🏡 NDIS Short Term Respite: What It Is and What’s Changed
- carli215
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The NDIS has officially changed the name of Short Term Accommodation (STA) to Short Term Respite (STR), and while the name is different, the purpose remains the same: to give participants and their informal supports time apart to rest, recharge, and keep care arrangements sustainable.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changed, who can access it, and what it actually covers.
💡 What Is Short Term Respite?
Short Term Respite is an NDIS-funded support that gives you a safe and comfortable place to stay for a short time when the people who usually help you, your primary informal supports, such as family or friends, are unavailable or need a break.
It ensures you still receive the daily supports you need, like personal care, meal preparation, or help with routines. You might also use it if spending time apart helps you build independence, confidence, or social skills that align with your NDIS goals.
The key difference is that “respite” better reflects the purpose — it’s about maintaining wellbeing, not taking a holiday.
👨👩👧👦 Who Can Access Short Term Respite?
You may be eligible for Short Term Respite if you:
Live with your informal supports or receive daily support from them (usually more than six hours per day)
Have high or complex care needs (for example, bowel care, tracheostomy management, or behaviour support)
Live in an area where in-home supports aren’t readily available
Have carers who are ageing, unwell, or have other caring responsibilities
Would benefit from a short stay to maintain your usual care arrangements
For children
The NDIS may fund Short Term Respite when:
The child’s disability-related needs go beyond what’s typical for their age, and
It helps the family sustain their caring role at home.
🏠 What Short Term Respite Covers
You can use your Short Term Respite funding for:
Standard accommodation such as a respite centre, motel, short-stay rental, cabin, or cottage
Personal care supports, including help with showering, dressing, meals, and daily routines
A support worker to stay with you if needed, including overnight or to assist with community access
All supports must be directly related to your disability and align with your NDIS plan goals.
🚫 What Short Term Respite Doesn’t Cover
Short Term Respite is not for holidays or recreational travel. The NDIS won’t pay for:
Holiday packages, cruises, flights, or tourist activities
Meals (unless included in a group respite daily rate)
Accommodation or travel for family members or support workers
Entertainment, entry fees, or outings
If you’re travelling for a holiday, you can still use your NDIS plan for any disability-related supports you need while away, for example, personal care or mobility aids, but not for holiday costs themselves.
📅 How It Works in Your Plan
Short Term Respite is funded through your Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life budget.
You can usually access:
Up to 28 days per year, used flexibly — such as one weekend per month or a two-week block
Accommodation in your home state or territory
Funding that reflects the level of support you normally receive
If your caring arrangements change, or you need additional respite time, you can ask your my NDIS contact for a plan review.
💬 Real-World Example
Sadiq’s Story Sadiq lives with his parents and three siblings. His parents help him with personal care and daily living. To balance family life, Sadiq uses his Short Term Respite funding to stay one weekend a month in supported accommodation. His parents get a chance to rest and focus on their other children, while Sadiq enjoys new experiences that build his independence and confidence.
⚖️ Why Short Term Respite Matters
Short Term Respite is about balance. Helping participants maintain independence while supporting families and carers to continue their roles without burning out. It’s one of several home-and-living supports designed to keep people connected, safe, and supported in their communities.
🔗 Want to Learn More?
Read the official NDIS Short Term Respite Operational Guideline
Visit the NDIS “How We Can Help Carers” page for extra carer wellbeing resources
📍 About Us
At Loving Life Support Services, we help participants make the most of their NDIS plans through personalised 1:1 supports and social programs that encourage confidence, independence, and connection.
📍 Based on the Gold Coast
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