Respite & Short-Term
Accommodation (STA)
A safe, supportive and welcoming place to relax, recharge and experience something new!
At Dignity and Transition Support Services (DATSS), we understand the importance of having a safe, comfortable and supportive environment where individuals living with disability can enjoy new experiences, develop independence and receive personalised care away from their usual home.
Our Respite and Short-Term Accommodation (STA) Services provide flexible, person-centred support designed around each participant's individual needs, preferences and goals.
Whether you're looking for a short break, an opportunity to develop life skills, or temporary support when your usual care arrangements are unavailable, DATSS is here to help.
We aim to make every stay a positive, enjoyable and meaningful experience while providing families and carers with reassurance that their loved one is receiving compassionate, professional support.
What Is Respite & Short-Term Accommodation?
Respite
Respite provides temporary support arrangements that give participants a change from their usual routine while allowing their regular carers and families time to rest, attend to other responsibilities or manage unexpected circumstances.
Short-Term Accommodation (STA)
Short-Term Accommodation (STA) is a term commonly used to describe temporary accommodation and disability-related support away from a participant's usual home.
NDIS Funding
Under current NDIS arrangements, eligible respite supports may be funded through Short Term Respite, depending on the participant's circumstances, plan and applicable NDIS funding rules.
At DATSS, we focus on creating an environment where participants feel welcomed, respected, included and supported throughout their stay.
How Can DATSS Support You?
Comfortable & Supportive Accommodation
We aim to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can feel comfortable and secure.
Our support may include:
- Short stays away from the usual home environment
- Assistance with daily routines and personal care
- Support with meals, hygiene and everyday activities
- Individualised care based on participant needs
- Support to maintain familiar routines and preferences
- Appropriate supervision and assistance throughout the stay
Accommodation arrangements are assessed according to individual accessibility, safety and support requirements.
Personalised Care & Daily Living Support
Every participant has different needs, and our team works to ensure support is tailored to the individual.
We can assist with:
- Showering, dressing and personal hygiene
- Meal preparation and eating
- Mobility and transfers
- Medication assistance where authorised and appropriate
- Daily living activities
- Emotional wellbeing and reassurance
- Maintaining independence and personal choice
Fun Activities & New Experiences
A respite stay can be an opportunity to enjoy activities, explore interests and create positive memories.
Depending on individual preferences and arrangements, activities may include:
- Movies and entertainment
- Arts, crafts and creative activities
- Cooking and baking
- Parks, beaches and sightseeing
- Community outings and attractions
- Games, music and social activities
- Relaxation and recreational experiences
Our goal is to make each stay enjoyable, engaging and meaningful.
Building Confidence & Independence
Respite can also provide opportunities to practise everyday skills and build confidence in a supportive environment.
We encourage participants to:
- Make choices about their daily activities
- Practise personal care and daily living skills
- Develop social and communication skills
- Participate in meal preparation
- Build confidence in new environments
- Experience greater independence
- Work towards their individual goals
Supporting Families & Carers
We recognise the important role families and informal carers play in supporting people living with disability.
Respite arrangements may help carers:
- Take time to rest and recharge
- Attend appointments or personal commitments
- Manage family responsibilities
- Respond to changes in their caring circumstances
- Maintain their own health and wellbeing
We work collaboratively with participants, families, guardians and support coordinators to ensure appropriate planning and continuity of care.
Emergency & Unplanned Respite
We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and families may require temporary support at short notice.
DATSS can discuss urgent or unplanned respite requests where:
- A primary carer becomes unexpectedly unavailable
- Existing care arrangements are disrupted
- A family experiences an unforeseen situation
- Temporary alternative disability support is required
All urgent requests are subject to staffing, suitable accommodation, participant needs, risk assessment and funding arrangements.
Why Choose DATSS for Respite & STA?
Compassionate, Person-Centred Care
We take the time to understand each participant's needs, routines, preferences and goals.
Safe & Welcoming Environments
We prioritise comfort, dignity, wellbeing and appropriate safeguards.
Meaningful Experiences
We encourage enjoyable activities, social connections and opportunities to try something new.
Family & Carer Communication
We value open communication and work collaboratively with participants and their support networks.
Choice, Control & Independence
Participants are encouraged to make decisions and remain actively involved in planning their stay.
Flexible Support Arrangements
We work with participants and their support coordinators to explore suitable planned and short-notice respite options.
Who Can Access DATSS Respite Services?
DATSS welcomes enquiries for children, young people and adults living with disability who require temporary support away from their usual home.
Eligibility, accommodation suitability, staffing and available funding are assessed individually.
Important NDIS Funding Information
Respite is not automatically funded for every NDIS participant. NDIS-funded Short Term Respite is subject to eligibility and funding rules, including whether the support relates to the participant's disability needs and informal caring arrangements. General holidays, tourism and recreational expenses are not automatically covered by the NDIS.
Our team can work alongside participants, families and support coordinators to discuss suitable support arrangements.
Your Stay. Your Choices. Your Experience.
At DATSS, respite is about more than providing a place to stay.
It's about creating a supportive experience where participants feel safe, valued and empowered to enjoy life, develop confidence and make meaningful memories.
Whether it's a planned short break or an unexpected need for temporary support, DATSS is here to help explore the right options for you.