What Does NDIS Respite Care Include?
Caring for a person with disability can be rewarding, but it can also place significant demands on participants, families, and carers. This is where respite care can play an important role. Many people searching for NDIS supports often ask, what does NDIS respite care include, and how it can help both participants and their support networks. NDIS respite care provides temporary support that allows participants to receive quality care while giving families and carers time to rest, manage personal commitments, or simply take a break from their regular caring responsibilities. Depending on individual needs and NDIS funding, respite care can be provided in a variety of settings and formats. Understanding the different types of respite support available can help participants and families make informed decisions about the supports that best suit their circumstances.

You can confirm our official registration on the 👉 NDIS Commission website
What Is NDIS Respite Care?
NDIS respite care provides temporary support for participants while giving families and carers a break from their regular caring responsibilities. It helps maintain participant wellbeing and provides flexibility when additional support is needed.
NDIS respite care can include:
- Temporary Support
- Participant Wellbeing
- Carer Breaks
- NDIS-Funded Supports
Many participants access NDIS Respite Care services to support independence, wellbeing, and everyday living.
Why Respite Care Is Important for Participants and Families?
Respite care benefits both participants and the people who support them. It provides opportunities for participants to develop confidence and independence while helping carers maintain their own wellbeing.
Benefits for Participants
- Independence
- New Experiences
- Confidence
Benefits for Families and Carers
- Reduced Burnout
- Temporary Relief
- Improved Wellbeing
What Does NDIS Respite Care Include?
NDIS respite care can be provided in different ways depending on a participant’s needs, goals, and support arrangements. The type of respite support available will vary from person to person.
- In-Home Respite Care
- Community-Based Respite
- Overnight Respite Care
- Emergency Respite Support
These supports are designed to provide flexibility for participants and carers while ensuring continuity of care and support.
Short-Term Accommodation (STA) and Respite Care
Short-Term Accommodation (STA) is one of the most common forms of respite support funded through the NDIS. It provides participants with temporary accommodation and support away from their usual living environment.
STA may include:
- Overnight Support
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Daily Activities
Many participants use Short-Term Accommodation (STA) to build independence, develop new skills, and enjoy a change of environment while giving families and carers a temporary break.
What Is Not Covered by NDIS Respite Care?
While the NDIS may fund respite supports that are related to a participant’s disability, there are some services and expenses that are generally not covered.
Examples may include:
- Holidays
- General Childcare
- Non-Disability Supports
- Unrelated Accommodation Costs
Understanding what is and isn’t funded can help participants and families plan supports more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
Who Can Access NDIS Respite Care?
NDIS respite care may be available to participants who require additional support and have respite funding included in their NDIS plan. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances, support needs, and the goals outlined in the participant’s plan.
Factors that may be considered include:
- NDIS Participant Status
- Support Needs
- Family and Carer Circumstances
- Funding Approval
Participants and families who are unsure about eligibility can learn more about the NDIS approval process and discuss respite needs during planning meetings or plan reviews.
How to Request Respite Funding in Your NDIS Plan
If you believe respite care would benefit you or your family, it is important to discuss your support needs during your NDIS planning meeting or plan review. The NDIS will consider how respite support relates to your disability, goals, and overall wellbeing.
When requesting respite funding, it may help to provide:
- Planning Meeting Information
- Supporting Evidence
- Support Coordinator Recommendations
Participants can also prepare for discussions about respite funding by understanding the Preparing for Your First NDIS Plan Meeting process and identifying how respite support may assist them in achieving their goals.
Respite Care Services in Perth
Access to quality respite care can make a meaningful difference for participants and families across Perth’s southern suburbs. Whether support is needed for a few hours, overnight stays, or short-term accommodation, respite services can be tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
Elmur Community Services supports participants and families throughout:
- Canning Vale
- Thornlie
- Harrisdale
- Southern River
- Gosnells
By providing flexible respite options, participants can continue building independence and confidence while families and carers receive valuable support and temporary relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many participants and families have questions about respite care, funding, and eligibility. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
1. What does NDIS respite care include?
NDIS respite care may include in-home respite, community-based respite, overnight respite, emergency respite support, and Short-Term Accommodation (STA), depending on a participant’s plan and support needs.
2. Does the NDIS pay for respite care?
The NDIS may fund respite-related supports when they are considered reasonable and necessary and directly related to a participant’s disability support needs.
3. What is the difference between respite care and STA?
Respite care is a broader term for temporary support arrangements, while STA is a specific NDIS-funded support that can include accommodation, meals, activities, and overnight support.
4. Who qualifies for NDIS respite care?
Eligibility depends on a participant’s support needs, family circumstances, goals, and approved NDIS funding.
5. How long can respite care be funded for?
The amount of respite care available varies depending on individual plans and approved funding arrangements.

Looking for Respite Care Support in Perth?
Respite care can provide valuable support for both participants and families by promoting wellbeing, independence, and flexibility when additional support is needed. Elmur Community Services provides personalised respite and accommodation supports for participants across Perth’s southern suburbs, helping individuals and families access the right level of care and assistance.
Email: info@elmur.com.au
Phone : (08) 6558 8814
Website : Elmur Community Services
Follow us : Facebook

