The NDIS has renamed Short-Term Accommodation (STA) to Short-Term Respite.
It may seem like a small update, but it better reflects what the service is really for: giving carers a much‑needed break while ensuring participants receive quality support.
This change also highlights the growing need for personalised respite care across Australia—support that is tailored to each person’s needs, routines, and preferences.
Why the Name Changed
Originally, STA was mostly understood as a short stay in a supported accommodation setting. Over time, many people came to think of it simply as “somewhere to sleep,” rather than a meaningful break for carers and a supportive experience for participants.
The term Short‑Term Respite helps shift the focus back to what the service is truly about:
- Supporting the wellbeing of carers, who often need structured time to rest
- Ensuring participants have the support they need when informal carers are unavailable
- Highlighting flexible, person‑centred support—not just a physical location
This change reflects a more holistic, supportive view of respite within the NDIS.
What Short‑Term Respite Means for Carers and Participants
For Carers
Short‑Term Respite provides temporary support for participants—up to 14 days in a row or 28 days per year—giving carers time to recharge. This helps carers:
- Reduce stress and avoid burnout
- Make time for work, family, or personal commitments
- Maintain their ability to continue providing care
- Feel confident that their loved one is supported by trained staff
For Participants
Short‑Term Respite offers:
- Safe, structured and respectful care
- Social opportunities and engagement
- Activities that support independence
- A supportive environment that feels welcoming and appropriate
In short: Short‑Term Respite supports both the participant and the carer.
Why Personalised Respite Care Matters
Every person has different needs. That’s why the shift toward personalised and flexible respite care is so important. Providers like Special Care Australia focus on delivering support that matches someone’s daily routine, abilities, preferences, and cultural needs.
What Individualised Respite Care Includes
- One‑on‑one support tailored to daily habits, health needs, and comfort
- Activities based on personal interests—art, nature, sports, social outings, or quiet time
- Flexible locations: at home, in the community, or in a respite unit
- Confidence‑building support, such as skill development or social opportunities
- A commitment to safety and dignity, ensuring emotional, physical and cultural wellbeing
This personalised approach helps participants feel safe, understood, and respected—while giving carers peace of mind.
How Special Care Australia Can Support You With Short‑Term Respite
Special Care Australia delivers high‑quality, person‑centred Short‑Term Respite across South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. Our services show a clear focus on safety, flexibility, and meaningful engagement.
Here’s exactly how SCA supports participants and families:
⭐ Purpose‑Built, Homely Respite Environments
SCA operates welcoming respite homes — including our Officer respite house, designed for comfort, calm, and personalised care. Homes are staffed by experienced support workers and include tailored activities that encourage social interaction, learning, relaxation, and routine.
⭐ Flexible, Personalised, Family‑Focused Support
SCA’s respite stays are fully flexible — supporting school schedules, holidays, weekends, or urgent family needs.
We specialise in tailoring routines, sensory supports, and activity planning around the individual, ensuring a predictable and supportive environment.
⭐ Highly Trained, Screened & Qualified Staff
SCA staff hold mandatory checks such as Police Checks, Working With Children Checks, and NDIS Worker Screening.
Staff complete essential training modules — including safeguarding, incident reporting, infection control, and more — ensuring all respite support is safe, compliant, and consistently delivered.
⭐ Collaborative Support Planning With Families
Support plans are created and updated collaboratively with the participant and their family, covering:
- Daily routines
- Health needs
- Preferences
- Safety plans
- Skill‑building opportunities
These plans ensure every respite stay is aligned with personal goals and family expectations.
⭐ Focus on Social Participation, Confidence & Skill Development
Many SCA participants experience improvements in independence, routines, social connection, and confidence. Case documentation highlights participants thriving through:
- Group activities
- Community access
- Life‑skills support
- Positive routines
⭐ Responsive Intake, Ongoing Communication & Support
SCA communicates quickly and clearly with families seeking respite, accommodation options, or support coordination.
We frequently arrange viewings, respond to enquiries, and tailor support options based on each family’s needs.
Why Choose Special Care Australia for NDIS Short‑Term Respite?
SCA stands out for its unwavering commitment to:
- ✔ Personalised, participant‑led care
- ✔ Safe and modern respite environments
- ✔ Highly trained, compassionate staff
- ✔ Flexible scheduling and responsive support
- ✔ Strong partnerships with families
- ✔ Full NDIS compliance and transparent processes
Whether you’re seeking a short break, navigating carer fatigue, or planning ahead, SCA offers a supportive, nurturing respite experience that benefits both participants and their families.
Ready to Book Your Respite Stay?
We’re here to make the process easy and stress-free:
✅ Call us: (03) 5906 8722
✅ Email: support@specialcare.au
✅ Visit: https://specialcare.au
✅ Book a Consultation: Let’s talk about your family’s needs and create the perfect respite experience.
Because caring for your loved one is a full-time job—and you deserve a break you can trust.
