Caring for someone with a disability is deeply rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Respite care plays a vital role in supporting carers by providing short-term relief while ensuring participants continue to receive quality care.

A common question we hear is: How long can someone stay in respite care under the NDIS in Australia?

The answer depends on your individual NDIS plan, but there are common guidelines that can help you plan ahead.

How Long Can Someone Stay in NDIS Respite Care?

Under the NDIS, respite care is funded as Short-Term Accommodation (STA).

In many cases, participants are typically funded for up to 28 days per year, depending on their individual needs and what has been approved in their plan.

• Individual respite stays are commonly arranged in blocks of up to 14 days at a time
• The total number of days can usually be used flexibly throughout the year
• The exact duration and structure depend on what is considered reasonable and necessary for the participant

Some families use respite for a weekend each month, while others plan one or two longer breaks per year. This flexibility allows carers to plan respite around holidays, medical needs, or periods when additional support is required.

While 28 days per year is common, it is not a guaranteed entitlement. Any request for additional days beyond what is funded in the plan must be supported by evidence and approved through the NDIS planning or review process.

Types of NDIS Respite Care Available

Respite care can take several forms, depending on your needs, preferences, and goals.

In-Home Respite Care

In-home respite allows support workers to provide care within the participant’s own home. This option is ideal when maintaining familiar routines is important and can be arranged for a few hours, overnight, or over a weekend.

Centre-Based Respite

Centre-based respite programs operate during the day in structured, supported environments. Participants take part in social and skill-building activities while carers receive regular, predictable breaks. Funding classification may vary depending on the service type.

Short-Term Accommodation (STA)

Short-term accommodation provides overnight stays in supported accommodation settings. This is where the commonly referenced 14-day stay limit and 28-day annual guideline usually apply. STA includes accommodation, meals, and disability-related supports.

Emergency Respite

Emergency respite may be arranged when unexpected situations arise, such as illness or family emergencies. While it can often be organised within 24–48 hours, it still counts toward the participant’s approved NDIS funding.

Who Pays for Respite Care in Australia?

NDIS-Funded Respite Care

If short-term accommodation is included in your NDIS plan, funding may cover approved disability-related supports during respite, based on what is considered reasonable and necessary.

NDIS funding may include:

• Personal care and support workers
• Assistance with daily activities
• Agreed programs and supports
• Basic accommodation costs

Costs can vary depending on:

• Level of support required (1:1 or shared support)
• Day of the week (weekends and public holidays cost more)
• Location
• Length of stay

Some providers may charge additional fees for optional extras, so it’s important to confirm what is included before booking.

Private Respite Care

If you are not eligible for NDIS funding, or if you need additional respite beyond what your plan covers, respite care can be accessed privately.

Private respite costs vary widely based on:

• Type of care
• Duration
• Level of support
• Whether care is provided in-home or in accommodation

Private respite can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per day, depending on the level of care required.

How to Plan Your Respite Stay

To make the most of your respite funding:

• Check your NDIS plan for Short-Term Accommodation under Core Supports
• Book early, especially during school holidays and peak periods
• Clarify inclusions and costs with your provider
• Align respite with your goals, whether social engagement, rest, or skill development

Good planning ensures smoother approvals and better outcomes for both carers and participants.

Quality Respite Care Tailored to You

Choosing the right respite environment is about more than just time away — it’s about safety, comfort, and quality care.

At Leah Bett Nursing Services, we provide supportive, clinically led respite and Short-Term Accommodation options designed to respect independence while delivering high-standard care.

Whether you’re seeking planned respite or require specialised nursing support, our team is committed to helping participants and carers make the most of their NDIS funding.