Short Term Respite
Short term respite in Brisbane, planned around you
Short term respite can provide time apart from usual care arrangements and may help families and carers keep up their caring role. Suitability, funding, support requirements, routines, accessibility, timing and current service capacity all need to be considered before any stay is agreed.
Short term respite was previously called short term accommodation (STA). The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) announced the name short term respite in October 2025. Check current NDIA guidance for terminology, eligibility and use.
At a glance
- Planned around your goals and routines
- Available across Brisbane
- NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed plans
What good looks like
Signs short term respite is working for you
Rest for everyone
You and your family or carers receive a genuine break. The purpose, dates and support needs are agreed before the stay is confirmed.
Familiar routines
Important routines continue so the stay feels comfortable. Communication, meals, personal routines and accessibility needs can be documented in advance.
Smooth return
Coming home is planned to carry key information through. Pick-up, drop-off and relevant handover details are planned with the people you choose.
Respite example
What it can look like
What a short stay can involve
For example, a participant might plan a weekend stay with activities they enjoy, while their family takes a planned break. Routines, medication support and preferences are agreed beforehand so the stay feels familiar.
- 1 Stay planned well ahead
- 2 Routines and preferences carried through
- 3 Families informed as agreed
Example only. The right arrangement depends on the participant’s goals, circumstances, funding where relevant, suitability, availability and what Bright Heart Co can confirm.
How it works
Official information and independent pathways
Individual funding and support decisions depend on your circumstances.
Good to know
Funding, availability and your choices
Your choices: Short Term Respite
Check Short Term Respite eligibility and the details of a proposed stay before booking.
Tell the team how you prefer information about Short Term Respite to be explained and whether a chosen supporter should be involved with your consent. Ask what can be arranged before you proceed.
Understand your rights →Scope, funding and availability: Short Term Respite
Ask the team to explain current NDIS rules, suitability, costs and availability in plain language before an arrangement is confirmed. Eligibility is not assumed.
Ask what is included in the proposed stay. If it helps you decide, ask for the proposed Short Term Respite details, costs or service limits in writing.
Read Funding & Fees →Before you start
Before you ask about short term respite
Think about the purpose of the stay, preferred dates, routines, support needs and handover information. Availability and suitability are confirmed before any stay is agreed.
Questions? Call 0433 723 511
Short Term Respite: details to start with
You can begin with a brief summary. Start with the purpose of respite, dates, support needs, location and what your plan may allow. The team can ask for additional information only when it is relevant to Short Term Respite.
- Confirm whether this support is funded in your plan
- Ask about available dates and the proposed setting
- Agree routines, accessibility and worker tasks
- Clarify meals, activities and all proposed charges
- Plan the return home and key handover information
Questions to ask our team
Use these as a starting point. You can begin with the main question about Short Term Respite; the remaining details can be worked through with you.
- Which respite arrangements can you currently offer?
- What is included in the proposed stay?
- What happens if my preferred dates are unavailable?
- Who confirms medication responsibilities before the stay?
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
These answers cover Short Term Respite, formerly called STA, and individual suitability. Contact the team if your own circumstances need a more specific response.
Cannot see your question? Ask our team →
What should be clarified before a short stay?
Support needs, routines, medication or health information where relevant, communication, accessibility, timing and agreed service arrangements should be clarified before the stay starts.
Can routines and preferences be discussed?
Yes. Familiar routines, communication preferences and important daily details should be discussed as part of planning.
How is suitability checked?
The team needs to consider the requested support, practical requirements, availability and whether the arrangement can be delivered safely and appropriately.
What should I bring or prepare?
The specific preparation will depend on the agreed stay. The team will explain what to bring and prepare before the stay starts.
Keep exploring
Related supports
Supports that are often combined with this one.
Ready when you are
Choose your next step
Speak with us about whether short term respite fits your support needs, timing and plan.
Prefer to speak with someone directly?
Arlene OnyejekweDirector · 0433 723 511 Joseph IfeanyiService Manager · 0420 702 574Speak with our team: 0433 723 511. Mon–Fri: 9:00am–5:00pm, excluding public holidays.