Caregivers play a critical role in the well-being of people with disabilities, but their own health and well-being are equally important. Emergency respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers in unexpected situations. It ensures the continued well-being of people with disabilities while allowing the caregiver time to address urgent matters, rest, or manage other responsibilities. Utilising emergency respite care not only supports the person needing care but also allows caregivers to recharge, manage stress, and attend to their personal needs. This balance is crucial for sustainable caregiving and to avoid caregiver burnout.
Funding for Short-Term Accommodation (STA), including Respite is allo...
Caregivers play a critical role in the well-being of people with disabilities, but their own health and well-being are equally important. Emergency respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers in unexpected situations. It ensures the continued well-being of people with disabilities while allowing the caregiver time to address urgent matters, rest, or manage other responsibilities. Utilising emergency respite care not only supports the person needing care but also allows caregivers to recharge, manage stress, and attend to their personal needs. This balance is crucial for sustainable caregiving and to avoid caregiver burnout.
Funding for Short-Term Accommodation (STA), including Respite is allocated under the Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life category of a participant’s NDIS plan. If the participant has funds allocated to this category, they can use a portion of it to cover respite care costs. Respite care typically covers essential expenses of the participant including accommodation in a suitable facility, support with personal care or community activities, overnight assistance, meals, and any negotiated activities. Accessing emergency respite care can be a straightforward process if you know where to look and whom to contact. You can
reach out to your NDIS Local Area Coordinator, support coordinator or an NDIS service provider for help. Once you have identified potential respite care providers, reach out to them directly. Explain your situation and ask about their availability for emergency care. For respite care periods shorter than 24 hours, you might be able to arrange a lower fee with the service provider. But like any other support, respite will be funded by the NDIS only if it is found to be “reasonable and necessary.”
