Caring for a family member with a disability is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. It is also one of the most demanding. NDIS respite care — formally called Short Term Accommodation (STA) — exists to give both participants and their carers a well-earned break, while ensuring participants continue to receive high-quality, safe support.
This guide covers everything Sydney families need to know about NDIS respite care: what it is, who it is for, how many days are funded, what to expect from a stay, and how to access it in Western Sydney.
What is NDIS Respite Care?
NDIS respite care, also called Short Term Accommodation (STA), provides temporary supported accommodation for NDIS participants. During a respite stay, participants live away from home in a safe, supported environment — freeing their primary carer to rest, travel, attend to personal responsibilities or simply recharge.
Importantly, respite is not just a service for carers. For participants, a respite stay is an opportunity to:
Experience a change of scenery and routine
Build independence and confidence in a new environment
Socialise and connect with other participants
Access activities and experiences tailored to their interests
Quality respite providers maintain the same standard of care participants receive at home — while adding new experiences and genuine enjoyment.
Who is NDIS Respite Care For?
For participants
Any NDIS participant who has Short Term Accommodation funded in their plan can access respite care. It is particularly common for participants who:
Live with family carers who need a break
Want to build independence and experience supported living away from home
Would benefit from social engagement in a supported setting
Have high support needs that require 24/7 care
For carers
The NDIS explicitly recognises the needs of informal carers — family members or friends who provide unpaid support. Carer burnout is real and serious. Respite care gives carers space to rest without worrying about the quality of care their loved one receives.
How Many Days of Respite Does the NDIS Fund?
Most eligible participants receive funding for up to 28 days of respite care per year, with a maximum of 14 consecutive days at any one time. This can be used flexibly — a few weekends across the year, a two-week block, or any combination that suits your situation.
The actual number of days funded in your plan depends on your individual circumstances, your goals and the evidence provided at your planning meeting. If you feel your respite funding is insufficient, you can request a plan review.
What Does NDIS Respite Cover?
Short Term Accommodation funding covers the full cost of your supported stay, including:
Accommodation in a safe, accessible environment
Personal care and daily support at the level you require
Meals in a group or shared accommodation setting
Activities and engagement tailored to your interests
24/7 supervision and support for participants with high needs
Note: respite does not typically cover transport to and from the accommodation, or highly specialised medical supports beyond what is included in the daily rate.
Types of Respite Care Available in Sydney
Centre-based respite
Purpose-built respite facilities with full-time staff. Ideal for participants with complex or high support needs. Usually offers structured activities and social programs.
Host family respite
A short stay with an approved host family who provides support in their home. Particularly suited to participants who prefer a quieter, home-like environment.
In-home respite
A support worker comes to the participant's home while the carer takes a break. The participant stays in their own environment and routine.
Community-based stays
Accessible cottages, short-stay rentals or supported holiday accommodation. Great for participants who want a genuine holiday experience with appropriate support.
How to Get Respite Care Funded in Your NDIS Plan
Short Term Accommodation is funded under the Core Supports — Assistance with Daily Life category. To have it included in your plan, you need to demonstrate at your planning meeting that:
You have an informal carer who needs regular relief, or
You would benefit from short-term supported accommodation for independence or social goals
Bring evidence to your planning meeting — a letter from your GP or allied health professional describing the carer's support role, and a clear statement of your goals for respite. The stronger your evidence, the more likely you are to receive adequate STA funding.
Accessing Respite Care in Western Sydney
Bopha Cares provides Short Term Accommodation and respite care for NDIS participants across Western Sydney — including Blacktown, Stanhope Gardens, the Hills District and surrounding suburbs.
We offer flexible respite options tailored to each participant's needs, from weekend stays to longer blocks. Our team ensures the same level of care and attention participants receive at home — while making each stay an enjoyable, enriching experience.
Call us on 0452 330 837 or visit our contact page to discuss your respite needs and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use respite care without a carer?
Yes. While respite is often used to give carers a break, it can also be funded based on a participant's own goals — such as building independence or experiencing supported community living.
Can I choose my own respite provider?
Absolutely. Under the NDIS, choice and control applies to respite providers just as it does to any other support. You can change providers at any time.
What if I need more than 28 days?
If your needs require more respite than your plan currently funds, speak to your support coordinator or LAC about requesting a plan review with additional evidence from your GP or carer.
Is respite care available at short notice?
It depends on provider availability. We always recommend planning respite stays at least a few weeks in advance where possible, particularly during school holidays when demand is higher.