How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Day? A Complete 2025 Guide
For families and caregivers supporting loved ones with disabilities or complex needs, respite care offers a crucial lifeline. A common question that arises is, "how much does respite care cost per day NDIS?" The cost of respite care per day under the NDIS varies significantly based on the level of support, staffing ratio, and specific needs, typically ranging from approximately $700 to over $4,200, depending on the intensity of care and day of the week.
This guide will delve into the intricacies of respite care costs in Australia for 2025, with a particular focus on Short Term Accommodation (STA) NDIS.
What is Respite Care?
At its heart, respite care is about providing temporary relief for primary caregivers. It's a planned or emergency support service that allows family members or regular caregivers to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities. This break can range from a few hours to several days or even weeks, during which the individual receiving care is looked after by trained professionals in a safe and supportive environment.
Respite care comes in various forms:
- In-home respite: Support workers come to the individual's home.
- Centre-based respite: Individuals receive support at a specific facility or day centre.
- Residential respite: The individual stays overnight in a residential care facility, often referred to as Short Term Accommodation NDIS.
The primary goal is to prevent caregiver burnout, maintain the well-being of both the caregiver and the care recipient, and ensure continuity of quality care.
What is STA NDIS?
For participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a common form of respite care is Short Term Accommodation. Previously known as respite, STA NDIS funding covers the cost of personal care, accommodation, food, and activities during a short stay away from home. It's designed for individuals who require temporary, supervised support due to their disability.
STA is typically funded for up to 28 days per year, which can be used flexibly, for example, as one 28-day stay or several shorter stays of up to 14 days at a time. It’s a vital component for both participants to experience new environments and develop independent living skills, and for caregivers to receive their much-needed break.
How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Day NDIS?
The cost of NDIS respite care, particularly STA, is governed by the NDIS Price Guide and varies based on several key factors:
- Level of Support Needed: This is the most significant factor. Individuals with higher support needs, such as those requiring complex medical care or a high degree of personal assistance, will incur higher costs.
- Staffing Ratio: The number of support workers assigned to a participant plays a crucial role. A 1:1 support ratio (one support worker per participant) is naturally more expensive than 1:2, 1:3, or 1:4 ratios, which are typically used for group activities or shared living arrangements.
- Day of the Week and Time: Costs are higher on weekends and public holidays due to penalty rates for support staff.
- Location: Respite care in remote or very remote areas may have higher costs to account for the increased expenses of delivering services in those regions.
Based on the NDIS Price Guide for 2025, here’s an approximation of average maximum daily costs for Short Term Accommodation:
| Item Name and Notes (Support Ratio & Day) | Unit | National (Daily Rate) | Remote (Daily Rate) | Very Remote (Daily Rate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:1 - Weekday | Day | $2,178.57 | $3,050.00 | $3,267.86 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:1 - Saturday | Day | $2,785.13 | $3,899.18 | $4,177.70 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:1 - Sunday | Day | $3,527.69 | $4,938.77 | $5,291.54 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:1 - Public Holiday | Day | $4,270.25 | $5,978.35 | $6,405.38 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:2 - Weekday | Day | $1,198.69 | $1,678.17 | $1,798.04 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:2 - Saturday | Day | $1,501.97 | $2,102.76 | $2,252.96 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:2 - Sunday | Day | $1,873.25 | $2,622.55 | $2,809.88 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:2 - Public Holiday | Day | $2,244.53 | $3,142.34 | $3,366.80 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:3 - Weekday | Day | $872.06 | $1,220.88 | $1,308.09 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:3 - Saturday | Day | $1,074.25 | $1,503.95 | $1,611.38 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:3 - Sunday | Day | $1,321.77 | $1,850.48 | $1,982.66 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:3 - Public Holiday | Day | $1,569.29 | $2,197.01 | $2,353.94 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:4 - Weekday | Day | $708.75 | $992.25 | $1,063.13 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:4 - Saturday | Day | $860.39 | $1,204.55 | $1,290.59 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:4 - Sunday | Day | $1,046.03 | $1,464.44 | $1,569.05 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) - 1:4 - Public Holiday | Day | $1,231.67 | $1,724.34 | $1,847.51 |
Note: These are maximum price limits as per the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26. The final cost can differ based on your chosen provider and the specific services you access.
Other Types of Respite Care and Their Costs
While NDIS-funded STA is a primary option for disability support, it's worth noting other types of respite care that might be available and their general costs, though typically outside the NDIS framework for disability support:
- Residential Respite Care (Aged Care): For elderly individuals, residential respite costs approximately $63 per day, which is 85% of the basic age pension. Facilities may also charge additional service fees ($10-$50+ per day) for extra amenities.
- In-Home Respite Care (General): This can range from $160 to $400 per day for full-day care (over eight hours) or $20 to $50 per hour. Overnight or 24-hour care can cost between $300 and $800. Government subsidies through programs like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP) can help reduce these costs for eligible individuals.
- Community-Based Respite Care:
- Day respite (centre-based care): You can generally expect to pay $60 to $120 daily.
- Overnight/Weekend respite: Typically $100 to $300 per night.
- Group outings/social support programs: $20 to $50 per session.
- Private Respite Care (Unsubsidised):
- In-home: Typically $300 to $800 for a full day, extending to $500 to $1,500 for overnight or round-the-clock care.
- Private residential: $150 to $350 per day.
How Leah Bett Nursing Services Can Help
At Leah Bett Nursing Services, we provide emergency respite care for NDIS participants in our fully equipped and welcoming respite house. We believe in complete transparency, adhering strictly to the NDIS Price Guide to ensure our service fees are fair and clear. Our experienced team works closely with you to understand your loved one's specific requirements and maximise their NDIS funding, ensuring they receive the full benefit of their plan.
By choosing Leah Bett Nursing Services, you can rest assured that your loved ones are in compassionate and capable hands, allowing you the precious time to genuinely rest, recharge, and attend to your own needs.
Ready to book respite care?
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