The Apoio Pulse – Issue 23

Short Term Accommodation and Respite: A Break from the Ordinary!

This week let’s talk Short Term Accommodation (STA) and Respite funding. It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the guidelines and factors that differentiate STA from being perceived as a typical holiday experience. Let's delve into the details together!

STA funding serves as a crucial support system, providing accommodation and care for individuals with specific disability-related needs during a short period away from their usual residence. STA is not intended for general holiday purposes, but rather to cater to the unique requirements of the individual.

Here are some key points to consider when seeking STA/Respite:

• It must meet a Disability-Related need.
• It should align with Goals and Community Participation.
• It should offer Value for Money: is it feasible and safe to share supports with other individuals. Individual supports within an STA setting are generally not funded unless there is a compelling disability-related reason.
• It is not for Housing Crises: STA funding should not be mistaken for addressing housing crises or homelessness. There are other support organisations that specialise in addressing these specific needs.
• It is not intended for a general holiday.

Understanding and adhering to the NDIA guidelines ensures that STA funding is appropriately used, enabling individuals to receive the support they genuinely require.

The NDIA has produced a great document that gives more information about this topic. We encourage you to thoroughly review the complete document, as it provides comprehensive information and further guidance on accessing STA. Should you have any questions or require additional support, reach out to a Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator, Plan Manager or NDIS Planner.

At Apoio, we believe in sharing knowledge and by collectively understanding and implementing these guidelines, we can ensure that STA serves its intended purpose effectively and positively impacts the lives of those on the NDIS.

If you have any further thoughts or interesting information about STA, please let us know. We are here to support you and collaborate in providing the best possible outcomes for NDIS participants.

Thank you again for your commitment to providing exceptional care and support to individuals with disabilities.