If you or someone you care about is exploring respite options in Brisbane, you have probably come across the term STA. And you may have also noticed it sometimes gets called something different depending on where you look.
That is because in October 2025, the NDIS officially renamed Short Term Accommodation (STA) to Short Term Respite (STR). The support itself has not changed. The name has simply been updated to better reflect what it is actually about: giving participants and their carers a well-deserved break.
Whatever you call it, the options available in Brisbane are varied. And understanding the different types can help you and your family make the most of this funding.
So let us walk through what you need to know.
What Is STA Respite Under the NDIS?
Short Term Respite is a support that gives participants time apart from their usual care arrangements, whether that is family, friends, or carers. National Disability Insurance Scheme
Its main purpose is to give participants and their informal supports a break from usual care arrangements. It focuses on providing the supports a participant needs during that time, whether at home or in shared settings. National Disability Insurance Scheme
Most participants who are eligible will receive funding for up to 28 days per year, with a maximum of 14 days at a time. This funding can be used flexibly, for example as a block stay or spread across the year as regular weekend breaks. National Disability Insurance Scheme
You can read the full details on the official NDIS Short Term Respite page.
Who Is STA Respite For?
Short Term Respite is designed for participants who live with their primary informal supports, like family or carers, or who receive daily drop-in support from them, and who receive disability-related support from their primary informal support for more than six hours a day. National Disability Insurance Scheme
In simple terms, if a family member or carer is providing significant support day to day, STA respite exists to give that person a genuine break, while making sure the participant continues to receive the care and support they need.
For Brisbane families managing complex needs, including those living with intellectual disabilities or complex mental health conditions, this kind of planned break can make a significant difference to everyone involved.
The Different Types of STA Respite Available in Brisbane
This is where it gets practical. STA respite is not one-size-fits-all. There are several different ways it can be used, depending on the participant’s needs, goals, and personal preferences.
Centre-Based Respite
This is what many people picture when they think of respite care. The participant stays at a dedicated facility for a set period of time, supported by trained staff around the clock.
Centre-based respite is well suited to participants with higher support needs, including those with complex behaviours or medical requirements. In Brisbane and South East Queensland, registered providers offer centre-based options with 24/7 support, structured activities, and personalised care.
At Nexus Care Services, we specialise in supporting participants with complex mental health and intellectual disabilities, which makes our approach to respite care particularly suited to those with more intensive support needs.
In-Home Respite
Not all respite requires a participant to leave home. In-home respite involves a support worker coming to the participant’s home so that the usual carer can take a break.
This can include support to stay in your own home or a homestay arrangement with a support worker if you usually need overnight support. National Disability Insurance Scheme
This option works well for participants who are more comfortable in their own environment, or for those who find the transition to a new setting difficult.
Host Family or Homestay Respite
Some participants prefer a more home-like environment for their respite stay. Homestay or host family respite involves staying with a trained host family rather than a facility or centre.
This can be a warmer and more personal experience, particularly for participants who thrive in smaller, quieter settings rather than group environments.
Group-Based Respite
Group-based respite involves participants staying in shared accommodation alongside other NDIS participants, with shared support workers.
Short Term Respite can be used in shared or individual settings, depending on the participant’s needs. Group settings are often more cost-effective and can offer a social element that some participants genuinely enjoy. It is a chance to meet new people, take part in group activities, and build confidence in a supported environment. National Disability Insurance Scheme
This type of respite connects naturally with social and community participation goals, as participants often engage in activities and outings as part of their stay.
Individual (One-on-One) Respite
For participants with complex needs, high-intensity support requirements, or behaviours of concern, individual or one-on-one respite provides dedicated support from a single worker throughout the stay.
This is a more intensive option and is reflected in the funding level. It gives participants a highly personalised experience and ensures their specific needs are met safely and consistently.
Emergency or Crisis Respite
Sometimes respite is not planned. A carer may become suddenly unwell, a family situation may change unexpectedly, or a participant may need immediate temporary care.
Sometimes a crisis can occur such as carers suddenly being unable to provide care. The NDIS can help work out the best option to meet a participant’s disability support needs in those circumstances. National Disability Insurance Scheme
It is worth knowing in advance how this kind of support can be accessed, and having a plan in place before a situation arises.
What Does STA Respite Cover?
Understanding what is and is not included in your STA respite funding helps you plan effectively.
Short Term Respite is a bundled support, meaning it covers accommodation, meals, and activities when these are required as part of the participant’s disability support. National Disability Insurance Scheme
However, there are things it does not cover. You cannot use STA respite funding to pay for activities such as tickets, entry fees, or equipment. These are day-to-day living costs that everyone is expected to cover themselves. National Disability Insurance Scheme
It is also worth noting that Short Term Respite is not for holidays. The NDIS only funds it when the need relates to a participant’s disability, such as for respite or skill building.
How to Access STA Respite in Brisbane
If you think STA respite could benefit you or your family, here are the key steps:
Check your NDIS plan. STA respite funding is usually stated in the Core Supports budget. If it is not in your current plan, speak with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) about having it included at your next plan review.
Gather supporting evidence. A letter from your primary carer explaining their caring role and the need for a break can strengthen your case. A report from an occupational therapist or another allied health professional can also be helpful.
Find a registered provider. All STA respite providers must be registered with the NDIS to deliver this support. This ensures they meet the required quality and safety standards.
Plan ahead where possible. Popular respite options, particularly in Brisbane, can book out quickly. Planning your breaks in advance helps avoid gaps in care.
If you are working with a support coordinator, they can help you navigate this process and identify suitable options based on your needs and preferences. You can also find general guidance on using your NDIS funding on the NDIS website.
How Does STA Respite Fit With Other NDIS Supports?
STA respite does not exist in isolation. It works alongside other supports in a participant’s plan.
For participants also accessing Supported Independent Living (SIL), respite can provide additional flexibility, particularly during times of transition or change in living arrangements.
For participants focused on building independence, respite stays can also connect with Improved Daily Living goals, as time in a supported environment can be an opportunity to practise life skills and build confidence in new settings.
How Nexus Care Services Supports STA Respite in Brisbane
At Nexus Care Services, we are a registered NDIS provider based in South East Queensland, specialising in complex mental health and intellectual disabilities.
Our approach to short term accommodation and respite is built around the individual. We understand that every participant has different needs, different comfort levels, and different goals.
We offer 24/7 support for participants in our care, and we work closely with families and carers to make sure every respite experience is safe, positive, and genuinely restorative for everyone involved.
Because a good break should feel like exactly that.
Ready to Find Out More?
Whether you are exploring STA respite for the first time or looking for a provider that truly understands complex needs, our team is here to help.
Contact Nexus Care Services today to discuss your options and find out how we can support you and your family in Brisbane and across South East Queensland.