Short term accommodation and assistance, also known as respite, is a disability support service funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that provides temporary relief for carers of people with disabilities. It allows carers a short break from their caring responsibilities, promoting their well-being and preventing burnout.
For people with disabilities, respite accommodation and assistance offer a welcome opportunity to experience new environments, where they can develop social skills and participate in activities that they may not have access to at home. For family, carers and participants, respite represents a big win for everybody involved.
Imagine a scenario where Sarah, a primary carer forher teenage son Tom who has down syndrome, feels exhausted. Juggling work, daily routines, and Tom's specific needs has taken a toll. Respite care can provide her with a well-deserved break, knowing Tom is safe and supported in anurturing environment. This allows Sarah to recharge, ensuring she can continue providing the best possible care for Tom in the long-term.
Many families with NDIS plans wonder, "How much does NDIS respite care cost?", or "How much care will the NDIS cover?". Navigating the NDIS price structure is no small feat. It can feel like trying to find your way through a maze full of twists and turns.
This guide will explore the different factors that influence NDIS respite rates, helping you understand the pricing structure and how you can access the best possible short term accommodation and respite support through your NDIS plan.
A Guide to NDIS Respite Rates for Participants
The NDIS doesn't set a fixed price for respite. Instead, it outlines pricing arrangements and price limits that guide negotiations between participants and providers. Several factors influence the final cost:
- Level of Support: The amount of support a participant requires significantly affects the cost. Respite care with a 1:1 staff-to-participant ratio will naturally cost more than care with alower support ratio.
- Location: Respite costs vary depending on location. Providers in remote areas may have higher costs due to staffing and logistical considerations. The NDIS recognises these differences and outlines pricevariations for national, remote, and very remote locations.
- Type of Accommodation: Respite can take place in the participant's home, a provider's facility, or specialised short term accommodation. United for Care offers short-term respite care accommodation, providinga comfortable and supportive environment with qualified staff.
- Length of Stay: Respite is typically funded for short stays, usually up to 14 days at a time. Longer stays may fall outside the scope of NDIS funding and could be considered supported independent living (SIL) or medium term accommodation (MTA).
- Day of the Week: Weekday respite care rates are generally lower than weekend or public holiday rates.
Does the NDIS Pay for Respite Accommodation and Support?
The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary respite included in a participant's NDIS plan. This includes short term accommodation and assistance.
To access funding, your NDIS plan must clearly outline your respite needs, including the frequency, duration, type of accommodation, and level of support required.
Depending on your situation, up to 28 days of respite may be available per year with your NDIS funding covering the expense, although this is normally used in periods no longer than 14 days.
What are the NDIS Respite Price Limits?
Here's a simple breakdown outlining indicative costs for different NDIS respite care scenarios, based on the NDIS price guide 2023-24.
The costs in the table of contents beneath reflect the maximum prices NDIS providers can charge, covering accommodation, assistance with self-care, community access activities, accommodation, food and any negotiated activities.
Please note that these are examples only. Actual costs will vary depending on your specific circumstances and negotiated service agreements with respite providers.
What Else Can Affect NDIS Pricing for Respite?
Some of the other factors that can affect the cost of NDIS respite care include:
- Travel: Support providers may charge for travel time if they need to come to your home to deliver support.
- Activities: Costs may increase if specific activities or outings are planned during the respite period.
- Consumables: The cost of consumables like food or toiletries may be included or charged separately, depending on the provider's policy.
Navigating NDIS Respite Costs in 5 Steps
Respite care is an essential service for NDIS participants and their families, but understanding your needs, the costs involved and how to the most for your money is enough to make your head spin.
It’s handy to break the process down into these 5 simple steps, which will help you decide which provider to go with and ensure you get the most out of your allocated funding:
- Plan Proactively: When discussing your NDIS plan with your plan manager, advocate for your respite care needs. Clearly outline the frequency, duration, and level of support required. This helps ensure your plan reflects your needs and allows you to budget effectively.
- Shop Around and Compare: Don't settle for the first support provider you come across. Get quotes from several providers in your area and ask questions that shed light on the service participants receive. Compare their rates, service offerings, and experience working with participants with similar needs.
- Negotiate with Confidence: Once you've identified a few suitable providers, discuss the specifics of their service agreements. Don't be afraid to negotiate the rate based on the level of support you need and the services included. Remember, you have the right to get the best possible value for your available funding.
- Ask About All Costs: Be sure to understand any additional charges that may apply beyond the base rate. This could include travel time for in-home support, costs for planned activities during respite stays, or charges for consumables like toiletries or meals.
- Maintain Clear Communication: Throughout your interactions with providers, maintain clear communication about your expectations and budget. If there are any changes or unforeseen circumstances, discuss them openly with the provider to find solutions that work for everyone.
Accessing Short Term Accommodation Through an NDIS Plan
If your NDIS plan includes funding for short term accommodation (STA) as part of your respite funding, you can explore STA options like United for Care. United for Care offers welcoming and accessible short term accommodation specifically designed to cater to the needs of NDIS participants.
United for Care offers STA which is designed to be a steppingstone to longer term independent living and is a perfect solution for people who are either waiting for NDIS funding to be approved, wanting to test out independent living temporarily, or in need of a short break from their usual living situation.
United for Care STA offers you a unique mix of benefits:
✔️Choice and Control: You get to choose the type of accommodation that suits your needs and preferences.
✔️Personalised Support: United for Care can provide support workers to assist you with daily tasks such as showering, dressing, meal preparation and transport. You can choose the level of support you need.
✔️Develop Independent Living Skills: If you are looking to move into independent living permanently, United for Care STA can be a great way to develop the skills you need to live independently.
✔️Respite for Carers: United for Care STA can also offer much-needed respite for family carers. It can give them a break from their caring responsibilities and allow them to recharge.
Contact United for Care today and find out how our STA and support services can offer a solution tailored to your needs:
Email Us: info@unitedforcare.com.au
Call Us: 1300 405 260
