Choosing NDIS respite that’s right for you

Selecting National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funded respite or short-term accommodation can be confusing. There seems so many to choose from.

Respite is a beneficial service provided under the NDIS. It allows participants to take a break and experience new, supported activities. It can also allow caregivers to take a break from their responsibilities.

Here are some points to consider to help you choose the right NDIS respite accommodation.

Understanding NDIS Respite and Respite Care

Respite care is intended to provide temporary care for an individual in the NDIS program. It gives them a break and so their primary caregivers have an opportunity to rest, recharge, and attend to other matters that can arise in their lives.

Being supported by the NDIS is a great support when caring for someone with a disability. Because the physical and emotional toll can be heavy, NDIS respite services are essential for preventing caregiver burnout and ensuring both maintain well-being.

Choosing the level of support that works for you

In most cases, individuals and carers want NDIS respite accommodation that provides participants with a change of scenery, opportunity to engage in non-stressful social activities and learn new skills. These programs are typically held in community-based locations in a safe and supportive environment. Participants may have more complex needs which may not be fully supported in short-term group programs.

Retreat South specialises in providing services to this group. Retreat South is an accredited, psychology-lead program which individually supervised each participant’s respite activities, ensuring that they are suitable and conducted at a level that matches the participant’s needs.

Choosing respite with experienced caregivers

It is important that respite and short-erm accomodation is provided by qualified and experienced professionals. The team at Retreat South are all professionals in their field of service with wide experience in the community and private health and mental health sector.

Choosing quality NDIS supported accommodation

You will want respite with clean, comfortable and uncrowded living spaces. Retreat South offers individualised accomodation. NDIS participants have an individual suite with bathroom and dining facilities. Each room has television, and access to streaming content and WiFi. Each suite is serviced daily and all meals are served in the suite.

Planning respite in advance or at short notice

Respite care is usually planned in advance to accommodate a caregiver’s other commitments. However, unforeseen circumstances can mean accomodation needs to be arranged. Securing respite within a few days’ notice is so reassuring for caregivers. You can book respite at Retreat South weeks, or even months ahead and your booking will be honoured. In an emergency, Retreat South can offer immediate support a few days in advance of a desired date, depending on availability.

Choosing pet-friendly NDIS respite and short-term accomodation

Some people do not consider respite because they have a pet and are anxious about leaving it behind or with other people if they take a break. Retreat South is one of the few NDIS respite providers that welcomes pets.

For help with any of these questions, or with any questions of your own, contact us any day of the week between 9 am and 6 pm.

We are here to help you.