Respite care vs holidays: what you need to know
When it comes to taking a break, everyone deserves the chance to recharge, including people living with disabilities and their families. But when you’re planning time away from home, it’s important to know the difference between respite care and a holiday.
Although both offer valuable time out, they serve different purposes and are also funded differently under the NDIS. Here’s what you need to know.
What is respite care?
Respite care, also known as Short Term Accommodation (STA), is designed to give both you and your informal carers a break. Your informal carers being your family members, friends or close relatives who support you without payment or a formal agreement.
Respite care gives your informal carers a chance to rest and recharge, while you continue receiving the care and support you need in a different setting.
At Leisure Options, we offer Respite Care that includes fun, engaging activities in a warm and caring home environment where our professional and experienced team members will support you. Our well-equipped respite property in Anglesea, Victoria, offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from the beach – all designed to make your break as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
In Australia, respite care is most commonly funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) under Short Term Accommodation (STA), including respite.
What is a holiday?
A holiday is focused on travel for leisure, recreation, and personal enrichment. While a holiday might also provide your informal carers a break, its main goal is to create opportunities for travel as well as fun, relaxation, new experiences, and social connection.
Your NDIS plan can include funding for support while you’re on holiday, however, the costs of travel, accommodation, meals, and activities are not funded by the NDIS and would need to be covered privately
In short:
- The NDIS may fund your support needs during a holiday, but
- You are responsible for your holiday expenses such as flights, accommodation, meals, and entertainment
NDIS funding differences: Respite care vs holidays
Respite Care (STA) | Holiday | |
Purpose | Provide a short-term break for participants and their informal carers | Travel, leisure, relaxation, and personal enjoyment |
Funding | NDIS typically funds up to 28 days per year, which can be used flexibly. Covers care, support, meals, activities, and accommodation | The participant pays for travel, accommodation, while NDIS may fund support hours only |
Focus | Care, rest, and support in a different environment | Fun, recreation, travel, and life experiences |
Care and support | Included in STA funding | Support services funded separately (from Core budget if approved) |
Accommodation | Included in STA package (when conducted in a group setting unless there is evidence you require individual support because of your disability) | Paid privately by participant |
NDIS eligibility | Must meet reasonable and necessary criteria under NDIS. For more details, see how the NDIS make decisions about STA. | Support funding must already exist in your plan; holidays themselves are not funded |
Why both respite care and holidays are important
Both respite care and holidays play important roles in maintaining your overall
wellbeing.
Respite care benefits
- Gives carers a much-needed break
- Helps build participant independence
- Provides a change of scenery and social opportunities
Holiday benefits
- Promotes opportunities for travel, fun, and mental well-being
- Offers new experiences and personal growth
- Encourages social connections and new friendships
How to choose the right option for you
When deciding between respite care and a holiday, it can help to think about your goals:
Are you or your informal carers feeling exhausted and needing a break from daily responsibilities? If so, respite care might be the right option.
Are you excited about travelling, sightseeing, and trying new activities? A holiday could be exactly what you need.
If you’re unsure, your NDIS Support Coordinator, Plan Manager or one of our friendly team members at Leisure Options can help you decide and make sure your supports align with your goals.
How Leisure Options can help
Leisure Options is a registered NDIS provider specialising in respite care and supported holidays for people with disabilities. Whether you’re planning a short respite break or your dream holiday, we provide:
- Tailored support levels matched to your needs
- Expert planning and coordination
- A commitment to safety, accessibility and fun
And with our Holiday Guarantee, if you’re booked – you’re going! No minimum numbers required.
Or contact us for more information on Respite care.
