NDIS Renames Short Term Accommodation to Short Term Respite: What It Means for NDIS Participants
NDIS Renames Short Term Accommodation to Short Term Respite: What It Means for NDIS Participants
- December 22, 2025
Have you heard the news? The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has officially changed the name of “Short Term Accommodation” to “Short Term Respite.” While it may seem like a small shift in wording, this change holds a lot of meaning for NDIS participants, their families, and carers.
If you’re feeling a bit confused or wondering what this change means for you, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Let’s break down what this change is all about, how it impacts you, and why it’s important for the care and support you or your loved ones receive.
What Does This Change Really Mean?
The NDIS decided to shift from “accommodation” to “respite” because they wanted to focus on the purpose of the support, rather than just the building you’re staying in.
Traditionally, Short Term Accommodation was seen as a place where NDIS participants could stay for short periods, typically when their carers needed a break. While this was helpful, the term didn’t fully capture the essence of the service, which is about offering carers the time they need to rest and recharge, without compromising the care and support their loved ones need.
The new term, short term respite, better highlights the value of respite care and the importance of giving both the person receiving care and their primary carer a much-needed break.
What Does Short Term Respite Look Like?
So, what exactly is short term respite under the NDIS? In simple terms, short term respite provides carers and their loved ones a temporary break from the usual care routine. It allows primary informal supports (like family or friends) to take a short break while ensuring the participant continues to receive the care they need.
Here’s a quick overview of what short term respite involves:
Temporary Care: Participants can stay in temporary accommodation (e.g. a hotel, cabin, or respite facility) while their usual carer takes a break.
Support with Everyday Tasks: This could include help with personal care, meal prep, or assistance with mobility.
Flexible Settings: It’s not just about accommodation—it’s about support in environments that work for you, whether that’s at home or in a shared setting.
The goal is to provide time for both the carer and the participant to rest and recharge, so the carer can continue in their role without feeling burnt out.
Who Can Access Short Term Respite?
Short term respite is available to NDIS participants who have primary informal supports—that is, family, friends, or other unpaid carers who provide ongoing support. It’s especially relevant if:
- You live with your primary informal supports, or
- You receive more than 6 hours of disability-related support from them each day.
For children, short term respite may also be available in certain circumstances, such as when the child’s disability needs exceed what is expected for their age and the respite is needed to help the family continue in their caring role.
If you’re already receiving a significant amount of paid support (e.g. through Supported Independent Living or Individualised Living Options), then short term respite may not be appropriate for you.
What Does Short Term Respite Include?
While short term respite doesn’t focus on building new skills or independence, it’s about offering a break and supporting the well-being of everyone involved. It may include:
Support with everyday activities, such as personal care, meals, and mobility.
Accommodation that’s comfortable and accessible (e.g. hotels, cabins, or short stay rentals).
Support for carers, giving them a chance to rest without worrying about their loved one.
Importantly, short term respite is not for skill-building. If you want to learn new skills or focus on independence, other supports in your NDIS plan will be more suited to those goals.
How Long Can You Access Short Term Respite?
Most NDIS participants are eligible for up to 28 days of short term respite each year, typically in 14-day blocks. This gives you flexibility in how and when you use the support.
Importantly, if you don’t use all of your respite days in a given year, the funding will be adjusted so that you only pay for the respite you actually received. No waste, just the care you need.
Where Can Short Term Respite Be Used?
One of the benefits of short term respite is its flexibility. It can be used in a variety of settings, such as:
- At home, allowing a break from the usual caregiving routine.
- In shared accommodation or respite facilities, where participants can interact with others in a supported environment.
- In temporary accommodation (like a motel, rental, or cabin), giving both the participant and the carer a chance to recharge.
It’s designed to fit into your life, whether you prefer staying local or trying a different setting for a change.
What Short Term Respite Doesn’t Cover
While short term respite offers valuable support, there are some things it doesn’t include. For example:
- It doesn’t cover regular, natural breaks like going to work or school.
- It doesn’t pay for things like holiday accommodation or event tickets.
- It doesn’t replace mainstream services like crisis accommodation or family support services.
The key takeaway is that short term respite is all about providing temporary relief from caregiving duties, not funding non-NDIS-related activities or services.
Need Assistance with Short Term Respite in Sydney?
If you’re unsure how to access short term respite or how it fits into your NDIS plan, Concept Care is here to help. We specialise in personalised respite solutions across Sydney, offering both in-home and short-term accommodation support. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you and your carers receive the high-quality care you need, when you need it most.
For more information or assistance, call us on 1800 266 237 or email [email protected]. Let’s chat about your support today!