Services
Short-Term Respite (STR)
Services
A safe, comfortable place to stay. A well-earned break for everyone.
Short-Term Respite gives participants a supported place to stay away from home, whether that’s for a planned break, a change of scenery, or urgent cover when a carer is unavailable. It’s a chance to try new things, meet new people, and enjoy a different routine while the people who care for you get the rest they need too.
Services
What Is Short-Term Respite?
Short-Term Respite gives NDIS participants a safe, supported place to stay when they need time away from home. Whether you’re looking for planned respite, support during a transition, or emergency accommodation, our team works closely with participants, families, carers, and allied health professionals to ensure continuity of care throughout your stay.
Your STR stay includes accommodation, personal care, meals as agreed, and activities aligned with your NDIS goals all delivered by trained, compassionate Angels.
Your stay includes comfortable, private accommodation, personal care support, meals as agreed, access to activities and community outings aligned with your goals, and 24/7 support from our trained team. We work with you and your family before you arrive to understand your routines, preferences, and any specific needs so that everything is ready from day one.
STR stays are typically between a few days and a few weeks depending on your NDIS funding and the reason for your stay. Planned respite stays can be arranged in advance, while emergency respite stays can often be arranged at short notice. Speak with our team about your situation and we’ll work out the best arrangement for you.
Not exactly, but it can feel like one. STR provides supported accommodation with trained staff available around the clock. While it’s a break from your usual routine, it’s not a holiday in the traditional sense — it’s a structured, supported stay designed around your wellbeing and NDIS goals. That said, we do our best to make it enjoyable, relaxing, and genuinely restorative for everyone involved.
For Participants
A Break That's Just for You
A Short-Term Respite stay isn’t just about giving carers a rest it’s an experience that can genuinely benefit participants too. A change of environment, new activities, new connections, and time to focus on your own goals can make a real difference to your confidence, wellbeing, and sense of independence.
We plan activities and outings around your interests, goals, and preferences. This might include community outings, social activities, creative programs, animal-assisted experiences, cooking, movies, games, or simply relaxing in a comfortable, home-like environment. We take your cues and make sure every day of your stay feels purposeful and enjoyable.
Yes. Every participant has their own private space during their stay. Your comfort and privacy are a priority, and we work hard to make the accommodation feel welcoming and home-like from the moment you arrive.
That’s completely understandable and more common than you might think. We take extra care with participants who are new to respite stays, working closely with families to prepare thoroughly in advance, maintain familiar routines where possible, and make the transition as smooth and reassuring as possible. We stay in regular communication with families throughout the stay so everyone feels comfortable.
For Carers & Families
Rest. Recharge. Know They're in Good Hands.
Caring for someone you love is one of the most meaningful things a person can do. It’s also one of the most demanding. Short-Term Respite gives carers the opportunity to rest, recharge, and attend to their own needs, with the confidence that their loved one is safe, supported, and well cared for.
Safety is our highest priority. Our accommodation is purpose-built for supported stays and our team is trained, experienced, and fully briefed on each participant’s individual needs before they arrive. We maintain open communication with families throughout the stay and you’re always welcome to call and check in.
Yes. We encourage families to stay connected during a respite stay. Visits can be arranged to suit everyone and we’ll always communicate openly with you about how your loved one is settling in and how their stay is going.
We have clear protocols in place for managing any issues that arise during a stay, and we communicate with families promptly if anything needs to be addressed. You will never be left in the dark. Our team is experienced at managing a range of situations calmly and professionally, and we always act in the best interests of the participant.
Emergency & Unplanned Respite
When You Need It at Short Notice
Sometimes respite can’t be planned. A carer may become suddenly unwell, a family situation may change overnight, or support may fall through at the last minute. When that happens, we do everything we can to arrange emergency respite as quickly as possible so your loved one is never left without safe, supported care.
We do our best to respond as fast as possible in genuine emergency situations. In many cases we can have an arrangement in place within hours. The sooner you contact us, the more options we’ll be able to explore. If you’re in an emergency situation right now, please call us directly on (07) 2111 1997.
Emergency respite can be funded through your NDIS plan under Core Supports. There may also be additional options available through Carers Gateway for registered carers. If you’re unsure about funding in an emergency situation, contact us first and we’ll help you work through your options while we focus on getting your loved one safe and supported.
The more information you can provide the better, but don’t let that stop you from calling. We’ll gather what we need during the call. Key things that help include the participant’s support needs, any medical or behavioral considerations, and how quickly the placement is needed. We’ll handle the rest.
About Us
Who We Are at Angels On Duty
Angels On Duty was built on the belief that support should feel human, warm, and genuinely personal. We’re a team of passionate, experienced support workers committed to delivering care that empowers people to live confidently, comfortably, and with dignity.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have Short-Term Respite funding in my NDIS plan?
Look for Short-Term Accommodation or Respite under your Core Supports. If you’re unsure what’s available in your plan, speak with your support coordinator or contact our team and we’ll help you work it out.
Can Short-Term Respite be used for children and young people?
Yes. We support participants of all ages. For younger participants we take extra care to ensure the environment, activities, and support approach are age-appropriate and that communication with parents and guardians is thorough and consistent throughout the stay.
What should my loved one bring for their stay?
We’ll provide a full packing list when you book. Generally this includes comfortable clothing, any medications, personal care items, and anything that helps them feel at home such as familiar items, photos, or comfort objects. We want every participant to feel settled and comfortable from day one.
Can STR be used as a trial before a longer-term accommodation arrangement?
Yes. A short-term respite stay can be a great way to experience supported accommodation before committing to a longer-term arrangement such as SIL or MTA. It gives participants and families a chance to see how things work in practice and build confidence in the process.