NDIS short term respite in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie: what it covers and how to ask for it

Caring for someone is a big job. Short term respite is the NDIS support that gives carers a proper break, and gives the person they care for a change of scene with support they can rely on. This guide explains how it works, in plain English, and what it looks like locally.

The name changed: short term accommodation is now short term respite

In October 2025 the NDIS renamed "short term accommodation" to "short term respite" and updated its guideline at the same time. The purpose of the support is the same. You may still see "STA" on older plans and quotes; it means the same thing.

What short term respite is for

The NDIS describes it as support that gives you time apart from your usual care arrangements. It supports you while the family, friends or carers who usually help you take a short break from caring, so they can keep caring for you afterwards.

It is not a replacement for the normal time you spend apart, like school, work or community activities, and it is not crisis or emergency accommodation.

What it can include

• check_circleSupport with everyday activities during the stay, such as showering, cooking and toileting.
• check_circleSomewhere to stay, such as respite accommodation, a hotel or a motel.
• check_circleSupport to stay in your own home or in a homestay with a support worker, if you usually need overnight support.

How many days you can use

Short term respite is usually funded for up to 28 days a year. You can use it in blocks, for example a block of up to 14 days at a time. Because it has to last the year, it helps to plan roughly in advance: a regular weekend each month, a longer block over the school holidays, or a mix.

Generally it is used in your home state or territory. There can be exceptions for people in remote areas.

Who can get it

The NDIS says funding may be available if you live with your main informal supports (like family) or get daily drop-in support, or if your informal supports give you more than six hours of disability-related support a day. For children under 18, funding may be available in some situations, for example where support needs are much higher than usual for their age, or where a break would help the family keep caring.

Whether it is funded, and how much, depends on your situation. Always check your own plan.

How to ask for it

1. 1

   Raise it at your plan meeting or reassessment

   Explain who supports you day to day, how many hours they give, and why a break would help them keep going. You can ask for short term respite to be included in your plan.

2. 2

   Check your plan

   Look at how your plan is managed (NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed) and what your budgets allow. If you have a Support Coordinator, they can help you read it.

3. 3

   Choose a provider and agree the details

   Ask what support is included, who the workers will be, where the stay is, and what happens overnight. Get it in writing in a service agreement or quote before the stay.

4. 4

   Plan the year

   Spread the days across your plan period so there is still respite available when you really need it.

Respite with Your Way Living in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

Your Way Living is a registered NDIS provider based in Edgeworth, Lake Macquarie. We offer respite in three ways, planned around your family:

• check_circleIn-home respite: a support worker comes to your home so you can take a break, for a few hours or an evening.
• check_circleCommunity respite: outings, activities and shopping with a support worker, with transport if needed.
• check_circleShort stays: a short stay in one of our homes in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie, when a room is available. Ask us about current availability.

We support families across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. On the Central Coast we offer in-home and community respite. Respite can be regular or one-off, and we plan it around your family. Details are on our respite care page.