Short Term Accommodation, often referred to as respite care, is a NDIS funded service for support and accommodation for NDIS participants planning short stays away from home.
What is NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA)?
A Comprehensive Guide
For NDIS participants, STA is more than just a place to stay; it’s a stepping stone towards greater independence and confidence.
Whether it’s for a weekend, a week, or a couple of weeks, Short Term Accommodation is designed for:
- Participants looking new experiences and pathways to develop life skills and independence,
- Participants who need to travel to attend essential appointments, or
- Families and informal caregivers in need of a short break from their caring responsibilities.
Finding Respite: 5 Benefits of NDIS Short Term Accommodation
How is STA funded?
- Short Term Accommodation is funded under the NDIS support category: Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life.
- STA support is usually stated in the NDIS plan. You can look at flexible funding options within the Core budget if your support needs align with your NDIS Plan goals.
- Funding for STA can be delivered in a group or one-on-on environment.
Short Term Accommodation is so important in building confidence and developing the skills needed to live more independently.
– Michelle, Mum & Carer
What does STA funding cover?
STA services include support for daily living in an accommodation setting away from home, allowing for participants and their informal supports time apart.
During an STA stay, participants have opportunities for community access and the chance to develop new skills, meet new people and build their independence.
STA funding does not cover:
Food and groceries
STA funding does not typically cover the cost of food and groceries during your stay, however if STA services are being delivered in a group setting, the service can include meals and activities for participants. If STA services are being delivered in a private setting, these extras cannot be included.
If STA services are being delivered in a group setting, some external activities during the stay can be covered by STA funding, at the discretion of the provider.
Transport or travel
STA funding does not cover travel between home and STA accommodation. However, transport can be covered during a STA stay for travel to and from usual activities. This can be negotiated prior to agreed upon outings.
Holidays or holiday activities
NDIS Short Term Accommodation services are not designed to fund holidays or trips. You cannot use STA funding for:
- Cruises
- Holiday accommodation
- Airfares
- Tickets to events or theme parks
Non-NDIS items
The NDIS have guidelines on the types of goods and services that NDIS funding doesn’t cover. More information on this can be found on the NDIS website.
How long can a participant stay in STA?
STA funding allows for up to 14 days of support at a time, with participants able to access yearly maximum of 28 days of STA support.
Ability Options STA Services
Ability Options is a Registered NDIS Provider and a trusted name in STA supports. Our Short-Term Accommodation services are tailored to the individual needs of participants. We work closely with families, carers, Support Coordinators and Plan Managers to ensure a seamless experience for NDIS participants who choose our services.
Why Choose Us?
We offer comfortable and fully supported Short Term Accommodation options across the Mid North Coast and Hunter region, perfect for NDIS participants and their families seeking respite, skill building and new experiences.
Our STA offerings include a daily allowance so participants can enjoy a range of NDIS approved activities during their stay.
With expert support available 24/7 our teams are trained to provide high-quality, person centric disability care, ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of NDIS participants who choose our services.
Choosing to STA-y
Learn how Jarrod found independence through Short Term Accommodation Services.
Whether you’re seeking respite, skill development, or community access, our safe and supportive STA environments are designed to meet your unique needs.
Contact us today to learn more about how our STA services can support you or your loved one.
