What is Short Term Accommodation (STA)?

Short Term Accommodation (STA), now called Short Term Respite by the NDIS, provides temporary supported accommodation for NDIS participants for up to 14 days at a time. It's designed to give family carers a break while participants enjoy new experiences and build independence.

What is the difference between STA and SIL?

STA (Short Term Accommodation) is temporary respite care for up to 28 days per year. SIL (Supported Independent Living) is long-term daily support in your permanent home. STA is for breaks and skill development, while SIL is ongoing 24/7 support.

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Short Term Accommodation (STA)
Respite Care Western Sydney

Temporary NDIS-funded supported accommodation providing respite for carers and exciting experiences for participants. Flexible stays from a few days up to 14 days at a time.

Book Respite Care 1300 060 635

NDIS short term accommodation respite care Western Sydney with accessible facilities

Important Update: STA Name Change

The NDIS has officially renamed Short Term Accommodation (STA) to "Short Term Respite" to better reflect its purpose. Both names refer to the same service. You may see either term used, and both are correct. This page uses "STA" as it's still widely searched and recognized.

Understanding STA

What Is Short Term Accommodation?

Short Term Accommodation (STA), also called Short Term Respite, provides temporary supported accommodation for NDIS participants for short stays away from home. It's designed for participants looking for new experiences and pathways to develop life skills and independence, while also giving families and informal caregivers a break from their caring responsibilities.

STA is more than just a place to stay, it's a stepping stone towards greater independence and confidence. Whether for a weekend, a week, or up to two weeks, Short Term Accommodation offers participants the opportunity to try new activities, meet new people, and build skills in a safe, supported environment.

Who Is STA For?

✓Participants seeking new experiences and opportunities to develop life skills and independence in a different environment
✓Families and carers needing respite from their caring responsibilities to rest, recharge, or attend to personal matters
✓Participants who need temporary accommodation for emergency situations or while attending essential appointments
✓Anyone wanting to trial different living arrangements before committing to long-term accommodation options

How Long Can You Stay?

STA funding allows for up to 14 days of support at a time, with participants able to access a yearly maximum of 28 days of STA support. This flexibility allows families to plan respite breaks that work for their schedule.

Benefits

Why Choose Short Term Accommodation?

For Participants

• Build independence and life skills
• Try new activities and experiences
• Meet new people and socialize
• Gain confidence in different settings
• Trial potential long-term living options

For Families & Carers

• Take a well-deserved break to recharge
• Attend to personal matters or commitments
• Peace of mind knowing loved one is safe
• Prevent carer burnout and fatigue
• Maintain your own health and wellbeing

What's Covered

What Does STA Funding Cover?

STA is funded under Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life in your NDIS plan. Your funding can be used flexibly within your Core budget if your support needs align with your NDIS plan goals.

What STA Includes and Excludes

✓ What STA INCLUDES

✓ Temporary accommodation away from home
✓ 24/7 support and supervision
✓ Daily living assistance (personal care, meals prep)
✓ Meals and activities (in group settings)
✓ Community access opportunities
✓ Skill development activities
✓ Social and recreational activities

✗ What STA EXCLUDES

✗ Travel/transport to and from accommodation
✗ Holiday accommodation or cruises
✗ Theme park tickets or event tickets
✗ Airfares or long-distance travel
✗ Personal shopping or entertainment
✗ Food/groceries (in private settings)
✗ Non-NDIS related items

Respite Destinations

Popular Short Term Accommodation Destinations

From tranquil mountain retreats to vibrant coastal getaways, NSW offers diverse accessible respite destinations. Here are popular locations where participants enjoy Short Term Accommodation experiences.

Blue Mountains

Peaceful mountain retreat perfect for nature lovers. Accessible walking trails at Echo Point, stunning waterfalls, and fresh mountain air create a calming atmosphere. Popular for participants seeking tranquility and scenic beauty.

Accessible Trails2 Hours from Sydney

Central Coast Beaches

Beautiful coastal destination with accessible beaches and waterfront promenades. Terrigal, Avoca Beach, and The Entrance offer beach therapy, coastal walks, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Ideal for participants who love the ocean.

Accessible Beaches1.5 Hours from Sydney

Port Stephens

Marine playground offering dolphin watching, pristine beaches, and coastal experiences. Nelson Bay provides accessible facilities, waterfront dining, and opportunities to see marine wildlife. Popular for participants seeking adventure and natural beauty.

Dolphin Watching2.5 Hours from Sydney

Hunter Valley

Scenic wine country offering peaceful countryside views, accessible gardens, and gourmet food experiences. Popular for participants who enjoy nature, scenic drives through vineyards, and visiting local farms and artisan producers.

Accessible Gardens2 Hours from Sydney

Southern Highlands

Charming country towns of Bowral and Mittagong offer cool climate, beautiful gardens, and relaxed atmosphere. Historic sites, accessible parks, and boutique shops make it perfect for peaceful respite breaks and skill-building activities.

Historic Towns1.5 Hours from Sydney

Sydney Harbour accessible experiences for NDIS short term accommodation participants

Sydney Experiences

Iconic Sydney attractions with accessible facilities including Opera House tours, Harbour Bridge views, accessible ferries, Taronga Zoo, and waterfront dining. Perfect for participants seeking city excitement and cultural experiences during respite stays.

City Attractions1 Hour from Western Sydney

Specialized Respite Facilities

Beyond scenic destinations, Network of Care also arranges Short Term Accommodation at purpose-built accessible respite facilities throughout NSW. These specialized centers offer:

Fully accessible rooms with hoists and specialized equipment
24/7 trained support staff experienced in complex care needs
On-site therapy spaces and sensory rooms
Structured programs and activities tailored to participant goals

Comparisons

STA vs Other NDIS Accommodation Types

Understanding the differences between Short Term Accommodation and other NDIS housing options helps you choose the right support.

STA (Short Term Accommodation)

Also: Short Term Respite

Duration: Up to 14 days at a time, 28 days per year maximum

Purpose: Temporary respite for carers, skill development, emergency accommodation, trial stays

Best for: Short breaks, trying new experiences, giving family carers respite

SIL (Supported Independent Living)

Ongoing Support

Duration: Long-term, ongoing 24/7 support in your permanent home

Purpose: Daily living support for participants with higher support needs who require continuous assistance

Best for: Permanent accommodation with ongoing daily support. Learn more about SIL

MTA (Medium Term Accommodation)

Extended Support

Duration: 90 days maximum in a 12-month period

Purpose: Extended skill development, recovery from hospitalization, transition between living arrangements

Best for: Longer transitional periods and intensive skill building. Learn more about MTA

SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation)

Physical Housing

Duration: Long-term permanent housing

Purpose: Funds the modified BUILDING itself (not support staff) for extreme functional impairment

Best for: Participants needing wheelchair-accessible homes, hoists, smart home technology

Getting Started

How to Book Short Term Accommodation

Booking STA through Network of Care is straightforward. Here's the step-by-step process:

Check Your NDIS Plan

Review your plan to confirm you have STA funding under Core Supports. If STA isn't specifically mentioned, check if you have flexible Core budget that can be used for respite support.

Contact Network of Care

Call us at 1300 060 635 or submit an enquiry. We'll discuss your needs, preferences for destinations, dates, and any specific support requirements.

Choose Your Dates & Destination

Select your preferred respite dates (remembering the 14-day maximum per stay) and choose from our range of destinations based on the participant's interests and goals.

Complete Service Agreement

We'll provide a service agreement outlining the support we'll provide, costs, activities, and terms. Review and sign the agreement to confirm your booking.

Prepare for Your Stay

We'll provide a packing list and information about the accommodation. Arrange your own transport to and from the respite destination (transport costs are not covered by STA funding).

Enjoy Your Respite Experience

Our trained support staff will be available 24/7 during your stay. Participants engage in planned activities, build new skills, and enjoy their chosen destination while carers get well-deserved respite.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About STA

Find answers to the most common questions about Short Term Accommodation.

How much does STA cost?+

STA is funded by the NDIS based on NDIS pricing arrangements. The daily rate varies depending on whether services are delivered in a group or individual setting. Your NDIS plan will show if you have STA funding available. Contact your Support Coordinator or Network of Care at 1300 060 635 for specific pricing information based on your needs.

Can I use STA for a holiday?+

No. STA is designed for respite and skill development, not holidays. You cannot use STA funding for cruises, holiday accommodation, theme park tickets, or recreational travel. However, respite stays can include community access to local attractions and activities as part of the support program.

Is transport included in STA funding?+

Transport TO and FROM the accommodation is not included in STA funding. However, transport during your stay for approved activities and outings can be included. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the respite destination, or this may be funded under a separate transport support in your NDIS plan.

What if I don't have STA in my NDIS plan?+

If STA isn't specifically listed in your plan, you may still be able to use flexible Core budget for respite support if it aligns with your goals. Alternatively, you can request STA funding at your next plan review. Speak with your Support Coordinator who can help you request a plan variation if respite is urgently needed.

Can I choose where I go for respite?+

Yes! The NDIS operates on choice and control. You can choose from the destinations we offer or suggest alternatives that meet your interests and goals. We work with you to find respite experiences that match the participant's preferences and support needs.

What happens in an emergency during the stay?+

Our trained support staff are available 24/7 and equipped to handle emergencies. We maintain emergency contacts for all participants and will immediately notify families/carers if any issues arise. All staff are trained in first aid and emergency response procedures.

Can family members visit during the stay?+

Visiting arrangements can be discussed and agreed upon in the service agreement. While STA is designed to give carers a break, we understand some families may want to check in. We can accommodate reasonable visiting requests that don't disrupt the respite experience or program activities.

Where does Network of Care provide STA services?+

We arrange Short Term Accommodation experiences throughout NSW, with a focus on destinations accessible from Western Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands, and Sydney metropolitan area. Contact us to discuss specific destinations that interest you.

Why Network of Care

Trusted STA Provider in Western Sydney

Quality respite care that gives families peace of mind and participants memorable experiences.

NDIS Compliant Provider

Fully compliant with all NDIS quality and safeguarding standards for safe, reliable service delivery.

24/7 Trained Support

Experienced support workers available around the clock, trained in disability care, first aid, and emergency response.

Flexible & Personalized

Every respite stay is tailored to participant interests, goals, and support needs with choice and control at the center.

Diverse Destinations

Access to scenic NSW locations from beaches to mountains, plus specialized accessible respite facilities throughout the state.

Local Western Sydney Experts

Based in Fairfield with deep knowledge of accessible destinations, local amenities, and community resources throughout the region.

Family Communication

Regular updates during stays and open communication channels so families have peace of mind throughout the respite period.

Other NDIS Accommodation Services

Explore our complete range of NDIS accommodation and support services.

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

24/7 ongoing support in your permanent home for participants with higher support needs.

Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)

Extended accommodation up to 90 days for skill building and transition support.

In-Home Care

Flexible NDIS support delivered in the comfort of your own home.

Ready to Book Short Term Accommodation?

Give yourself or your loved one a well-deserved break with our quality NDIS respite services. From scenic destinations to specialized facilities, we arrange memorable experiences with 24/7 professional support.

Book Your Respite Stay Call 1300 060 635

Serving Western Sydney and surrounding areas • NDIS Compliant Provider

Short Term Accommodation (STA)Respite Care Western Sydney