How to get respite included in an NDIS plan
While NDIS plans quite rightly focus on the needs of the person with a disability, that doesn’t mean that carers and families miss out on support. While in the past respite was hard to access, the NDIA now recognises that families and carers provide help and support that would otherwise be provided by formal services or paid support workers.
Informal support is a key part of every NDIS plan. So, if you don’t get a break from your caring responsibilities and can no longer provide informal support due to being overwhelmed and exhausted, this can have serious consequences for the person you care for.
Respite supports everyone by giving carers short breaks from their caring responsibilities and allowing people with disabilities time away from their families. Here are 3 ways you can get respite included in an NDIS plan to improve the quality of life for everyone in your family.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
If your loved one is over 18, they may be able to access Supported Independent Living (SIL). This provides help or supervision with daily tasks to help build their skills and live as independently as possible. SIL can help with personal care tasks or cooking meals, as well as support other things like getting to the doctors or catching the bus.
Find out more about supported independent living
Day Support
Day support activities are another way to access respite using an NDIS plan. This sees your loved one attending sessions with a service provider during the day, allowing you to attend work, run errands or relax without having to provide 24/7 care. During these sessions, they learn new skills to boost their capability, independence and social skills.
Day programs can also be combined with short term accommodation and SIL funding to provide intensive support and training to people with a disability. This might see your loved one stay in specialist accommodation for a short period and attend day support activities during their stay to build on their skills.
Discover more information about day support options
Short term accommodation
Short Term Accommodation, including respite, provides support and accommodation for your loved one to spend a short time away from home. Covering up to 14 days at a time (up to 28 days per year), short term accommodation allows the person you care for to try something new in a safe environment while you and your family take a break.
Short term accommodation covers the cost of:
● personal care
● accommodation
● food
● activities.
Short term accommodation can be funded by your core budget, so you may be able to access respite without having to apply for a review of circumstances or wait until your next plan review. This is a simple way to access respite when you need it.
Learn more about short term accommodation
Committed to enhancing the lives of our guests and their families, we’d love to show you disability done differently. If you’d like to learn more about our quality NDIS services, contact us via email or give us a call on 1300 LAVENDER.
