At Rural Lifestyle Options Australia, we understand how important it is for both participants and their informal carers to have time to rest and recharge. Our Short Term Respite (STR) service is designed to provide a safe, supportive environment where you can enjoy a temporary stay away from home while your carers take a well-deserved break. ​Whether you need short-term support with daily living tasks, social participation or community access, our experienced team can provide tailored assistance that maintains your independence and wellbeing.

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Our STR service is all about providing a temporary, supportive environment where you can enjoy a short stay away from home — giving you and your carers the space to refresh and reset. This service is funded under your NDIS Core Supports - Assistance with Daily Life category. The NDIS typically allows up to 28 days per year (with a maximum of 14 days per stay).

 

While your STR stay is not a holiday, it is an ideal service for participants needing short-term, disability-related support away from their home. Whether you are in need of respite from caregiving or require temporary accommodation, our STR service is here to make sure you have the right support at the right time.

Who can use Short Term Respite (STR)? 

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Short Term Respite can be funded through your NDIS plan only if it directly relates to your disability support needs. To be eligible, the NDIA generally requires that you:

 

• Live with, or receive daily drop-in support from, your primary informal supports (such as family members); and

• Receive disability-related support from those informal supports for more than 6 hours a day on an ongoing basis.

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In addition, at least one of the following must also apply:​

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• You receive high-intensity supports or have complex medical or care needs (for example, enteral feeding, tracheostomy care, ventilator management or complex wound care).

• You require intensive behaviour support or specialist behavioural intervention.

• You live in a rural or regional area where alternate in-home supports are limited or not readily accessible.

• Your primary informal supports’ wellbeing or capacity to continue caring is at risk (for example, due to age, illness, or other caring responsibilities).

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Who is not eligible for Short Term Respite (STR)? 

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Short Term Respite funding is generally not available for participants who: 

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• Do not live with family or other informal supports.

• Already receive substantial paid support, such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO).

• Have paid support workers providing consistent, shared care where STR is not required.

• Are children, except in limited or exceptional circumstances.

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What is included during my stay? 
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Our focus is on providing short-term, disability-related support that helps you feel comfortable, safe and supported while giving your carers time to rest and rejuvenate.

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During your Short Term Respite (STR) stay, our friendly Lifestyle Support Workers can assist you with: 
 

• Personal care and daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation.

• Building independence and social skills around your interests and hobbies.

• Community access and participation activities.

• 24-hour support, including awake overnight shifts, where required.

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Please note that STR funding does not cover everyday living costs such as food, transport or tourism activities. However, our team can help you understand your NDIS plan to ensure you are maximising your available supports.

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If you require transitional accommodation, Rural Lifestyle Options Australia may be able to also support you with Medium Term Accommodation (MTA). 

Please note:

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STR funding does not cover day-to-day living expenses like food or transport, and cannot be used for holidays or tourism. However, we are here to help you navigate your NDIS plan to make sure you’re making the most of your supports. ​