How Long Can Someone Stay in NDIS Respite Care?

Caring for someone with a disability is a significant commitment. However, it’s essential to prioritise your own well-being as a career. Over time, the physical and emotional demands of care giving can lead to fatigue and burnout, affecting your health and ability to provide quality support.

Respite care offers a practical solution, giving carers the chance to step back and recharge while ensuring their loved ones receive professional care. Through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Core Budget, respite care is funded, allowing carers to access these services without financial strain. In this blog, we’ll explore the answer to ‘How long can someone stay in respite care?’ and other essential details.

What Is NDIS Respite Care?

It is a limited support service under the NDIS providing temporary accommodation to people with disability.  Respite Care offers relief to carers and allows them a break from their responsibilities. Under short-term respite care, the participants can receive assistance with day-to-day tasks, meal preparation and other activities.

Additionally, they get opportunities to engage in new activities outside their usual environment. This service is designed to ensure participants receive the care they need in a different environment. It also provides opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and social engagement. Respite care may include:

• Accommodation

• Personal care

• Meal services

• Activities agreed upon between the participant and the provider

Benefits of Respite Care for Participants and Carers

Respite supports both participants and carers. Some of the benefits of the program include:

Benefits for Participants

• Skill Development:

  Respite care introduces participants to new activities and hobbies, such as art, sports, or life skills. These opportunities can enhance their abilities and boost their independence.

• Social Engagement:

  Staying in a different environment enables participants to meet new people, form friendships, and expand their social networks.

• Increased Independence:

  Participants learn to adapt to new surroundings, maintain their routines, and gain confidence in their abilities to manage daily activities.

Benefits for Carers

• Time to Rest and Recharge:

  Carers often face emotional and physical strain. Respite care provides them with a chance to rest, improving their overall well-being.

• Focus on Other Priorities:

  A break from care giving duties allows carers to attend to personal or professional responsibilities without compromising the participant’s care.

• Improved Relationships:

  With time to rejuvenate, carers can return to their responsibilities with renewed patience and understanding, strengthening their relationship with the participant.

Different Types of Respite Care Available

NDIS offers various options to suit the needs of people with disabilities and their carers. They are:

• Short-term Accommodation (STA):

  It involves temporary stays in a facility where individuals receive care and participate in activities. STA provides a change of environment for them while giving carers a chance to recharge.

• In-home Respite:

  A support worker assists NDIS participants in their homes. It ensures the person receives assistance in a familiar setting while the carer takes a break.

• Community Access Support:

  This service enables the person with limited cognitive ability or mobility to engage in community activities and develop social connections. It promotes independence and skill development outside the home.

• Supports for Children:

  These are specialised respite care designed for children with disabilities. They encourage activities promoting growth and engagement.

• Emergency Respite:

  During unexpected situations, the family or long-term caregiver can request this service. Emergency care ensures continuity of support for the person with disability or elderly during a crisis.

How Long Can You Stay in Respite Care under the NDIS?

Short Term Accommodation (STA), which includes respite care, is funded for up to 28 days per year. This funding can be used flexibly as per requirements. One can block up to 14 days at a time or use the services once a month.

Can Respite Care Duration Be Extended?

After 28 days, the participant may need to explore other options. They can opt for other forms of support like Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) or ongoing care. A coordinator can help determine eligibility and explore potential plan adjustments to the existing plan.

How to Include Respite Care in Your NDIS Plan?

Respite care in the NDIS plan can assist individuals with a disability and their caretakers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding it to your plan:

• Use Your Core Budget:

  If you already have a Core Budget, you can use it for respite care without needing a specific allocation. The flexibility of the Core Budget allows you to allocate funds based on your needs and goals.

• Seek Support from Coordinators:

  Your support coordinator, local area coordinator (LAC), or planner can guide you on how to include respite care in your plan. They can help identify the most suitable services and funding options.

• Request Plan Modification if Needed:

  If the current plan doesn’t include STA, you can request it through plan modification. You have to provide updated evidence to claim respite for participants.

NDIS respite care is a vital service that provides relief to carers and enriching opportunities for participants. The duration of care is flexible, depending on individual needs and funding. Are you in Melbourne? As a registered NDIS service provider, Western Support Services can help find short-term respite care for your loved ones.
Our team helps participants manage their NDIS plans to ensure they get the right support during their stay. We offer services to make daily living easier, including help with household tasks, mobility aids, and healthcare through our nursing team.

Our support coordinators are also here to assist with NDIS plan management and address any financial concerns about respite care. Whether it’s for a few days or weeks, we aim to provide all the resources and support needed for a positive respite care experience. Call us on 0434 610 012 or email us at info@westernsupportservices.com.au to know more.