Respite Care Options in Perth: What’s Available and How to Choose

Respite care is a planned break from usual care arrangements. For participants, it can mean a change of environment, a chance to build independence, and continued support. For families and informal carers, it offers time to rest so they can keep caring. 

Respite for NDIS participants looks different for everyone, and not everyone needs overnight accommodation. Under the NDIS, the main funded support is short-term accommodation (STA), which gives you time apart from your usual care arrangements.

What Respite Care Options Are Available in Perth?

• Short Term Accommodation (STA) is temporary accommodation with disability supports, such as help with showering, cooking and toileting. It can be standard accommodation (like a cabin or respite accommodation) or support in your own home or a homestay arrangement. Food and meals are not funded through STA.
• In-home support involves a support worker assisting you at home. Whether it’s available depends on the supports in your plan.
• Community-based activities and support let you take part in activities outside your usual routine, where appropriate.

These options aren’t interchangeable, and funding varies. STA doesn’t replace crisis accommodation or everyday time apart, such as school, work or community activities.

When Can the NDIS Fund Respite or Short Term Accommodation?

The NDIS may consider STA if you live with your primary informal supports (such as family, friends or a carer) or receive daily drop-in support, or if those supports provide you with more than 6 hours of disability-related help a day. 

STA is usually funded for up to 28 days per year, used flexibly, for example in blocks of up to 14 days or one weekend a month. The funding needs to last for your whole plan.

For participants under 18, STA may be funded in some situations, but it doesn’t replace normal parenting responsibilities. Decisions depend on your individual circumstances and the NDIS’s reasonable and necessary criteria, so funding is never guaranteed. Your my NDIS contact can explain what may apply to you.

How to Choose the Right Respite Care Provider

When comparing options, consider:

• Staff experience and support arrangements: Do staff understand your needs?
• Accessibility, safety and suitability: Does the accommodation suit your mobility, sensory and safety needs?
• Preferences and communication: Can routines, interests and communication styles be respected?
• Activities and daily living assistance: What help is available, and how is it delivered?
• Costs, inclusions and availability: What’s included, and does it work with your funding?

If you’re exploring NDIS Respite Accommodation Perth, Compass Care team can guide you through these points and help you understand what to look for. Our team is happy to discuss your support needs, routines and preferences, so you can feel confident the arrangement suits you. 

Planning Ahead for a Better Respite Experience

• Write down your daily support needs, routines and preferences.
• Talk with your support coordinator or my NDIS contact about whether STA is in your plan.
• Check how many STA days remain and ask to change your plan if your situation has changed.
• Visit or speak with providers, and book early where possible.

The best respite arrangement is one that suits your needs, preferences and funding. Taking time to plan can make the break more comfortable for everyone.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between respite care and Short Term Accommodation under the NDIS?

Respite care is a general term for a break from usual care arrangements, and it can take many forms. STA is the specific NDIS-funded support for time apart from your usual carers, with funding rules that apply.

2. How many days of Short Term Accommodation can an NDIS participant access?

STA is usually funded for up to 28 days per year, and can be used flexibly, such as blocks of up to 14 days. Your plan sets the actual amount.

3. Does NDIS respite accommodation include meals and personal care?

STA funding can cover support with everyday activities such as showering, cooking and toileting. It doesn’t cover food or meals, so these costs are usually your own.

4. Can an NDIS participant access respite care at home?

Yes. STA funding can be used for support in your own home, including a support worker if you usually need overnight support. Other in-home support may also be available depending on your plan.

5. Who may be eligible for NDIS-funded respite accommodation in Perth?

The NDIS may consider STA if you live with primary informal supports or get daily drop-in support, or if you receive more than 6 hours of disability-related support a day from them. The same national rules apply in Perth, and decisions are individual.

6. Can family members choose the respite provider?

Participants generally choose their providers, with help from family, carers or a nominee. How you manage your plan can affect which providers you can use, so check with your plan manager or the NDIS.

7. How can families find suitable respite options for NDIS participants in Perth?

Start by asking your support coordinator or my NDIS contact, and use the NDIS provider finder. Then speak with providers directly about inclusions, availability and funding.