Understanding Short-Term Accommodation (STA)

Short-Term Accommodation (STA), often referred to as respite, provides people with disabilities a supportive opportunity to spend time away from their usual home. It offers a change of environment, new experiences, and a safe space to rest and recharge — all while receiving expert care and support aligned with their NDIS goals.

STA also allows carers and family members to take a meaningful break, knowing their loved one is being cared for in a respectful, person-centred environment. At Southern Light Respite, we believe that taking a break should never feel clinical or impersonal. Our approach is grounded in dignity, community, and care.

What Does STA Look Like in Practice?

Under the NDIS, STA typically covers:

• Personal care and support
• Meals and accommodation
• Activities that build skills and independence

It can be used for a short period — from a single night to up to 14 days at a time — and is particularly helpful during times of transition, increased stress, or simply when a change of scenery is needed. The setting is relaxed, inclusive, and designed to feel like a home away from home.
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Importantly, while other supports like in-home assistance and community access programs are vital to daily life, they are not considered STA and are funded under separate NDIS categories. Only supports that take place away from your usual home and align with the criteria set by the NDIS fall under STA.

The Benefits of Short-Term Accommodation

The benefits of STA are both practical and deeply personal. Whether it’s a new experience, a fresh perspective, or simply the chance to take a breath, STA offers unique advantages for participants and their support networks:

• Exploring New Environments: Trying a different setting can build confidence and offer fresh routines in a supportive space.
• Building Independence: From cooking meals to making daily choices, participants can practise life skills that contribute to their long-term goals.
• Forming New Social Connections: Meeting new people in a friendly, inclusive setting encourages social growth and nurtures community belonging.
• Personalised Support: Every individual is different — that’s why our support plans are co-created to reflect each participant’s needs, choices, and interests.
• Time to Recharge (for Carers and Families): Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. STA gives families and carers a chance to rest and reset, knowing their loved one is being supported with compassion and professionalism.

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Who Can Access STA?

STA is available to NDIS participants who have goals in their plan that relate to building independence, exploring community, or maintaining relationships and support systems. It may be suitable for:

• Individuals living with disability who would benefit from time in a new environment
• Families looking to maintain long-term stability in the caring relationship
• Participants preparing for greater independence or transitions into supported living

At Southern Light Respite, we take the time to understand every individual’s goals — and work with participants, families, and support coordinators to ensure STA fits meaningfully into their broader NDIS plan.

What Makes a Great STA Provider?

Choosing the right provider matters. It’s about more than accommodation — it’s about trust, relationships, and the little things that make someone feel at home.

A quality STA provider should offer:

• Experience in Disability-Inclusive Support: Providers should demonstrate a deep understanding of disability support that is trauma-informed, culturally safe, and person-centred.
• Personalised, Co-Designed Care Plans: These should be flexible, strengths-based, and developed in partnership with participants and their support teams.
• A Comfortable, Safe, and Welcoming Environment: A true home away from home — never sterile or institutional.
• Engaging, Enjoyable Activities: Every stay should offer opportunities for growth, fun, and connection, whether it's baking, art, nature walks, or simply enjoying quiet time.
• Support Workers Who Connect: The heart of quality support is relationships. Staff should take the time to get to know participants — their stories, preferences, and hopes.
• Support That Aligns With Your NDIS Plan: Look for providers who understand the importance of NDIS compliance, and who work with you to ensure STA is well-utilised and documented.

At Southern Light Respite, we’re proud to offer STA in Hobart that meets all of these criteria — and more. Our focus is always on supporting the whole person, not just the plan.

Why We Use “Accommodation Away From Your Usual Home”

While many people still use the term "respite", the NDIS now refers to it as Short-Term Accommodation away from your usual home. We embrace this language because it better reflects the empowering nature of these experiences. Words matter — and for many in the disability community, "facility-based" can carry connotations that are clinical, outdated, or even traumatic. At Southern Light Respite, our language — like our care — is always respectful, inclusive, and person-first.

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you're considering your first STA experience or looking for a trusted provider to support your next break, we're here to help.

At Southern Light Respite, we walk beside you — never ahead — to ensure every step is one of choice, dignity, and empowerment.

📞 Get in touch with our team today

To learn how we can support you or your loved one with high-quality short-term accommodation in Hobart.

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