Please note: Since this article was published, the NDIS has updated its terminology. What was previously referred to as Short Term Accommodation (STA) is now called Short Term Respite (STR). This change better reflects the purpose of the support—providing participants with temporary care while their informal supports take a break. For the most current information, please refer to the NDIS Operational Guidelines or visit our Short Term Respite page to make an enquiry.
Short Term Accommodation, often referred to as respite care, is an NDIS-funded service for support and accommodation for NDIS participants, providing short term care so participants and their informal support network can take a break from daily routine.
What is NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA)?
A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re wondering what Short Term Accommodation is, this comprehensive guide tackles everything you need to know on how it works, what it covers and how long you can access short-term accommodation services.
What Is Short Term Accommodation ?
STAis a NDIS-funded support that provides temporary accommodation and personalised care away from home. It gives participants the opportunity to build everyday living skills and enjoy new experiences, while also giving families and informal carers a chance to rest and recharge, knowing their loved one is cared for
What Short Term Accommodation Can Support
Short Term Accommodation can provide a change of environment for NDIS participants while offering families and carers time away from day-to-day caring responsibilities. Depending on the participant’s goals and support needs, respite may create opportunities to build confidence, practise everyday skills, take part in community activities and connect with others in a safe and supportive setting.
For participants, Short Term Accommodation may support:
- Greater independence and confidence
- Everyday living and social skills
- Opportunities to meet new people and form meaningful connections
- Community participation and new experiences
- Time in a safe and supportive environment away from home
This helps families and carers:
- Take a break from caring responsibilities
- Enjoy peace of mind knowing loved ones are supported by experienced staff
- Reduce the pressures of day-to-day caring
- Return to their caring role feeling refreshed while maintaining ongoing support for loved ones
Is Short Term Accommodation the Same as Respite?
Yes. The NDIS has recently made changes to the terminology of this service. Short Term Accommodation (STA) was previously referred to as Short Term Respite (STR). While the terminology has changed, the purpose remains the same: to provide participants with temporary accommodation and personalised support while giving families and informal carers a chance to take a break.
Whether you hear the terms Short Term Accommodation, Short Term Respite or respite care, they generally refer to the same NDIS-funded service. The updated terminology better reflects the role of the service in supporting both participants and their informal support networks.
Who Is Short Term Accommodation For?
Whether it’s for a weekend, a week or a couple of weeks, Short Term Respite is primarily designed to allow the families and informal caregivers of NDIS participants to take a short break from their caring responsibilities.
Short Term Accommodation is so important in building confidence and developing the skills needed to live more independently.
– Michelle, Mum & Carer
What can You Expect During A Respite Stay?
Every Respite stay is tailored to the participant’s individual needs, goals and support requirements. Whether you’re staying for a few days or up to two weeks, our focus is on creating a safe, welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable, supported and encouraged to build your independence.
During your stay, you may receive support with:
- Daily routines to help maintain familiar habits and promote independence.
- Meal preparation and support with everyday living tasks.
- Personal care tailored to your individual support requirements.
- Medication prompts and assistance where outlined in your support plan.
- Community outings that encourage participation and new experiences.
- Social activities to help build confidence and meaningful connections.
- Skill-building opportunities that align with your interests and NDIS goals.
- Relaxation and downtime, whether that’s enjoying quiet activities, spending time with others or simply taking a break in a comfortable environment.
Rest assured, our experienced support team works closely with participants, families and carers to ensure every stay is personalised, comfortable and focused on helping participants make the most of their Short Term Respite experience.
What Does STA Funding Cover?
STA services include support for daily living in an accommodation setting away from home, allowing time apart for participants and their informal support network
During an STR stay, participants have opportunities for community access and the chance to develop new skills, meet new people and build their independence.
What STR Funding Doesn’t Cover
Food and groceries
STR funding doesn’t typically cover the cost of food and groceries during your stay
Transport or travel
STR funding doesn’t cover travel between home and the respite 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 Respite services are not designed to fund holidays or trips. You can’t use STR 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 I stay in Short Term Accommodation?
The length of a Short Term Accommodation stay depends on your individual NDIS plan and support needs. In most cases, the NDIS funds up to 14 days of respite support at a time, with participants generally able to access up to 28 days across a 12-month period if it aligns with their plan and goals.
If you’re unsure if Short Term Accommodation funding is included in your NDIS plan, we can help you understand your available supports and discuss the best options for your needs.
Ability Options Short Term Accommodation Services
Ability Options is a Registered NDIS Provider and a trusted name in STA supports. Our Short-Term Respite 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?
Choosing the right Short Term Accommodation provider is about more than finding a place to stay. It’s about finding a trusted team that understands your goals, provides personalised support and creates opportunities to build confidence, independence and meaningful connections in a safe, welcoming environment.
We offer comfortable and fully supported Short Term Accommodation) options in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions, perfect for NDIS participants and their families seeking respite.
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. When you choose Ability Options, you can expect:
- Support tailored to your NDIS goals, interests and daily routine where possible
- Friendly, experienced staff who encourage confidence, independence and everyday life skills
- Support from a trusted Registered NDIS Provider with extensive experience
- A team that works with your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager and informal supports
- Welcoming spaces where you can enjoy new activities, community participation and social connection
Choosing to STA-y
Learn how Jarrod found independence through Short Term Accommodation Services.
Preparing for Your Stay
Preparing ahead of time can help make your Short Term Accommodation stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Before your stay, your support team will discuss your individual needs and any important information to help ensure a smooth transition. Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to bring:
- Comfortable clothing and personal toiletries.
- Any prescribed medications and relevant medication information.
- Favourite personal items to help you feel at home.
- Your NDIS plan and other relevant support information, such as behavioural or communication plans.
- Emergency contact details and any important medical or dietary information.
If you have any questions about what to bring or how to prepare, the Ability Options team will be happy to guide you before your stay.
Find a Short Term Accommodation Near You
Our Respite homes are thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming environment where participants can feel comfortable, build confidence and enjoy meaningful experiences. We work closely with participants, families, carers and support networks to ensure every stay is tailored to individual goals and support requirements.
To find a location near you, explore our Short Term Accommodation locations and discover the supports available at each home. Whether you’re seeking respite, skill development, or community access, our safe and supportive Short Term Accommodation(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.
