There is an unexplainable joy in caring for your loved ones with disabilities. But to be honest, there are days when joy is not enough, and exhaustion is getting the best of you. You don’t complain but your body is saying it the other way. It needs a break. It needs time to recharge.
Whether you are taking care of your child with a disability, an aging parent, or a partner with complex needs, you’ll eventually need time off, a breather, and this is where respite care comes to your rescue.
It is more than a planned vacation, but a time off with an assurance that your loved one is still in good hands. Both you and your loved ones with a disability are being taken care of.
In this guide, understand what respite care is, how it works through the NDIS, and how to use it with confidence, so you can book your next break without worrying about anything.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is temporary care provided to a person with disability, allowing their usual carer a break. It may be several hours, overnight, or longer, depending on the circumstances of all concerned.
There are many different types of respite care, including:
In-home respite care – an attendant visits your home to assist with activities of daily living or supervision while you have a break.
Centre-based respite care – your relative attends a local respite centre for social activities and individual needs.
Community access respite – in which a support worker takes your relative out for a change of scene within the community, giving you both a break from home.
Overnight or residential respite – short breaks in a respite home or with a host family.
All types are designed to give carers their breaks during the day to relax and recover while the individual with disability continues to receive safe, engaging support.
Does the NDIS Funding Pay for Respite Care?
Yes, but the NDIS uses slightly different terminologies. In your loved one’s plan, respite care is itemised as Short-Term Accommodation and Assistance (STA) or Assistance with Daily Living support.
Here’s what you need to know:
Short Term Accommodation (STA): STA funds overnight away from home for up to 14 days at a time. STA includes accommodation, personal care, meals, and activities. STA is taken either in an emergency or for taking a planned break.
Daily Living Assistance: If your relative requires care at home while you are away for a few hours, this will be covered under their Core Supports budget.
The most important thing is to make your respite objectives aligned with your loved one’s NDIS plan results. For instance, if respite support enhances their independence, develops their social skills, or keeps them in good health, it can typically be approved under their objectives.
Why Respite Care is Necessary?
Why Respite Care is Necessary?Some carers feel guilty for requiring a break. But studies have found that consistent respite results in improved outcomes for all. Here are reasons why respite care is essential.
- Reduces carer burnout, anxiety, and depression
- Maintains family relationships by providing space to rebuild positively
- Develops the confidence, social skills, and independence of the person being cared for
- Remains a means of keeping care arrangements sustainable in the long term
Think of it like charging your phone overnight, without that recharge, it won’t run the next day. You’re no different.
How to Access Respite Care Through the NDIS
Here’s a simple step-by-step:
Check your loved ones’ plan: Search for STA or Core Supports funding under Assistance with Daily Living.
Clarify goals: Make sure your respite needs are aligned with plan goals
Talk to your Support Coordinator: They will be able to find registered respite providers that suit your family’s culture and preferences.
Book early: Availability, particularly overnight respite, can be taken quickly. Booking in advance will make it all trouble-free.
Keep Your Records: Ensure that service agreements, invoices, and progress notes are on hand at all times for your NDIS record.
How to Choose the Right Respite Care Provider?
Not all respite care is the same. The right provider will keep your loved one safe, valued, and meaningfully occupied when you’re well rested. Here are things you might consider in your next search for a respite care provider.
Trained, caring staff: Who possess a disability understanding, behaviour support, personal care, and communication requirement expertise.
Flexibility: Find a provider that will give you freedom to organise their services into your family’s routine and cultural practices. Giving you time and space to see if it’s suitable for your set-up.
Transparency: A provider that provides no hidden charges, but plain, clear, pricing with all the inclusion and benefits so you won’t be surprised along the way.
Safety and quality standards: It’s important that the provider follows Strict standards, a registered NDIS provider, so you can feel assured and be secured with the service being offered to you.
Getting Your Loved One Ready for Respite
Change can be scary, particularly for children or adults with intellectual disability or autism. Transitioning is easier by following these tips:
Talk about the plan: Utilise social stories or basic explanations of what will occur and when you’ll return.
Make a brief visit beforehand: If possible, visit the respite centre with your family. This allows them to familiarise themselves with the surroundings and meet those who will look after them.
Take comfort objects: The experience of respite care may be daunting for them. Ensure you take along their favorite pillow, blanket, or toy to provide reassurance throughout the night.
Share habits: Provide providers with a written record of personal care, medications, food likes/dislikes, and daily routines.
What if I Need Emergency Respite?
Sometimes life takes unexpected turns like unexpected sickness, hospitalisation, or family crises. The NDIS may fund emergency respite under STA when required. Contact your Support Coordinator or the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) directly to organise urgent support.
Respite care is not like avoiding your responsibility. It’s doing what allows you to keep offering your best, with your loved one continuing to thrive. Taking a break is an expression of strength, not of vulnerability.
Looking for Reliable Respite Care?
ADCS offers respite care support, where we practice breaks that do not exhaust anyone or take advantage of anyone. Our team of caregivers offers individualised respite care that respects your family’s unique routines, culture, and goals, for a short time or extended stay.
Visit ADCS today and learn how our respite care program can give you the confidence you deserve.
