Learn about costs, NDIS funding, and benefits of Short Term Accommodation (STA) and respite care
For many people with disabilities and their families, respite care is a vital service that gives people with disabilities a chance to recharge, try new things, and enjoy a change of scenery. But who covers the cost of respite care in Australia?
This guide will break down what respite care is, how much it costs, who pays for it, and how Leisure Options can help.
What is respite care?
Respite is a short-term accommodation support option that allows people with disabilities to stay in a different environment while giving your informal supports or informal carers a temporary break.
Informal supports are the people who help care for you and support you without getting paid or a formal agreement. Usually, these are your family members, friends, or your community.
Who funds respite care?
In Australia, respite care is most commonly funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) under Short Term Accommodation (STA), including respite.
For many families, respite care isn’t just about taking a break— it can also provide:
- A safe and supported environment for individuals with disabilities
- New experiences, greater independence, and a chance to recharge
- Opportunities to develop new skills, meet new people and make new friends
- A break for informal supports, reducing stress and preventing burnout
How long can someone stay in respite care?
NDIS funding typically covers up to 28 days of Short Term Accommodation per year. This can be used flexibly – whether as a block of up to 14 days at a time or one weekend per month, depending on your needs. STA is designed to provide a short break rather than a long-term solution.
How much does respite care cost: respite care prices
The cost of respite care varies depending on the level of support needed, the length of stay, and whether it falls on a weekday, weekend, or public holiday.
NDIS funds respite care at standard rates set out in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. This pricing is based on group support over a 24-hour period. Group support means participants may share support with others unless they have an assessed need for individual support.
For Victoria, the pricing limit ranges from approximately $800 – $2000* per day (24 hours). The pricing limit is higher for remote and very remote areas.
Leisure Options offers all-inclusive, fully supported respite care and experiences designed to provide respite while ensuring a fun and enriching adventure.
*This is an indication only, and is accurate at the time this article was written. Please refer to NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits for updates.
NDIS and respite care
For those on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), respite care can be funded through your plan under the Core Supports or Capacity Building Supports Categories. Funding is determined on a case-by-case basis, so you’ll need to check your plan or speak with an NDIS planner to understand if you’re eligible.
If respite care is part of your support plan, NDIS may cover the cost of short-term accommodation (STA) or respite care. This includes personal care, accommodation, food and activities agreed upon with your respite care provider. It doesn’t include travel to and from the accommodation.
If you’re unsure whether respite care is covered under your NDIS plan, please contact your service coordinator or plan manager for guidance. More information can also be found on the NDIS website.
Who pays for respite care if NDIS doesn’t cover it?
While NDIS funding is the most common way to pay for respite care, some families choose to pay for respite care privately using their own funds. Costs will depend on the provider and level of care required.
If you’re unsure what funding options are available to you, speaking with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager can help you find the best solution.
What are the funding criteria for respite care?
To be eligible for NDIS-funded Short Term Accommodation, including respite care, it
should:
- Relate to your disability support needs – it should directly help with challenges relating to your disability
- Help you achieve your goals – this could include building your independence, improving your social skills, or increasing your participation in community activities
- Help you participate in your community – your stay should give you opportunities for social engagement, learning, or personal development
- Be considered value for money – the funding must be justified as a reasonable and necessary expense under NDIS guidelines
- Be effective and beneficial for you – the support must be proven to provide a positive impact over time
- Help maintain informal supports – respite care should help sustain support from your family or caregivers (informal supports), so they can continue to support you
NDIS does not fund STA for general accommodation needs or for holidays. It is specifically for disability-related support.
What happens if you don’t have NDIS funding for respite care?
If your NDIS plan doesn’t include respite care, you may be able to request a plan review to have it added if you can demonstrate that it meets the reasonable and necessary criteria. You’ll need to show how respite care meets your disability support needs and helps you achieve your NDIS goals.
Other options include:
- Applying for emergency funding if there’s an urgent need for respite care
- Seeking assistance from local disability support services that may be able to help offer you other options
Why respite care matters
Respite care isn’t just about providing a break for caregivers—it offers numerous benefits for both individuals receiving care and their support network, including:
- Improved well-being for caregivers: Regular breaks help reduce stress and prevent burnout
- Increased social interaction: Respite stays provide opportunities to meet new people and engage in activities
- Skill building and independence: Respite programs can encourage personal development and new experiences
- Better overall quality of life: Both caregivers and individuals can benefit from the renewed energy and support that respite care provides
How Leisure Options can help
Leisure Options is a registered NDIS provider specialising in respite care and supported holidays for people with disabilities. We offer respite care and Short Term Accommodation at our fully equipped property at Anglesea inVictoria, where you’ll find a home away from home.
We also have other local locations that are suitable for Short Term Accommodationand respite care.
By choosing Leisure Options, you get access to experienced support staff who understand the needs of travellers requiring additional care. With over 30 years of experience, we provide a stress-free way to catch a break while ensuring all your support requirements are met.
Why choose Leisure Options for respite care?
If you’re considering respite care for yourself or a loved one, let Leisure Options guide you through the process. We are:
- A fully accredited and experienced provider – with over 30 years of experience in the industry
- We offer tailored support for all ability levels – we match participants with the right level of support
- Small group and individual stays available – enjoy a personalised experience that meets your needs
- Exciting activities and social opportunities – make new friends, try new experiences, and build independence
- Value for money – we don’t charge the maximum rate under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits
If you’re considering respite care, let us help you navigate your options. Get in touch today to find out how Leisure Options can support you with Short Term Accommodation.
