Short Term
Respite
A Break That Benefits Everyone
We understand how important it is for families and carers to attend to their own wellbeing — while knowing their loved one is safe, comfortable and supported.
At our North Ipswich Respite Centre and Mount Ommaney Respite Centre, we provide a familiar environment where your loved one can get the support they need while you take some time to rest and recharge from your role as a carer. Focal’s respite service is designed to meet the NDIS funding criteria, ensuring it directly addresses disability-related support needs.
If you are interested or would like to request a booking, let us know by completing the enquiry form and we will get in touch to discuss availability.
For participants
Respite is an opportunity to build independent living skills with a support worker and enjoy some time away from home in a welcoming space.
In-home Respite
With in-home respite, one of our professional staff will come to your home when needed, so your loved one can remain in familiar surroundings. Or we can take them on a day trip or outing to give you some breathing room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Short Term Respite?
Short Term Respite (STR) or respite, formally known as Short Term Accommodation (STA) s a disability support option that gives you time away from your informal supports while ensuring your care needs continue to be met. It is not a holiday; it’s a purposeful, funded respite stay aimed at sustaining your wellbeing and supporting your carers.
Funded under the NDIS Core – Assistance with Daily Life supports, this service is designed to give participants and their informal supports (such as family carers) essential breaks from their usual care arrangements.
What does respite funding cover?
Respite funding generally covers:
- Accommodation in group or individual settings
- Self-care/personal care such as showering and dressing
- Community access supports while staying in STR
- Transport and costs associated with traveling to the accommodation and activities (subject to your NDIS plan)
- Meals prepared at the respite centre (subject to your NDIS plan – ask us for more information)
What is not included in respite funding?
Short term respite funding does not cover:
- Meals, takeaway food or going out to eat
- Non-NDIS supports or activities like cruises, theme parks, sporting events, movies, and theatre shows
- Family travel expenses
- Entrance fees and tickets
Who can access respite funding?
You may be eligible for STR if any of the below applies to you
- Live with or receive at least 6 hours of support each day from informal carers.
- Have disability-related support needs requiring ongoing care.
- Fit at least one of the following: high-intensity supports, behavioural supports or rural isolation
- You get support from primary informal supports, whose wellbeing and capacity to continue their caring role is at risk.
- Your primary informal supports have additional caring responsibilities. For example: young children or other family members with disability support needs.
You will not be eligible for STR if any of the below applies to you:
- Living independently without drop-in supports.
- Already receiving >18 hours paid daily supports.
- Using supported independent living (SIL) or have funding for individualised living options (ILO).
How many days of respite does the NDIS fund per year?
Respite is funded by NDIS in the category of Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Living.
Typically, the maximum amount of days of Short Term Respite is 28 days per year.
Your Short Term Respite funding can be used in a flexible way such as you may wish to spend it within a block of up to 14 days at a time or one weekend a month.
You can share a support worker with other guests depending on what you need to ensure that you maximize on value of money. The funding is usually based on a group price unless you can prove that you need individual support due to your disability.
Get in Touch
Our experienced and friendly team can help find an independent living solution to meet your needs.
