Making the Most of Your NDIS Respite Care: What Adelaide Families Need to Know

Parability Team
Dec 2, 2025
7 min read

Caring for a loved one with a disability is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it can also be exhausting. If you're a carer in Adelaide, you might have heard about NDIS respite care but aren't quite sure how it works or whether you're eligible. You're not alone, and the good news is that respite care could be exactly what you and your family need.

Let's break down everything you need to know about NDIS respite care in Adelaide, so you can make informed decisions about this valuable support.

What Actually Is NDIS Respite Care?

Here's the thing that confuses a lot of families: the NDIS doesn't actually call it "respite care" in your plan. Instead, it's listed as Short Term Accommodation (STA) and Assistance. But don't let the terminology trip you up. It's the same service, designed to give you a break while ensuring your loved one receives quality care and support.

Respite care provides temporary relief from your caring responsibilities. It might be a few hours, a full day, a weekend, or up to two weeks at a time. The purpose is simple but crucial: it gives you time to rest, reconnect with yourself, and maintain your own wellbeing so you can continue in your caring role.

Who's Eligible for NDIS Respite Funding?

Not every NDIS participant will have respite care in their plan. The NDIS funds respite specifically for participants who:

Live with their primary informal supports (that's family, friends, or carers)
Receive daily drop-in support from informal carers
Get disability-related support from informal carers for more than six hours a day

If your loved one already has extensive paid support like Supported Independent Living (SIL), they typically won't qualify for respite care because the paid support workers already share the caring responsibilities.

The key question the NDIS asks is: will respite help the informal carers continue in their caring role? If the answer is yes, there's a good chance respite will be funded in the plan.

How Much Respite Can You Get?

Most eligible participants receive funding for up to 28 days per year, with a maximum of 14 consecutive days at a time. But here's what's important: you should only pay for what you actually use. If you only use a few hours instead of a full day, your provider should adjust the cost accordingly.

The beauty of respite is its flexibility. You might use a few hours each week for regular breaks, or you might save it up for a two-week holiday once a year. It's designed to work around your family's needs, not the other way around.

What Does Respite Actually Cover?

When respite is funded through the NDIS, it typically covers:

Accommodation in a safe, comfortable setting (this could be a respite house, hotel, or other suitable accommodation)
Personal care and support with daily living tasks
Meals and basic amenities
Supervised activities and community participation
Transport to and from the respite location (in some cases)

What it doesn't cover is long-term accommodation or everyday living expenses that aren't related to the disability support. If you're unsure what's included in your loved one's plan, it's worth having a conversation with your NDIS planner or support coordinator.

Different Types of Respite Care in Adelaide

Adelaide offers several respite options, and the right choice depends on your family's needs:

In-Home Respite A support worker comes to your home to care for your loved one while you take a break. This is great if your loved one feels most comfortable at home or if you just need a few hours to yourself.

Centre-Based or Residential Respite Your loved one stays at a respite facility where trained support workers provide around-the-clock care. Adelaide has several quality respite homes specifically designed for NDIS participants, many located in suburbs like Parkside and surrounding areas.

Community-Based Respite Your loved one participates in community activities with support while you take time off. This option combines respite with social engagement and skill-building.

Emergency Respite Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges your way. Emergency respite can be arranged when you're ill, have a family emergency, or simply need an urgent break. It's worth knowing what emergency respite options are available in Adelaide before you need them.

How to Get Respite Into Your NDIS Plan

If respite isn't currently in your loved one's NDIS plan but you think it should be, here's what you need to know:

When it's time for your plan review, you'll need to demonstrate why respite care is necessary. Evidence that helps includes:

Showing that you (the informal carer) can continue providing support if you have regular breaks
Explaining how respite could reduce the need for more intensive paid support in the future
Demonstrating how respite maintains your loved one's functional capacity
Highlighting how it could increase their community participation and independence

Don't be shy about being honest. The NDIS understands that carers need breaks, and there's no shame in asking for this support. In fact, preventing carer burnout is exactly what respite is designed to do.

What to Look for in a Quality Adelaide Respite Provider

Not all respite providers are created equal. When you're choosing a respite service in Adelaide, look for:

Experienced, Qualified Staff – Your provider should have support workers who are trained, police-checked, and experienced in disability support. They should hold current first aid certificates and undertake regular training.

A Good Fit for Your Loved One – Does the provider understand your loved one's specific needs? Can they accommodate their communication style, dietary requirements, mobility needs, and personal preferences?

Clear Communication – A good provider will keep you informed and be available to answer questions. You should feel comfortable calling them at any time during the respite stay.

A Comfortable, Safe Environment – Visit the respite location before booking if possible. It should be clean, accessible, and feel welcoming.

Positive Reviews – Ask other Adelaide families about their experiences. Word-of-mouth recommendations from local families can be invaluable.

Preparing Your Loved One for Their First Respite Stay

If your loved one has never used respite before, it's natural for both of you to feel a bit anxious. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother:

Start Small – Consider beginning with just a few hours or a single day before progressing to overnight or longer stays.

Visit Together First – If possible, visit the respite location together beforehand so it feels familiar.

Create a Care Plan – Work with your provider to document your loved one's routines, preferences, medication schedules, and any important information the support workers should know.

Pack Familiar Items – Favourite blankets, music, photos, or comfort items can help your loved one feel more at ease.

Stay Connected – Most providers are happy for you to call or visit during the respite period. Knowing they can still reach you can provide reassurance.

Reframe It Positively – Talk about respite as an opportunity for your loved one to try new activities, make friends, or gain independence, rather than focusing on the separation.

Overcoming the Guilt: Why Taking Breaks Makes You a Better Carer

Here's something many carers struggle with: guilt. You might feel like asking for respite means you're not doing enough, or that needing a break makes you selfish. Let's be clear about this: it doesn't.

You cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking regular breaks isn't a luxury; it's essential for your physical health, mental wellbeing, and your ability to continue caring effectively. Studies consistently show that carers who take regular respite are healthier, less stressed, and better able to support their loved ones long-term.

Using respite isn't a sign of weakness or failure. It's a sign of wisdom and self-awareness. It means you understand that to give your best, you need to look after yourself too.

What Adelaide Families Are Saying About Respite

We've worked with many Adelaide families who were hesitant about respite at first but now wouldn't be without it. They talk about:

Finally getting a full night's sleep
Spending quality time with their other children or partner
Pursuing hobbies and interests they'd set aside
Simply having time to rest and recharge
Watching their loved one gain confidence and independence through respite experiences

One local mum told us, "I felt guilty the first time we used respite, but when I saw how much my son enjoyed himself and how much calmer I was when he came home, I realised we both needed it. It's made our relationship stronger, not weaker."

Your Next Steps

If you're an Adelaide family considering respite care, here's what to do next:

Check Your Current Plan – Look at whether Short Term Accommodation is already funded in your loved one's NDIS plan.
Talk to Your Support Coordinator – If you have one, they can help you navigate the respite options available in Adelaide and understand what's funded.
Research Local Providers – Take time to find a respite provider in Adelaide that feels right for your family.
Start the Conversation – Talk with your loved one about respite in a positive, supportive way.
Book a Consultation – Many respite providers offer free consultations where you can discuss your needs and see if they're the right fit.

At Parability Support, respite care is one of our core services because we understand how vital it is for Adelaide families. We provide quality respite in a supportive environment, giving you peace of mind while your loved one enjoys new experiences and builds confidence.

We're here to help you navigate the NDIS system, understand your funding, and create a respite plan that works for your family. Whether you need a few hours each week or a two-week break, we're committed to providing the highest standard of care.

Taking a break doesn't mean you care any less. It means you care enough about both your loved one and yourself to ensure everyone's needs are met. That's what good caring looks like, and respite is the tool that makes it possible.

If you'd like to learn more about respite care in Adelaide or have questions about your NDIS plan, contact our friendly team today. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Sources and Further Information:

NDIS – Short Term Respite Guidelines Website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/how-we-can-help-carers/short-term-respite
NDIS – Short Term Accommodation Operational Guideline Website: https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/supports-you-can-access-menu/home-and-living-supports/short-term-accommodation-or-respite
SA Government – Respite Care for Children with Disability Website: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/disability-and-special-needs/respite-care
NDIS Provider Finder Website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/working-providers/find-registered-provider (Search for Short Term Accommodation providers in Adelaide)
Carers SA – Support and Information Phone: 1800 242 636 Website: https://www.carers-sa.asn.au
NDIS – Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits Website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements
National Disability Services – SA Branch Website: https://www.nds.org.au (Industry body with information about quality disability services)
Aged Rights Advocacy Service (for older carers) Phone: 1800 700 600 Adelaide: 8232 5377
Department for Education – Respite Care Program Coordinator Phone: Contact through SA.gov.au website (For families with children under 18)