The Disability Company
Short-Term Accommodation and Respite Support
What is Short-Term Accommodation?
Short-Term Accommodation, or STA, is an NDIS support that gives eligible participants time apart from their usual care arrangements while continuing to receive the disability-related support they need.
The NDIA may fund Short-Term Accommodation where a participant lives with their primary informal supports, such as family, friends or a carer, or receives daily drop-in support, and receives more than six hours of disability-related support each day from their primary informal support.
STA can include disability-related support with everyday activities and standard accommodation. Depending on the participant’s needs, support may be provided in their own home, a homestay, shared accommodation or an individual accommodation setting.
The NDIS generally funds STA for up to 28 days per year, which can usually be used flexibly in blocks of up to 14 days at a time.
Accommodation
Standard accommodation where it is included in the participant's STA funding.
Personal Support
Disability-related support with everyday activities such as showering, cooking and toileting.
Overnight Support
Support matched to the participant's usual disability-related needs, including overnight support where required.
Flexible Settings
STA may take place in the participant's home, a homestay, shared accommodation or an individual setting where appropriate.
What Changed for Short-Term Accommodation from 1 July 2026?
The NDIS introduced important changes to Short-Term Accommodation from 1 July 2026.
The term Short-Term Respite has been changed back to Short-Term Accommodation (STA) following community feedback.
The NDIS pricing structure has also changed. Short-Term Accommodation is no longer treated simply as one bundled daily support. The current pricing schedule includes separate items for:
- disability support hours
- participant accommodation
- support worker accommodation where required.
Support worker claims can now reflect the actual hours of support delivered, when the support was provided and the intensity of support required.
Participants should only pay for the supports they actually use.
What STA funding cannot be used for
Current NDIS guidance says STA funding cannot be used for:
- cruises or holiday packages
- holiday accommodation or airfares
- passports, visas or travel insurance
- accommodation or travel expenses for family members or support workers providing support on a holiday
- theme parks, concerts, theatre, cinema, sporting events or conferences
- food or meals.
NDIS funding may still cover the disability-related support a participant needs while completing everyday activities, such as support with cooking or participating in the community. The ordinary cost of the meal, ticket or activity itself is not an STA support.
Why Choose Short-Term Accommodation?
For Participants:
Build independence and explore new activities
Enjoy tailored care in a supportive environment
Socialise and experience new surroundings
For Carers:
Take a much-needed break to recharge
Reduce stress and prevent caregiver burnout
Maintain a healthy caregiving relationship
Respite Care Options in Melbourne
We offer two primary respite options to suit different needs:
Tailored Respite Stays
Comfortable Accommodation
Accessible and welcoming spaces
Personalised Support
Tailored care plans and 24/7 assistance
Engaging Activities
Outings, crafts, and social experiences
Respite Locations in Melbourne
Regions We Serve
We offer respite services in various locations across Melbourne to suit your needs and preferences:
- East Melbourne: Enjoy a respite in the heart of the city!
- North Melbourne
- South Melbourne
- West Melbourne
- South-East Melbourne
- South-West Melbourne
- Gippsland
- Mornington Peninsula
- Dandenong Ranges
STA can be arranged across a range of suitable settings in Melbourne and surrounding areas, depending on availability, the participant’s disability-related support needs and their NDIS funding.
What Can Be Included in Your STA Support?
Standard Accommodation
Accommodation that meets the participant’s needs where funded through the appropriate STA accommodation item.
Disability Support Hours
Support with personal care, daily living tasks, supervision and other disability-related needs.
High Intensity Support
Higher-intensity disability support where this is required and appropriately funded.
Overnight Support
Sleepover or other overnight support where it reflects the participant’s assessed support needs.
Support Worker Accommodation
A separate accommodation item may apply where a support worker must stay at the location to provide required support.
| Support Item Number | Support Item Name | Unit | National | Remote | Very Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01_200_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – Standard – Weekday Daytime | Hour | $73.58 | $103.01 | $110.37 |
| 01_201_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – Standard – Weekday Evening | Hour | $81.07 | $113.50 | $121.61 |
| 01_205_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – Standard – Weekday Night | Hour | $82.57 | $115.60 | $123.86 |
| 01_202_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – Standard – Saturday | Hour | $103.54 | $144.96 | $155.31 |
| 01_203_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – Standard – Sunday | Hour | $133.50 | $186.90 | $200.25 |
| 01_204_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – Standard – Public Holiday | Hour | $163.46 | $228.84 | $245.19 |
| 01_206_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – Sleepover | Each | $311.79 | $436.51 | $467.69 |
| 01_252_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – High Intensity – Weekday Daytime | Hour | $79.60 | $111.44 | $119.40 |
| 01_253_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – High Intensity – Weekday Evening | Hour | $87.70 | $122.78 | $131.55 |
| 01_254_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – High Intensity – Weekday Night | Hour | $89.32 | $125.05 | $133.98 |
| 01_255_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – High Intensity – Saturday | Hour | $112.01 | $156.81 | $168.02 |
| 01_256_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – High Intensity – Sunday | Hour | $144.42 | $202.19 | $216.63 |
| 01_257_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – High Intensity – Public Holiday | Hour | $176.84 | $247.58 | $265.26 |
| 01_250_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – Participant Accommodation | Day | $162.85 | $227.99 | $244.28 |
| 01_251_0115_1_1 | Short Term Accommodation – Support Worker Accommodation | Day | $162.85 | $227.99 | $244.28 |
How to Plan Your Respite Stay
Make an Enquiry
Call, email, or submit an online form
Discuss Your Needs
Work with our team to design the perfect respite stay
Complete Intake
Finalise your personalised care plan with our team
Confirm Your Booking
Receive a confirmation and prepare for your stay
Prepare for Your Stay
Pack your essentials and get ready for a relaxing time
Enjoy Your Stay!
Settle in and experience the supportive environment
Guest Expectations
To ensure a safe and enjoyable stay, we ask all participants to:
Provide care details, including dietary & medication requirements
Treat staff and fellow participants with respect
Safeguard personal belongings
Contribute to shared tasks where possible
Why DisabilityCo?
At DisabilityCo, we believe that genuine care goes beyond just providing support—it’s about creating a home where you feel valued, respected, and empowered.
A Trusted NDIS Provider
Over 250,000 hours of care delivered since 2018
Flexible Support
Services that adapt to your needs and goals
Community-Focused
Building strong, inclusive environments for participants
Raising the Standard of Care
Leading positive change in disability care
Guidance Every Step of the Way
Helping you navigate SIL funding, support, and housing
NDIS Registered Since 2018
With a deep understanding of NDIS processes, we make navigating your care journey simple, seamless, and stress-free
About DisabilityCo
Founded by Dylan Maliepaard, DisabilityCo was created to provide genuine, compassionate care in the disability support sector. Since 2018, we’ve provided over 140,000 hours of quality care across Melbourne. Our focus is on personalised support, community building, and continuous improvement to positively impact the lives of participants and support workers.
Have Questions? We Have Answers!
Respite Care, also known as Short-Term Accommodation & Assistance (STAA), provides temporary support for NDIS participants while giving their usual caregivers a break. It includes overnight stays, short-term stays, and in-home respite.
Yes, but this depends on our staffing availability and training for your specific support requirements. Please contact us to discuss your needs, and we will confirm whether we can safely and effectively provide the necessary care before booking your stay.
Typically, the NDIS provides up to 28 days of respite funding per plan year. Our respite stays typically range from 3 days to 2 weeks. If you require ongoing support, we can explore long-term options such as Supported Independent Living (SIL).
Our minimum stay requirement is 3 days and 2 nights.
Start Planning Your Short-Term Accommodation
- 03 7037 1949
- enquiries@disabilityco.com
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