What is Short Term Accommodation/Respite?
Short-term accommodation (STA) or respite refers to a specific support category that provides temporary care and accommodation for people with disabilities. The NDIS is a government-funded program that supports individuals with permanent and significant disabilities, aiming to improve their independence, social participation, and overall quality of life.
Short-term accommodation and respite services under the NDIS are designed to offer a break to both the participants with disabilities and their primary caregivers. It allows caregivers to take a rest or attend to other commitments while ensuring that the participant receives appropriate care and support during their time away from home.
The primary goals of Short-Term Accommodation / Respite under the NDIS are:
Supporting Caregivers: It provides relief to caregivers who may need a temporary break from their caregiving responsibilities, allowing them to rest, recharge, or take care of other personal matters.
Enhancing Social Participation: STA/Respite services often include social and recreational activities, allowing participants to engage with others, build social skills, and enjoy new experiences.
Personal Development: Participants may have access to various skill-building activities and programs during their stay, aimed at promoting their personal development and independence.
Transition and Change: Short-term accommodation can also be utilized during times of transition, such as moving to a new home or adjusting to changes in caregiving arrangements.
Emergency Support: In certain situations, STA/Respite can provide emergency support for participants and their families during unexpected circumstances.
The NDIS provides funding for short-term accommodation and respite services, and participants can use their NDIS funding to access these supports. The type and duration of short-term accommodation services may vary depending on the individual’s support needs and the funding allocated to them in their NDIS plan.
It’s important to work with the NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to determine the most suitable short-term accommodation options based on the individual’s goals, preferences, and support requirements. Providers of STA/Respite services must be registered with the NDIS, ensuring they meet the required quality and safety standards to deliver appropriate care to participants.
How can I access Short Term Accommodation/Respite under the NDIS?
To access Short Term Accommodation or Respite support under the NDIS, you need to be an NDIS participant with an approved plan. Your plan should include funding for this particular category. Once your plan is in place, you can work with your NDIS support coordinator or local area coordinator to find suitable Short Term Accommodation providers that meet your needs and preferences. They will help you navigate the process and organize your respite stays based on your plan’s funding allocation.
What are the eligibility criteria for Short Term Accommodation/Respite under the NDIS?
The eligibility criteria for accessing Short Term Accommodation or Respite support are consistent with the broader NDIS access requirements. To be eligible, you must:
- Be under the age of 65 at the time of application.
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Meet the disability or early intervention requirements as defined by the NDIS Act.
- Demonstrate that your disability significantly impacts your daily living and that you require support to participate effectively in daily activities and community life.
Your eligibility will be determined through an assessment process carried out by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) or an NDIS partner organization. If you meet the criteria, you will be granted an NDIS plan outlining the support you are eligible for, including Short Term Accommodation/Respite.
Can I use NDIS funding for Short Term Accommodation/Respite for family vacations or holidays?
Yes, in some circumstances, NDIS funding can be used for Short Term Accommodation/Respite during family vacations or holidays. However, it depends on the specific needs and goals outlined in the participant’s NDIS plan. The NDIS aims to support the individual’s disability-related needs and goals, and if Short Term Accommodation/Respite during vacations aligns with those objectives, it may be considered as a reasonable and necessary support.
It’s essential to work closely with your NDIS support coordinator or local area coordinator to discuss your vacation plans and how they can be accommodated within your plan’s funding. They will assess whether such supports are reasonable and necessary based on your disability-related requirements and the potential benefits of taking a break for both the participant and their carer.
Remember that the NDIS funding is meant to help participants achieve their goals and enhance their independence, so it’s essential to have a clear case for how the vacation or holiday respite will contribute to these objectives. Each case is considered on an individual basis, and the decision will be based on the participant’s specific circumstances and the available funding in their plan.
NDIS Data
That is nearly 300,000 Australians with disabilities who have an individual NDIS plan. More than 150,000 of those participants are receiving assistance for the first time. We’re working to improve the NDIS so that participants can live the lives they want, have more independence, and contribute to a more inclusive Australia. The NDIS is not just for the current participants; it is also for future generations.
Disability Support
We provide 24 hour support to participants funded under NDIS for core supports and behaviour support.
We provide support and work closely with participants to identify and reach their in-home and out-of-home goals while helping them build daily living skills and capacity. We help participants with daily living tasks, including preparing meals, cleaning, basic
personal care, appointments and accessing the community.
- Assist-Personal Activities
- Assist-Travel/Transport
- Daily Tasks/Shared Living
- Innov Community Participation
- Development-Life Skills
- Participate Community
- Group/Centre Activitie
Behaviour Support Plans
Our practitioners review behaviour support plans and design strategies around effective implementation of prescribed plans.
Our staff are trained to deal with complex and challenging behaviours. Our practitioners review behaviour support plans and design strategies around effective implementation of prescribed plans. Nexus Care Services is registered to use regulated restrictive practises when delivering NDIS supports to participants. We are partnered with experienced specialist behaviour support providers who undertake functional behaviour assessments and write support plans that contain regulated restrictive practices for our participants.
Our staff are available to offer 24 hour support to those requiring intense and ongoing support. We also have on-call services for those needing stand by support.
Independent Living
We assist young people transition out of care and into Independent living.
We offer a range of services to support
young people in the transition from
childhood to adulthood, including
supported accommodation and education funded under the NDIS. Our experienced and professional staff can help young people access the funding and services they need to live independently. We can assist with the following
- Advocacy
- Education
- Skills building
- Support accessing young adult care and
- applicable funding
Check the services we offer and how we can support your health and wellness needs.
What Our Clients Say Are Saying
Jimmy
“Jean takes me to work. Jorel takes me to fun activities. I’m hoping to do more fun activities again. Really nice support workers, very relaxing. They let me do my own jobs.”
David
“I am so grateful for the services offered by Nexus Care. Their approach to healthcare goes beyond just treating mental needs and they truly care about my overall well-being. I feel heard, understood, and supported every step of the way. I have seen a noticeable improvement in my health and quality of life since I started working with them. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to take charge of their health and live their best life.“
Olivia
“I can’t say enough good things about
Nexus Care. They have been a true lifesaver for me, providing comprehensive care that has improved every aspect of my life. The team is not only knowledgeable, but also warm and compassionate, making me feel like more than just a patient. I truly feel heard and supported at every visit. I highly recommend Nexus Care to anyone looking for a healthcare provider that will treat them like family.“