Respite care provides temporary support for a person with disability or another person who needs assistance, while giving their usual carer a break from caring responsibilities. Depending on the person’s needs, respite may take place at home, in a community setting or through a short stay away from home.
For eligible NDIS participants, Short Term Accommodation (STA), including respite, may help maintain their usual living arrangements when their regular support network is temporarily unavailable. The support provided depends on the participant’s needs, plan and applicable NDIS funding rules. Respite arrangements can also be privately funded or available through other programs, each with its own eligibility requirements.
Why Taking Regular Breaks Is Important for Preventing Burnout
- Caregivers who get enough sleep are healthier and more resilient.
- Enhances relationships: Spending time apart can lessen household stress.
- Encourages independence by allowing participants to try new things and interact with new people.
- Encourages long-term care: Regular breaks allow caregivers to stay in their positions for years as opposed to months.
Common Types of Respite Care
Respite care can be arranged in different ways, depending on the person’s support needs, the availability of services and the funding arrangements. Check our guide to NDIS respite eligibility to learn who may qualify.
| Type of respite | What it involves | When it may be useful |
| In-home respite | A support worker provides agreed assistance in the person’s home. | When the person prefers familiar surroundings and their usual carer needs time away. |
| Community-based support | Support is provided while the person takes part in suitable community activities. | When the person wants to maintain routines, interests or social connections while their carer takes a break. |
| Overnight respite | The person receives support during an agreed overnight stay. | When a longer break from usual caring arrangements is needed and suitable support is available. |
| NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA), including respite | Eligible NDIS participants receive an agreed short stay away from home with supports appropriate to their needs. | When a temporary change of setting and a break for informal supports may help maintain the person’s usual living arrangements. |
| Privately funded respite | The person or family pays for an agreed respite arrangement. | When private services suit the person’s needs and budget. |
The right arrangement depends on the person’s individual circumstances. These options are not all funded in the same way, and not every type of respite is automatically covered by the NDIS. Respite care can take different forms depending on the participant’s needs, from support at home to overnight stays. Understanding the available NDIS respite support can help participants and families explore suitable options and decide what may work best for their circumstances.
Funding at a Glance
The way respite care is funded depends on the person receiving support and the type of service being arranged.
NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA), including respite: The NDIS may fund STA when it meets the participant’s disability-related support needs and applicable funding requirements. STA can include accommodation, personal care, food and agreed activities. Funding is not automatic, and the participant’s individual circumstances and plan must be considered.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Eligible older people may be able to access respite or other support through aged-care services. Eligibility and service arrangements are separate from NDIS funding.
Carer Gateway: Carers may be able to access information, support and relevant respite services through Carer Gateway, depending on their circumstances and available services.
Private payment: A person or family may choose to pay for respite privately. Costs, service arrangements and availability should be confirmed directly with the provider.
Before arranging respite, check which program applies, what services are included and whether any costs will need to be paid privately.
For official guidance, see the NDIS information about Short Term Accommodation, including respite and Carer Gateway. NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA) may cover temporary accommodation, meals, support and activities for eligible participants when the funding requirements are met. Learn more about Elmur’s Short Term Accommodation service and the accommodation options available.
Arranging Respite Support with Elmur Community Services
Choosing respite support starts with understanding the person’s needs, daily routines and preferred arrangements.
When enquiring about respite support, consider the following steps:
- Explain the support needed. Describe the person’s daily routines, assistance requirements, preferences and any relevant support considerations.
- Discuss the proposed arrangement. Explain whether in-home assistance, community-based support or a short stay is being considered.
- Confirm funding and costs. Check the participant’s plan and applicable funding requirements. Ask the provider to clarify the services included and any costs that may be payable privately.
- Discuss practical arrangements. Confirm dates, support requirements, relevant information and the service agreement before support begins.
- Review the arrangement. Make sure the agreed support meets the person’s needs and that any changes are discussed with the provider.
To discuss your circumstances and available services, contact Elmur Community Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is respite care?
Respite care provides temporary support to a person who needs assistance while giving their usual carer a break. It may be delivered at home, in the community or through a short stay away from home.
2. Does the NDIS cover respite care?
The NDIS may fund Short Term Accommodation, including respite, when the support meets the participant’s needs and applicable NDIS funding requirements. Funding is not automatic, so participants should check their plan and current NDIS guidance.
3. Can respite care take place in the person’s own home?
Yes. In-home respite may be arranged where a suitable service is available. The type of assistance and how it is funded depend on the person’s circumstances and the service agreement.
4. How far in advance should respite care be booked?
There is no single booking timeframe that applies to every service. Availability varies, so contact the provider as early as possible and confirm dates before making arrangements.
5. Can respite care help both the person receiving support and their carer?
Respite can give carers time away from their caring responsibilities while helping the person receiving support maintain suitable care and routines. The arrangement should be planned around the person’s individual needs and preferences.
Caregivers can continue to give their families the love and stability they need when they take care of themselves. That is made possible by respite care. Call (08) 6558 8814 or email info@elmur.com.au today.
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