How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Day NDIS

The cost of NDIS respite care per day usually ranges from $708 to $3,527 for standard support. Your total daily price depends on how many staff members you need and what day of the week you stay.

TL;DR: Respite Care Costs at a Glance

Respite care is called Short Term Accommodation (STA) in the NDIS. The daily rate is all-inclusive. It covers your bed, meals, 24-hour support, and basic activities. A weekday with one staff member for one person costs about $2,178. If you share support with others, the price can drop to around $708 per day.

These prices are set by the government in the NDIS Price Guide. You do not usually pay for this with your own money. The funding comes from your Core Supports budget. It is meant to give you and your family a break. Most people get funding for up to 28 days of respite per year.

What is Respite Care in the NDIS?

Respite care is a way for you to stay away from home for a short time. It gives your usual carers a chance to rest. It also gives you a chance to try new things and meet new people.

In the NDIS, this is officially known as Short Term Accommodation. This funding pays for a stay in a house or facility for up to 14 days at a time. It is not just a place to sleep. It is a full package of care that supports your goals.

At Made To Help, we see respite as a chance for growth. You can practice living on your own while having professional staff nearby. We provide this support across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Day NDIS?

The price for one day of respite care depends on the staff-to-participant ratio. This means how many workers are there to help you and other guests.

• 1:1 Support (One staff for one person): This costs about $2,178 per weekday.
• 1:2 Support (One staff for two people): This costs about $1,198 per weekday.
• 1:3 Support (One staff for three people): This costs about $872 per weekday.
• 1:4 Support (One staff for four people): This costs about $708 per weekday.

These rates are for "National" areas. This includes most of Victoria. If you live in a very remote area, the prices are higher. You can check the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements for more details.

Why Do the Costs Change on Weekends?

The NDIS pays staff more money to work on weekends and public holidays. This is called a penalty rate. Because the staff cost more, the daily rate for your respite stay also goes up.

A Sunday stay is the most expensive. For a 1:1 support ratio, a Sunday can cost over $3,500. A Saturday usually costs around $2,785 for the same level of care. If you are on a tight budget, try to book your stays from Monday to Friday. This makes your funding last much longer.

Public holidays have the highest rates. Some people choose to save their funding for special holidays. Others prefer to use more days during the week to get more value.

What is Included in the Daily Rate?

The daily rate for Short Term Accommodation is meant to cover everything you need for 24 hours. You should not have to pay extra for your basic needs while you are there.

The daily rate includes:

• Your accommodation in a safe house.
• Personal care like help with showering or dressing.
• All your meals and drinks throughout the day.
• Basic activities like going to a park or a local movie.
• Support from trained staff all day and night.

We suggest asking your provider for a written agreement. This document should list exactly what is included. You can find out more about what to expect from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

Most costs are covered, but some special things might be extra. It is important to talk about these before you book your stay.

If you want to go to a major concert or a theme park, you might have to pay for the ticket. The NDIS funding covers the staff member who goes with you, but it might not cover the entry fee. You might also need to pay for your own transport if you are going a very long way.

At Made To Help, we are honest about our costs. We sit down with you to plan your stay. We make sure you know exactly what your plan will cover before you arrive.

How to Find Respite Funding in Your Plan

You will usually find respite funding under your "Core Supports" budget. It is often listed as "Assistance with Daily Life."

Check your NDIS plan for the words "Short Term Accommodation." If you do not see these words, you might not have specific funding for it yet. However, the NDIS often lets you use your Core budget flexibly. This means you might be able to use money from other parts of your Core budget to pay for a short stay.

If you are unsure, talk to your Support Coordinator. They can look at your plan and tell you how much you can spend. You can also use the Disability Gateway to find more info on plan rules.

What is the Difference Between STA and MTA?

Short Term Accommodation (STA) is for stays up to 14 days. Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is for longer stays up to 90 days.

MTA is used when you are waiting for a permanent home to be ready. It does not usually include meals or support staff. It only pays for the "bricks and mortar" of the house. STA is much more common for people who just need a break or temporary care.

Knowing the difference helps you ask for the right thing in your plan review. You can read about the MTA guidelines on the official NDIS website.

How to Get the Most from Your Respite Budget

To make your funding go further, think about sharing support. Group stays are a great way to save money and make friends at the same time.

Booking a 1:2 or 1:3 stay is much cheaper than 1:1 support. If you are happy to share a staff member with one or two other people, you can stay for many more days each year. This is a popular choice for people who enjoy social activities.

Also, look for providers in your local area of Victoria. This reduces travel costs for the staff. We help families in suburbs like Gladstone Park and Craigieburn find local options that work.

Choosing a Registered NDIS Provider for Respite

A registered provider must meet high standards for safety and care. This is very important when you are staying away from home.

Registered providers are audited by the government. They must show that their houses are clean, safe, and accessible. Their staff must also have background checks. Made To Help is a registered provider. We take these rules very seriously to keep you safe.

You can search for registered providers on the NDIS Provider Finder tool. This ensures you are working with a professional team.

How We Support You at Made To Help

We offer high-quality respite care that focuses on your comfort. Our team helps you feel at home while you are away.

We provide Support Coordination to help you get respite added to your plan. We also have direct support workers who can provide 24-hour care. Whether you need help with self-care or want to build new skills, we are here to assist.

Our goal is to make the process easy. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on resting. You can see our self-care and respite services for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use respite care for an emergency?

Yes, respite care can be used if your usual carer suddenly gets sick or has an accident. Some providers keep beds open for these situations. It is good to have a plan in place before an emergency happens.

Does the NDIS cover the cost of my food during respite?

Yes, the daily STA rate includes all your meals. The provider should talk to you about your likes, dislikes, and any allergies before you stay.

How many days of respite can I get per year?

Most people get 28 days of Short Term Accommodation per year. This is usually used in blocks of up to 14 days at a time. You can use them all at once or spread them out.

Can I stay in a hotel for NDIS respite?

Sometimes you can stay in a hotel, but a staff member must be with you to provide care. Most people choose a dedicated respite house because it is already set up with the equipment they need.

How do I book respite with Made To Help?

You can contact us through our website to check our current availability. We will look at your NDIS plan and help you organize a stay that fits your needs. Visit our contact page to speak with us.