Short term disability accommodation should be like your home away from home. A safe place to stay for respite – whether it be overnight, for a weekend, or longer periods of time. Your stay in an STA may even allow you to try new things, make new friends, and even help you achieve some of your goals.
Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), short term accommodation covers the cost of your care in another location for up to 14 days.
The stay may be with other people, or by yourself, and is usually funded when your carers aren’t available, or if you’re looking to try new things!
The NDIS recognises the importance of carers and families maintaining their physical and mental health in order to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Short term accommodation can include access to:
We understand that the need for short term respite care can arise suddenly. We develop our STA programs directly with you, or your loved one, ensuring that your stay away from home meets your specific needs and helps you meet your goals.
During the stay, you or your loved one will have the chance to meet new people, try new activities and relax and unwind.
Short term accommodation options not only benefit yourself, but your carer can also get some time to rejuvenate, a weekend break, or even a chance to do some upgrades around your house!
While short term accommodation is a great opportunity for respite, it is not a holiday. If you are looking for a supported getaway, please consult with your support coordinator for advice.
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) Short Term Disability Accommodation (STA) refers to temporary housing provided for people with disabilities in Australia. This type of accommodation is designed to offer short-term support, typically for a period of up to 14 days at a time, although this can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Respite Care: Provides a break for both the person with a disability and their caregivers. This is often used by families or carers who need temporary relief from their caring responsibilities.
Transition: Assists individuals who are in the process of transitioning from one living situation to another, such as moving from a hospital to a more permanent home or transitioning from living with family to independent living.
Skill Development: Supports people with disabilities in developing life skills in a new environment, potentially with the goal of moving towards more independent living in the future.
Crisis Accommodation: Offers temporary housing in cases of emergency or crisis where the usual living arrangements are disrupted.
Support Services: These accommodations often come with access to support services that cater to the individual’s specific needs, such as personal care, daily living support, and community access.
Furnished and Accessible: STA is generally furnished and accessible, meaning that it is equipped to meet the mobility and care needs of people with disabilities.
Flexible Duration: While typically short-term, the duration of stay can be flexible depending on the individual’s NDIS plan and needs.
NDIS participants can use their NDIS funding under the “Core Supports” category to cover the cost of STA. The amount and duration of STA a person is eligible for depend on their specific NDIS plan and goals.
STA is an important part of the broader NDIS accommodation options, which also include Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), each catering to different levels of support and living arrangements.
NDIS Short Term Disability Accommodation (STA) can be provided by registered NDIS service providers who offer temporary accommodation and support services tailored to the needs of people with disabilities. These providers must meet the standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to ensure they deliver safe and high-quality care.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Providers: Some SDA providers offer STA as part of their broader range of services, particularly if they have vacancies or designated units for short-term stays.
Respite Care Providers: Many organizations that offer respite care services also provide STA. These providers specialize in giving caregivers a break while ensuring the person with a disability receives appropriate care.
Community Organizations and NGOs: Various community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provide STA, often with a focus on supporting specific groups, such as those with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, or mental health conditions.
Private Companies: Some private companies specialize in NDIS services, including STA. These companies may operate dedicated facilities or offer in-home respite services.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) Providers: SIL providers who manage shared living arrangements for people with disabilities may also offer STA services.
NDIS Plan: Participants must have funding for STA included in their NDIS plan. This is usually under the “Core Supports” category.
Finding Providers: Participants or their carers can search for STA providers through the NDIS Provider Finder tool on the NDIS website, or by consulting with their NDIS planner or support coordinator.
Service Agreements: Once a suitable provider is identified, a service agreement outlining the terms, duration, and cost of the STA is usually set up between the participant and the provider.
Provider Registration: While it is preferable to choose registered NDIS providers, unregistered providers can also offer STA, but participants should carefully assess the quality and safety of these services.
Location and Accessibility: STA should be located in a place that is convenient and accessible to the participant, taking into account factors like proximity to family, friends, or necessary services.
Using a registered and reputable provider ensures that the participant receives high-quality care and support in a safe environment.
