short break away from home for the participant through Short Term Accommodation (STA)
The goal is to provide consistent, high-quality care for the participant while allowing carers time to rest, focus on other responsibilities, or simply take care of their own wellbeing. You can explore how respite home care works at Number 1 Care Provider to see the types of support available.
Who Is Respite Care Designed For?
Respite care supports both the participant and their carer. For carers, it offers much-needed time away from their responsibilities. For participants, it provides continued care, social interaction, and the opportunity to build independence in a new setting.
You might benefit from respite care if:
- You’re a full-time carer for a family member or loved one
- You’re experiencing signs of carer stress or burnout
- The person you care for has complex or high support needs
- You need time for work, appointments, rest, or travel
Importantly, respite care is not about “taking a break from responsibility”, it’s about maintaining the long-term sustainability of care for everyone involved.
How Does the NDIS Fund Respite Care?
Under the NDIS, respite care is often funded through a support type called Short Term Accommodation (STA), which falls under the Core Supports budget.
This funding may cover:
- Up to 14 days of accommodation per year
- Personal care and support during the stay
- Meals and activities if provided by the service
To receive this funding, respite must be considered “reasonable and necessary” in your plan. It should align with your goals and support needs, including maintaining informal supports (like family carers). You can discuss your need for respite during an NDIS planning meeting or plan review. A support coordination service can help you prepare.
Types of NDIS Respite Services
There are several types of respite care available through the NDIS, depending on your needs and situation:
In-home respite
A support worker provides care in the participant’s home while the carer is away.
Community-based respite
The participant takes part in day programs or group activities within the local community.
Short Term Accommodation (STA)
A short stay in a supported environment, such as an NDIS-approved facility, often for overnight or weekend care.
Emergency respite
Available in crisis situations, such as illness or a sudden change in the carer’s circumstances.
Each option provides flexibility depending on the level of support required and how the participant prefers to receive care. Number 1 Care Provider offers a range of respite home care options tailored to individual needs.
How Do You Access Respite Support Through the NDIS?
Accessing respite care starts with including it in your NDIS plan.
Here’s how:
- Discuss your needs during a planning meeting
Share information about your caring arrangements and why respite is important to your wellbeing and sustainability as a carer. - Provide evidence if needed
This might include letters from GPs, support workers, or therapists. - Work with a support coordinator
They can help identify services, arrange bookings, and explain how respite fits into your NDIS budget. You can learn more about our support coordination service here. - Reach out to a provider
If you already have funding in place, you can contact our team to find a respite option that suits your schedule and needs.
Ready to Explore Respite Care Options?
Respite care isn’t just a helpful option, for many people, it’s a necessary part of maintaining long-term, sustainable support. It gives carers time to rest, recharge, and take care of their own health, while ensuring participants receive quality care in a safe and respectful environment.
If you’re considering respite care for yourself or someone you support, we’re here to help you take the next step. At Number 1Care Provider, we offer flexible, person-centred respite services that fit around your needs, whether it’s a few hours at home or a short stay in supported accommodation.
If you or someone you care for might benefit from respite care, we’re here to help. Ready to get started? Make a referral today.