NDIS Plan and Respite Care go hand in hand when it comes to looking after both participants and their families. Respite care gives carers a break and provides a safe, supported environment for participants to rest, recharge, or enjoy a change of scenery. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how respite care works in an NDIS plan, who it’s for, and how you can make the most of it.
Whether you’re new to the NDIS or reviewing your current plan, understanding respite care can help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.
What Is Respite Care in the NDIS?
Respite care is short-term support for people with disability. It gives participants a chance to spend time away from their usual routines while giving carers time to rest and reset. You might hear it called Short Term Accommodation or STA in your plan, but the goal is the same — to support both the participant and their carers.
Respite care can include:
- Staying overnight or for a few days in a supported setting
- Support workers helping with personal care, meals, or activities
- A safe, friendly space for participants to enjoy while carers take a break
It’s not just a break — it’s a way to keep long-term support sustainable for everyone involved.
How Does Respite Care Fit Into Your NDIS Plan?
In your NDIS plan, respite is usually funded under Core Supports, specifically under Assistance with Daily Life or Short Term Accommodation.
If approved, this funding can cover:
- Up to 14 days of short stays at a time
- Support worker wages during the stay
- Accommodation and basic food costs
- Supervision and care as needed
It’s important to make sure respite is linked to your goals in your plan. If your goal is to build independence, support relationships, or reduce pressure on your family, respite can be a great match.
What Types of Respite Care Are Available?
Respite care isn’t one-size-fits-all. The NDIS supports different options depending on your needs:
In-Home Respite
A support worker comes to your home to help, while your usual carer takes a break.
Centre-Based Respite
You stay at a registered care facility that offers 24/7 support in a calm, safe environment.
Overnight and Weekend Respite
You stay somewhere for one or several nights with full support, meals, and activities included.
Emergency or Crisis Respite
Short-term care in urgent situations, such as a carer being unwell or unavailable.
You can speak with your planner about which option best suits your needs or preferences.
Who Is Eligible for Respite Support?
Respite care is not automatically included in every plan. It’s based on need, goals, and how the support will help you or your family in everyday life.
You may be eligible if:
- You rely on a carer who also needs regular breaks
- You need support when your usual routines are interrupted
- You’re working on goals like living more independently or developing life skills
- Your health and well-being would benefit from a short break
During your planning or review meeting, you’ll be asked questions about your support network, daily needs, and what a break would mean for you and your carer. You can also bring supporting letters from health professionals or support workers.
How to Include Respite in Your Plan
To include respite in your plan, you’ll need to:
- Talk about your support needs during your planning meeting
- Explain why a short break would benefit you and your family
- Make sure your goals include things like “building independence” or “reducing carer stress”
- Ask for Short Term Accommodation under Core Supports
It helps to be prepared. You might bring:
- A simple letter from your carer or GP
- Notes from support workers
- Examples of how a break has helped in the past
NDIS planners want to help — it’s okay to speak openly and honestly about the need for rest and balance.
Real-Life Examples of Respite Care in Action
For Parents of Young Children
Sarah’s son has autism and high support needs. She receives respite funding for weekend stays once a month. While he enjoys activities with trained staff, Sarah gets time to rest and reconnect with her other children.
For Adults Living at Home
Mark lives with cerebral palsy and usually stays with his sister. Respite funding allows him to stay in supported accommodation every few weeks, helping him build independence and giving his sister time to care for her own needs.
For Emergency Situations
Nina’s mother was admitted to the hospital unexpectedly. Through her plan, Nina accessed emergency respite for two nights while alternate arrangements were made. This ensured her safety and reduced stress for the family.
Each story is different, but the value of a planned break is the same — it helps everyone.
What’s Included in Respite Funding? (and What Isn’t)
It’s helpful to know what’s usually included in respite and what you might need to plan separately.
Typically covered:
- Accommodation (for up to 14 days at a time)
- Support workers during your stay
- Basic food and personal care items
- Help with mobility, routines, and supervision
Not usually covered:
- Travel costs for family members
- Luxury or holiday-style extras
- Activities that are not related to your goals or disability needs
Always check with your provider and your plan manager if you’re unsure. It’s important to match services with the goals in your plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Respite care can be a life-changing support, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch for:
- Not discussing respite at your planning meeting: If you don’t ask, it may not be included
- Not linking respite to your goals: Make sure you clearly connect respite to your wellbeing or independence
- Assuming it will be added automatically, each support must be justified
- Waiting until a crisis hits: It’s better to plan rather than request respite during an emergency
A little preparation now can save stress later
Final Thoughts – Making the Most of Respite
Respite care is not just about taking a break — it’s about supporting long-term wellbeing for everyone involved. It gives participants a chance to enjoy new experiences while giving carers time to rest and recharge. Including respite in your NDIS plan means planning ahead, being honest about your needs, and staying focused on your goals.
If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, we’re here to help.
Need Help Planning for Respite?
At Orbcare, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions about how respite care fits into your NDIS plan or need help with your next review, get in touch with our friendly team today. We’ll help you find the right support to suit your life.
