Choosing the right Short-Term Accommodation (STA) under the NDIS isn’t just about finding a bed and a few friendly faces. It’s about finding a provider that feels like a partner—someone who understands your goals, respects your preferences, and supports you like a local footy team backs its best forward.
Across Australia, STA provides more than just respite. It provides opportunities for personal growth, independence, and meaningful social experiences. But with so many providers, especially in metro and regional areas alike, knowing what to ask before booking is key.
Let’s break down the five crucial questions that can help you make a confident, informed decision.
1. What Type of STA Is Right for You?
Short-Term Accommodation can meet different goals, depending on what you need. Some options might be focused on rest, while others lean into life skills or social engagement.
Common types include:
- Respite STA: A break for both participants and their carers
- Skills-focused STA: Activities to boost independence
- Community STA: Group-style stays promoting social interaction
According to the NDIS guidelines, participants can access up to 28 days of STA per year, usually broken into blocks.
So, what’s the goal? Are you looking for some downtime, or is it more about building confidence and trying new activities?
2. How Qualified and Capable Are the Staff?
You wouldn’t leave your dog with someone who can’t throw a tennis ball. Likewise, you shouldn’t leave your loved one with staff who aren’t trained for the job.
Ask these questions:
- Are staff trained in disability support, medication administration, and first aid?
- Is there a behaviour support framework in place for complex needs?
- What is the staff-to-participant ratio?
Providers should be transparent. For participants with higher care needs, 1:1 support might be necessary—and yes, it should still be part of the NDIS plan if justified.
3. Are the Facilities Safe, Comfortable and Accessible?
The quality of the accommodation can make or break the experience. In fact, a 2023 review by the Summer Foundation found that underutilisation of NDIS housing often came down to facilities not meeting participant needs.
Facilities checklist:
- Wheelchair access and modified bathrooms
- Quiet areas for sensory sensitivity
- Emergency response systems
- Safe, welcoming spaces for all age groups
- Proximity to parks, shops or transport if outings are part of the plan
Whenever possible, request a property tour or video walkthrough to see the environment firsthand.
4. Is the Pricing Transparent and NDIS-Compatible?
The NDIS Price Guide outlines daily rates for STA which vary depending on support level, staff ratio, location, and whether it’s a weekday or weekend.
According to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2023–24, STA can range from around $685 to over $6,000 per day for intensive 1:1 support.
What to ask:
- Are meals, transport and activities included in the daily price?
- Is there a weekend or public holiday surcharge?
- Are there cancellation policies?
A good provider will give you a full breakdown—no smoke, no mirrors, and certainly no hidden costs tucked in the small print.
5. What Activities and Community Engagement Are Offered?
STA should be more than a safe place to sleep. It should be a springboard for community interaction, skill development and fun.
Look for providers that include:
- Daily living tasks like cooking or shopping
- Creative sessions such as art, music or gardening
- Social events and local outings
- Optional allied health support like physio or OT
The AIHW highlights that connection to community and meaningful routines improve quality of life and long-term outcomes for people with disability. So yes, trivia night and pancake Sundays do count.
Quick Comparison: What to Look for in STA Providers
Quick Comparison: What to Look for in STA Providers| Feature | What to Look For |
| Purpose of Stay | Respite, skill-building or social focus |
| Staff Qualifications | Training in disability, behaviour support, and first aid |
| Facility Accessibility | Ramps, modified bathrooms, secure and calm environments |
| Pricing Structure | Transparent daily rates with itemised extras |
| Community Access & Activities | Planned daily activities, optional therapies, local experiences |
The Demand for Quality STA Is Growing
Data from the NDIS Quarterly Report Q2 2023–24 reveals that over 9,800 SDA-approved participants are still searching for suitable accommodation. While STA and SDA differ, the takeaway is the same: demand is high and the quality of services varies widely.
Anecdotally, families in Perth, Newcastle and regional Victoria report long wait times and a shortage of STA with tailored support—so acting early and asking the right questions matters.
A Better Experience Starts With the Right Fit
At Optimal Care Australia, we believe STA should feel like a fresh start, not a stop-gap. Our STA Respite Care for NDIS Participants is shaped around dignity, joy and real outcomes—whether that means practising cooking skills, catching a local footy game, or simply relaxing in a secure, friendly environment.
If you’re ready to explore STA that’s designed with people, not programs, in mind—we’re here to help. Let’s find the support you need for a stay that’s safe, enriching, and genuinely enjoyable.
