All about Respite Care under the NDIS

What is Respite Care in NDIS?

Under NDIS, Respite care is when NDIS participants need to take a break from your usual routine for a short period of time. It is an alternative care that is put in place while the usual care provider is unavailable. The purpose of this break is for you to try or learn new things, participate in social activities and gain more independence.

Respite Care covers the cost of your care for NDIS participants up to 14 days, including a short stay with other NDIS participants or by yourself. 

We all have heard that the purpose of respite care is to give carer and participant a break. Well according to the carers VIC website there is no support service under NDIS officially called Respite . Yes, There is a reason. According to carersvictoria.org.au, “The NDIS Plan is centred around the person with a disability, not the carer/other family members, so all supports are written in the plan in a way that relates to the person with disability. This is why there is no NDIS support called Respite”.

But still the respite term is used commonly, even on the official NDIS Website. So for that purpose we will use the term in this blog. 

What does NDIS Respite care cover?

Respite care funding covers all necessary costs for the service throughout a 24-hour period, such as:

• Short-term accommodation in a suitable facility.
• Assistance with self-care or personal activities.
• Support community activities.
• Overnight support.
• Meal Preparation.
• Activities that both you and the provider agree to do.

People often get confused about the length of short term accommodation under the NDIS plan, Let’s discuss it.

As per the NDIS official website, it is clearly stated that we can get funds for up to 28 days of short-term accommodation per year. For instance, you might like to use it for one weekend each month or in blocks of up to 14 days at a time. Your funding for short-term housing is flexible.

What are the advantages of adding respite care to your plan?

Respite care isn’t just about the accommodation; it allows both a person with a disability and their caregiver to have a short term break from their daily commitments. Everyone deserves a break for vacation, family time, or going out with friends. 

There are some other benefits of Respite care

• gives you the chance to try new things or develop new skills
• Opportunity to make new friends.
• Supports you to join a new community group.
• Boost independent life
• Boost confidence to control over your lives.

What are the costs of Respite care under NDIS?

NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (previously the NDIS Price Guide) assist participants and NDIS Support Provider in understanding how price controls for supports and services work in the NDIS. The rates for weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as public holidays are different.

Can I get respite care included in my plan?

Please note that you may not need funding for Short Term Accommodation in your NDIS Plan. You can choose to use your Core budget if it helps you pursue your goals.

If you want to include respite care services in your plan, you must first complete the assessment test. An assessment is required to determine which type of respite care services you require.

If you meet the requirements, you may use respite care services for up to 14 days at a time.

However, how can you tell if you are eligible for respite care?

The best way is to connect to a Support Coordinator. Family Care Australia’s Support Coordination Services can assist you to determine your eligibility for Respite Care. You can also take a look at the eligibility criteria for respite care.

NDIS participants are eligible for Respite care support if

• You are able to get more help from your family or friends.
• In the future, you might not require as much assistance.
• It supports you to maintain functional capacity.
• It assists you boost your independence. 
• It assists you in doing more activities.

How can Family Care Australia help me with respite care?

Family Care Australia can offer your loved one with high-quality care based on their specific requirements. Family Care Australia offers respite care to provide family members with some time off and peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are being well cared for. This allows for a healthier family relationship and time for the caregiver to focus on his or her own personal needs. We provide quality care, and our nurses and support workers are available 24/7 to cater the needs of NDIS Participants.