Caring for a loved one with a disability is a beautiful act of love and dedication, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Everyone needs a break sometimes — and that’s where NDIS Respite Care steps in.
At ByHeartCare, we understand how important it is for both participants and their families to have access to safe, reliable, and high-quality respite care. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what’s included in NDIS-funded respite services and how you can access them through your NDIS plan.
What Is NDIS Respite Care?
Respite care provides short-term relief for primary carers by offering temporary support for people with disabilities. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), respite care falls under Short-Term Accommodation and Assistance (STA) and is designed to support both the person living with a disability and their carer.
It gives carers time to rest, attend to personal matters, or simply recharge, knowing their loved one is in a safe and caring environment.
Types of NDIS Respite Care Services
At ByHeartCare, we offer a range of flexible respite options to suit your needs and circumstances:
1. Short-Term Accommodation (STA)
This includes up to 14 days of care and support at a time. It covers:
- Comfortable and safe accommodation
- Daily living assistance (meals, showering, dressing)
- Community participation activities
- 24/7 professional support
2. Emergency Respite Care
If something unexpected happens — such as illness, injury, or an urgent commitment — we can step in with emergency respite to ensure your loved one is well taken care of.
3. In-Home Respite
Prefer care at home? A ByHeartCare support worker can visit your home to provide personalised care while the primary carer takes a break.
4. Day Respite Programs
We also offer day-time support, including supervised activities, group programs, and skill-building sessions to keep participants socially engaged and supported.
What’s Included in Respite Care?
When you choose ByHeartCare for respite, you can expect:
- Safe and fully accessible accommodation
- Nutritious meals tailored to dietary needs
- Assistance with personal care, including hygiene, mobility, and medication
- Social and recreational activities
- Trained, compassionate staff who understand individual needs
- 24/7 supervision for peace of mind
We design every care plan around the participant’s preferences and comfort level, ensuring a home-like experience even when away from home.
Who Is Eligible for NDIS Respite Care?
To access respite care through the NDIS, you must:
- Be an NDIS participant
- Have funding available in your plan under Core Supports or Assistance with Daily Life
- Have a demonstrated need for carer support or short-term accommodation
If you’re not sure whether you have respite care included in your plan, we recommend speaking with your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) — or contacting our team at ByHeartCare for help.
How to Include Respite in Your NDIS Plan
Here are simple steps to help you access respite care:
- Plan Ahead
Discuss your respite needs during your NDIS planning or review meeting. Be honest about the carer’s need for breaks and your preferences for short-term care. - Use the Right Budget Category
Respite services are generally funded under:- Core Supports > Assistance with Daily Life
- Support Category: Short-Term Accommodation (STA)
- Get Support Coordination
If you have Support Coordination in your plan, your coordinator can help you find and book respite care services. - Contact ByHeartCare
We’ll help you understand your options and design a personalised respite care experience that works for you and your family.
Why Choose ByHeartCare for Respite?
✅ Registered NDIS Provider
✅ Highly trained and compassionate staff
✅ Emergency respite available
✅ In-home or centre-based care options
✅ Personalised support plans
✅ 24/7 care and supervision
We focus on more than just care — we focus on comfort, connection, and trust. Whether you need a few hours of help or a few days of relief, we’re here to support you.
FAQs About NDIS Respite Care
1. How often can I access respite care?
This depends on the level of funding in your plan. You can discuss frequency with your support coordinator or NDIS planner.
2. Is respite care covered by the NDIS?
Yes. Respite care is funded under “Short-Term Accommodation” in your NDIS plan.
3. Can I choose my respite care provider?
Absolutely. You have the freedom to choose a registered provider that aligns with your values and needs — like ByHeartCare.
4. What’s the difference between respite and long-term care?
Respite is short-term and temporary relief, while long-term care is ongoing support for daily living.
Conclusion
Respite care is more than just taking a break — it’s a necessary support that allows carers to continue doing what they do best while ensuring the participant remains safe, engaged, and cared for.
At ByHeartCare, we’re proud to provide compassionate, professional, and flexible respite care services for individuals and families across Adelaide and surrounding areas.
📞 Need respite care?
Call us today or visit our website to speak with our friendly team about your options. We’re here when you need us.
