Short Term Accommodation (STA) gives National Disability Insurance Service (NDIS) beneficiaries the chance to take a break from their regular carer, build independence, or just have a change of environment. STA can be either residential accommodation, assistance in overnight care, or alternative family care.
The NDIS cover all basic expenses including accommodation, personal care, food, and activities.
How does STA benefit participants and carers?
For the participant, disability short term accommodation helps them to experience new places, move outside their comfort zone, gain some independence, relax and recharge. If a participant wants to move into Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), this is an important first step to prepare for that. For a carer, it provides a break which helps to maintain a positive participant-carer relationship. STA typically involves temporarily taking care of someone in need either in the home, in a respite centre, or even in a hotel. It gives the primary caregiver a break and ensures that the person they care for continues to receive the care they need. For the participant, this can feel like a relaxing holiday that still meets their care needs.
Who is eligible for STA?
The NDIS can fund a maximum of 28 days of STA per year, depending on individual support needs. This may translate into one or two nights away from their normal environment every month. Someone with higher support needs may be allowed funding for the full quota. There is certain flexibility with how STA can be used. It can be for anything from one night to blocks of up to 14 days at a time.
The different types of STA.
There are several different types of STA. In-Home care can come from a professional caregiver or a trained volunteer. It’s an option for short-term care, or for those who don’t want to leave their home. Respite centres offer short-term accommodation with around-the-clock care. They are ideal for those who need a break for a few days or longer. Emergency care is available when the primary caregiver is sick or has an emergency. It can be available at short notice. Vacation care is an option for families to take a break together or for a participant who just wants a holiday. The person in need and their caregiver can actually both go on holiday together if they want to, but usually, the participant and their usual caregiver go on holiday separately.
Finding the right STA.
Finding the right care solution may seem difficult, but there are resources to help. You can contact local organisations and charities which provide respite care services. You can ask your doctor or another healthcare professional for recommendations for organisations and resources in your area. You can search online for respite care services. There are lots of STA organisations around Australia that can help you to find a suitable STA. STA is a valuable resource for both caregivers and participants. STA gives caregivers and participants the opportunity to recharge and relax. There are a range of options, so finding the right STA is not so difficult.
