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How Long Can Someone Stay in Respite Care and What's Covered

How Long Can Someone Stay in Respite Care and What's Covered?

Taking a break to recharge, fulfil other commitments, and spend some personal time is not selfish; it is necessary. The break becomes more valuable when you are caring for someone with a disability , which is a journey filled with love, resilience, and a lot of tasks. And this is where NDIS stands out for most carers like you by providing respite care, also known as Short Term Accommodation(STA) . It gives both participants and their carers space, support, and peace of mind.

But, one common question most families (both participants and carers) ask all the time is: " How long can someone stay in respite care?" That's exactly what we'll unpack in this blog. This will be your easy-to-read, understandable blog on the duration of respite care. It will give you a clearer idea to plan your care journey.

What is Respite Care (Short-Term Accommodation)?

Respite care, also known as Short-Term Accommodation (STA), is a temporary, fully supported stay for NDIS participants who need short-term help or a change of environment. While many people think of it as just a break, it's actually much more than that.

Respite care provides:

  • A safe, comfortable home-like setting

  • Trained support workers

  • Daily living assistance

  • Community engagement opportunities

  • Emotional and social support

For carers, it's a chance to:

  • Catch up on rest

  • Attend appointments

  • Travel

  • Recover from burnout

  • Handle emergencies

And for participants, respite can feel like a refreshing change. A few days to reset, learn new skills, have fun, and spend time with new people in a supported environment.

How Long Can Someone Stay in Respite Care?

If you are looking for a straightforward answer, then most NDIS participants can access up to 28 days of Short-Term Accommodation per year. But this is where it becomes reassuring. Those 28 days are incredibly flexible.

You can use these days in two main ways:

1. Block Stays

Some families prefer to use a chunk of days at once. For example, a 7–14-day continuous stay.

This often helps when:

  • A caregiver needs extended rest

  • Someone in the family is unwell

  • There's planned travel

  • Life events need undivided attention

A longer stay like this can stabilize routines and give everyone a real reset.

2. Shorter, Regular Breaks

Others prefer spreading their respite days throughout the year. For example, a weekend here, a few days there. This helps maintain ongoing balance without waiting for burnout to kick in.

Can Someone Stay Longer Than 14 Days at Once?

Yes, it's possible, but it depends on the situation. While a 14-day stay is the usual upper limit for one continuous respite period, longer stays may be supported when:

  • The participant has higher or complex needs

  • Carers face major health or personal challenges

  • There's a crisis or emergency situation

  • A longer break directly supports the participant's NDIS goals

These aren't everyday cases, but they do happen when clearly justified.

What If You Need More Than 28 Days of Respite in a Year?

28 days is the standard reference point for respite care stays. But the NDIS does allow flexibility when circumstances call for it.

Examples include:

  • Unexpected changes in the household

  • A carer is temporarily unable to provide support

  • Situations that require medium-term accommodation

  • Participant safety concerns

In these cases, Support Coordinators, providers, and planners may explore options like:

  • Additional Core Supports funding

  • Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)

  • Different support categories to meet urgent needs

So yes, staying beyond the typical number is possible when there's a genuine need and the right evidence.

What's Covered While Staying in Respite Care

Respite care isn't just about providing a bed and supervision. A well-rounded STA stay includes everything you need for a comfortable and meaningful day-to-day living.

Here's what's typically covered:

Comfortable Accommodation: A homely, well-maintained space where the participant feels safe and supported.

24/7 Support: Support workers assist with:

  • Personal care

  • Medication

  • Routines

  • Emotional reassurance

Meals & Nutrition: All meals, snacks, and dietary needs are taken care of.

Personal Care Support: Assistants will help you with showering, dressing, grooming, and maintaining hygiene.

Daily Living Activities: You don't have to do your daily chores, as you will get structured support with:

  • Cooking

  • Cleaning

  • Self-management skills

  • Social interaction

Community Access: You also have access to outdoor supports, which include:

  • Parks

  • Local events

  • Cafés

  • Appointments

  • Recreational activities

Transport (where included): For community participation, planned activities, or essential travel.

Programs & Skill-Building: Depending on the provider, participants may enjoy:

  • Group activities

  • Independence-building programs

  • Life skills development

  • Hobby-based sessions

In short, respite covers the full experience of living comfortably and confidently away from home.

Factors That Affect Respite Care Length of Stay

There's no one-rule-fits-all, because every family, participant, and situation is unique. Here's what usually decides how long a person can live:

1. Personal needs: People who require a lot of help might need to stay for a longer time to make sure they are safe, healthy, and stable.

2. Caregiver status: When the main person taking care of someone is very tired, getting better from being sick, or handling an urgent situation, it might be a good idea for them to take a longer break.

3. Type of care setting: Different providers and types of accommodation have different guidelines, availability, and levels of support.

4. Financial and NDIS funding: STAs are funded under Core Support, meaning the level of funding in your plan directly affects:

  • How many days can you reach?

  • How long can each last?

  • How often does it break down?

5. Other common things: The needs of the participant, the place they are in, cultural requirements, comfort levels, and worries about safety all influence migration.

Final Thoughts

Respite care focuses on giving everyone the chance to take a break so that everyone can remain strong, supported, and healthy. And while most stays fall between a few days and two weeks, longer stays are absolutely possible when they genuinely support the participant and the family's wellbeing.

If you're unsure how long your loved one can stay, or whether a longer stay can be arranged, the best first step is simply having a conversation with a respite care provider who understands your situation and can guide you with honesty and empathy.

FAQs

1. Can relief be extended beyond 14 days?

Yes, in exceptional or emergency situations, and with appropriate justification or NDIS approval.

2. How many times can one access STA?

There is no fixed limit. This depends on NDIS funding and targets.

3. Is relief the same as short-term accommodation?

Under the NDIS, yes. STA is the formal term, but relief is often used.

4. Is relief free under the NDIS?

If it fits your goals and needs, it is funded under Core Support.

5. Can someone stay in respite care long-term?

Respite is not designed as a long-term home. However, temporary extended stays may be allowed until a suitable long-term arrangement is organised.