Finding the right kind of short term care in Brisbane can make a big difference for both individuals with disabilities and their carers. Whether it’s a weekend break, a temporary change of scenery, or extra support during a challenging period, these care options give families peace of mind while meeting everyday needs. With the right support in place, people can maintain routines, build new skills, and feel more connected.
As we approach the warmer months of spring in Queensland, many families are thinking about travel, school holidays, or simply catching up on rest. Short term care options can provide the freedom to do just that, while still making sure that loved ones receive attentive and compassionate care. That flexibility not only helps with day-to-day challenges but can also bring new opportunities for growth and independence.
What Is Short Term Accommodation Under The NDIS?
Short term accommodation, often called STA within the NDIS, is a funded care option that supports individuals with disabilities for a limited time away from their usual home. It might be used for a few days or up to two weeks and generally includes personal care, meals, and housing. The idea is to offer a break for regular carers or to provide the participant with a different experience in a safe and supported setting.
STA falls under the Core Supports budget of the NDIS. It’s ideal for someone who will benefit from new routines, social interactions, or a different environment for a short period. It also helps families take time to manage other responsibilities or simply rest, knowing their loved one is in a supportive environment.
Many people use STA during times when their primary carer is unavailable, such as during illness or hospitalisation. Others use it to slowly transition into new living arrangements or try a new service provider before making a longer-term commitment. The main goal is to keep the participant’s support consistent while giving families flexible options.
Different Types Of Short Term Accommodation Available
There are a few main types of short term accommodation available in Brisbane, each suited to different needs and situations. Here are the three most common:
- Respite Care: This is the best-known type of short term accommodation. It provides unpaid carers with a break, while the person receiving care stays in a supportive environment with all their daily needs looked after. It’s a way for everyone to reset and return with renewed energy.
- Transitional Care: This support is used when someone is moving between different long-term living arrangements. For example, when leaving hospital care and returning home but needing extra short-term assistance, transitional care offers a safe bridge between the two stages.
- Emergency Accommodation: Sometimes, short term accommodation is needed quickly due to unforeseen circumstances. This includes situations where a carer becomes suddenly unavailable or when home conditions are no longer safe. Emergency STA helps ensure care is not interrupted during such times.
Each option provides safety and support, but choosing the right one depends on the situation. A young adult trying to develop life skills might benefit from respite care in a new environment, while someone recovering from hospitalisation might need transitional STA with extra medical support.
Brisbane offers a strong mix of services to meet each of these needs, making it easier for families to respond to changes or plan ahead.
How To Access Short Term Accommodation Services
Getting access to STA services through the NDIS doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach that participants and their families can follow:
1. Speak with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). Explain the need for short term accommodation and how it ties into current goals or care needs.
2. Ensure these goals are clearly included in the participant’s NDIS plan. This might include aims like developing independence or supporting daily living.
3. Apply for STA support under the Core Supports section. Most short term accommodation is funded here as long as it meets the “reasonable and necessary” standard.
4. Provide documentation to support the request. This could include a doctor’s note, behaviour support plan, or carer report describing why STA will benefit the person involved.
5. Once approved, choose an NDIS-registered provider and confirm the booking based on availability and needs.
It’s helpful to remember that a formal diagnosis isn’t always required for STA to be included in the plan. What matters most is showing how it helps achieve the participant’s personal goals.
Whether you need support with finding the right provider or writing supporting documents, starting with a clear discussion and plan can make the experience smoother and less stressful.
Finding The Right Provider In Brisbane
Choosing a short term accommodation provider is about more than just availability. It’s about finding a team and a space that understands your needs and treats you with respect.
When looking for providers in Brisbane, it helps to ask:
- Are they located close to family homes, transport, medical support, or schools?
- Do they have experience working with people of similar ages, goals, or disability types?
- Are the staff trained in medical and behavioural support, and do they meet all the necessary safety checks?
- Is the accommodation clean, well-equipped, and suitable for comfort and care?
- Can they adjust the experience to suit the participant’s personality, routine, and preferences?
Try reaching out directly to providers to ask questions, book a virtual or in-person tour, and learn more about what daily life looks like at the accommodation. Little things like knowing what the meals are like or which activities are available can make a big difference in how comfortable the stay is.
One provider in Brisbane offering short term accommodation options is Onyx Care. Their team focuses on creating a safe and homely space suited to each person’s support requirements. While there are many good services across the city, taking time to ask the right questions ensures the provider is a strong match.
Making The Most Of Short Term Accommodation
Preparation can help make STA a more positive experience. Here are a few tips to help participants and families make things easier before, during, and after the stay:
- Pack important belongings: clothing, familiar items, mobility or communication devices, and anything comforting such as books or music.
- Write out a simple care plan: include daily routine, medications, food preferences, personal care needs, and any behavioural strategies.
- Stay in touch: keep phone numbers handy and check in during the stay if that helps ease any nerves, especially for first-timers.
- Be flexible: some changes in routine are natural. Use feedback from the stay to plan future visits and improve each experience.
Planning around the participant’s personal comfort levels goes a long way. Avoid scheduling STA during stressful life changes unless necessary. A little forethought can turn a short break into a great memory.
The feedback from a trial stay can be used to adjust future visits. Sometimes, staff learn a small change can increase comfort, such as adjusting lighting or shifting mealtimes.
Support That Makes Life Better
When delivered well, short term accommodation adds value to day-to-day life. It supports independence, offers new connections, and gives carers time to balance their other responsibilities. It can be an important stepping stone for personal growth, or simply a chance for everyone to pause, reflect, and regain energy.
Whether you’re planning a break during the school holidays, supporting recovery from illness, or stepping into a new life stage, finding the right STA service in Brisbane is worth the time. Everyone deserves care that fits their story, and options that bring ease, support, and encouragement into everyday living.
Looking to take a well-deserved break or support a loved one through a time of transition? At Onyx Care, we offer solutions that prioritise comfort, flexibility, and genuine connection. Learn how short term accommodation under the NDIS can create space for rest while still delivering personalised support every step of the way.