How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Day NDIS

The cost of NDIS respite care per day usually falls between $700 and $3,500. This daily price depends on how much help you need and what day of the week you stay.

TL;DR: Respite Costs in 2025

NDIS respite care is officially called Short Term Accommodation (STA). The price you pay covers your room, meals, personal care, and activities for 24 hours. The government sets a maximum limit on what providers can charge. This ensures the pricing is fair for everyone.

Most plans cover up to 28 days of respite per year. You can use these days in blocks of up to 14 days at a time. Costs are higher on weekends because staff wages go up. If you live in a remote area like the Northern Territory, the price will also be higher to cover travel and supplies. We help families understand their budget so they can get the best care possible.

What Is Included in the Daily Respite Price?

The daily rate for Short Term Accommodation is an all-in-one price. This means you should not have to pay extra for basic needs during your stay.

Your daily NDIS respite fee covers these items:

• A safe and comfortable place to stay.

• All your meals and snacks for the day.

• Personal care like help with showering or dressing.

• Fun activities and community outings.

• Support from trained staff around the clock.

We make sure our respite homes feel like a real home. We focus on Psychosocial Support to help you feel relaxed and happy.

How Support Ratios Change the Daily Cost

The biggest factor in the price is the number of staff members helping you. This is called a support ratio.

Here is how the daily costs look for standard weekdays:

• 1:1 Support: This is the most expensive. One staff member helps one person. It costs about $2,100 per day.

• 1:2 Support: One staff member helps two people. This costs about $1,200 per day.

• 1:3 Support: One staff member helps three people. This costs about $870 per day.

• 1:4 Support: This is the most affordable group rate. It costs about $700 per day.

Most people with complex mental health needs prefer 1:1 support. This gives them the most privacy and focus.

Why Do Weekend and Holiday Rates Cost More?

The NDIS Price Guide 2025 sets higher limits for Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. This is because support workers get paid more on these days.

You can expect to see these price jumps:

• Saturday rates are about 25% higher than weekdays.

• Sunday rates can be 60% higher than weekdays.

• Public holidays are the most expensive days of the year.

If you want to save money in your NDIS budget, try to book stays during the week. This helps your funding last for more nights.

How Much Does Respite Care Cost in the Northern Territory?

Living in remote areas changes the price of care. The NDIS allows for "Remote" and "Very Remote" pricing in places like the Northern Territory and parts of Western Australia.

Remote pricing is different because:

• Prices can be 40% to 50% higher than in big cities.

• It costs more to get fresh food and supplies to these areas.

• Staff often have to travel long distances to reach the respite home.

We specialize in Northern Territory and Western Australia support. We know how to work with these higher price limits to get you the care you need.

Is Respite Care the Same as SIL?

Many people get confused between respite care and Supported Independent Living (SIL). They are very different services.

Here are the main differences:

• Respite is for short stays up to 14 days.

• SIL is for your permanent home where you live every day.

• Respite includes the cost of the building and food.

• Supported Independent Living only pays for the staff, not your rent or food.

Respite is a great way to try out independent living before you move into a permanent SIL home.

How to Get Respite Funding in Your Plan

You must show the NDIS that respite is "reasonable and necessary" for you. This usually means showing that your carer needs a break to stay healthy.

To get funding, you should:

• Ask your doctor for a letter about your support needs.

• Tell your NDIS planner how a break will help you reach your goals.

• Explain how respite helps you learn new skills or make friends.

We help parents and carers gather this evidence. We understand the journey of the parent and how important a break can be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Respite Costs

Does NDIS pay for my food during respite?

Yes, the daily STA rate covers all your meals. You should not have to pay for breakfast, lunch, or dinner while you are staying in respite care.

Can I use my Core Supports budget for respite?

Yes, you can often use your Core Supports budget flexibly to pay for respite. You should talk to your plan manager to make sure you have enough money left for your other daily needs.

What is the daily rate for high-intensity respite?

High-intensity care is for people with complex medical or behavioural needs. These rates are higher than standard rates. They usually start at $2,300 per day for 1:1 support.

Is there a difference between STA and respite?

No, they are the same thing. The NDIS uses the term Short Term Accommodation (STA) for what most people call respite care.

How do I find a respite home with a vacancy?

You can contact us directly to check for openings. We have high-quality homes in Victoria and Queensland as well as the NT and WA.