What Is Short-Term Accommodation (STA) and How It Supports NDIS Participants in Adelaide
- Tibii Team
- Oct 8
- 5 min read
For many people living with disability, having access to short-term or medium-term accommodation can make a big difference to their wellbeing and independence. In Adelaide, these supports give participants the opportunity to recharge, learn new skills, and experience life in a safe, supportive environment.
This guide explains what short-term accommodation (STA) is under the NDIS, how it differs from medium-term accommodation, and why it plays a vital role in improving quality of life for participants and their families.
Understanding Short-Term Accommodation (STA) under the NDIS
Short-term accommodation, often called respite, is a temporary stay away from your usual home. It’s funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for participants who need extra support for a short period—typically up to 14 days at a time.
An STA stay may be used when:
A family carer needs time to rest or manage personal commitments.
A participant wants to build independence and social confidence.
There’s a need to trial a new living arrangement before moving to Supported Independent Living (SIL).
Participants require temporary housing while their usual supports are unavailable.
STA is more than just accommodation—it includes personal care, meals, community access, and skill-building activities. Participants can use the opportunity to strengthen daily living skills while connecting with others in a new environment.
What Makes STA Important for NDIS Participants
Respite and routine change are essential for both participants and their carers. For participants, short-term accommodation NDIS funding provides a supportive setting to explore independence safely. For families, it’s a chance to rest, knowing their loved one is in good hands.
Some of the key benefits of STA include:
Skill Development: Participants can practice cooking, cleaning, travel training, or communication in a supportive setting.
Social Connection: Staying with other participants encourages new friendships and reduces isolation.
Carer Relief: Families and carers can take short breaks to recharge, attend to personal needs, or simply rest.
Transition Support: STA can act as a bridge to longer-term housing options, helping participants adjust to new environments.
Improved Wellbeing: A change of scenery and routine can reduce stress, enhance confidence, and boost overall mental health.
The Difference Between STA and Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)
While short-term accommodation covers short stays of up to a fortnight, medium-term accommodation (MTA) supports participants who need housing for a few months—typically up to 90 days.
This is useful when:
A participant is waiting for their long-term home or Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangement to be ready.
Modifications are being made to an existing home.
Hospital discharge is complete, but the person isn’t yet ready to return home independently.
MTA focuses on stability and continuity of care during transitions, while STA is designed for rest, respite, and short breaks. Both are funded differently under the NDIS but share the same goal—ensuring participants have safe, appropriate housing when they need it.
What to Expect from an STA Service in Adelaide
When you stay at an STA service, the focus is on comfort, safety, and choice. Accommodation can range from shared homes to private apartments depending on your needs and funding.
A typical STA experience may include:
Comfortable, accessible housing with 24-hour support available.
Assistance with personal care, medication, and daily routines.
Nutritious meals or help with cooking and grocery shopping.
Community activities such as local outings, sports, or creative workshops.
Individualised plans to achieve personal goals during the stay.
Every short-term accommodation provider in Adelaide operates differently, but all should follow NDIS Quality and Safeguards standards. The best providers ensure participants feel respected, included, and empowered throughout their stay.
Choosing the Right Short-Term Accommodation Provider in Adelaide
Finding the right short-term accommodation provider in Adelaide starts with understanding your goals. Here are key points to consider:
Accreditation: Choose an NDIS-registered provider who meets national safety and quality standards.
Personalised Support: Ensure the provider tailors care plans to your specific needs and preferences.
Accessibility: Check that the accommodation is suitable for your mobility, sensory, or communication needs.
Location: Look for an Adelaide location close to familiar community spaces, transport, and essential services.
Cultural Fit: If relevant, ask whether the provider offers culturally appropriate supports or staff with specific language skills.
It’s also worth visiting the accommodation beforehand or speaking directly with staff. Understanding the environment can help participants feel more comfortable and confident about their upcoming stay.
How STA Connects with Other NDIS Supports
Short-term accommodation doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s part of a broader network of supports that work together to promote independence and wellbeing. Participants often access STA alongside:
Supported Independent Living (SIL) for long-term housing and daily support.
Community participation programs that build social and practical skills.
Allied health therapies such as occupational therapy or speech therapy.
Respite and capacity-building supports for ongoing skill development.
For some participants, disability respite accommodation through STA becomes a stepping stone towards more independent living or employment readiness. The flexibility of NDIS funding allows for personalised combinations of supports to meet each individual’s goals.
The Role of STA in Building Confidence and Independence
While the word “respite” often suggests rest, short-term accommodation NDIS support is about growth. Many participants use these stays to practise skills like budgeting, personal care, or navigating public transport.
Over time, these experiences help build confidence—showing participants what’s possible when the right supports are in place. For carers, STA also offers reassurance that their loved one can thrive in a new environment, even when away from home.
Accessing STA and MTA through Your NDIS Plan
You can request funding for STA or MTA during your NDIS planning meeting. The need for short-term accommodation is usually justified by how it supports your goals—for example, improving independence, learning new skills, or maintaining family wellbeing.
If STA funding is already included, you can choose when and where to use it based on availability and your support needs. If it isn’t listed in your plan, your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you explore eligibility and submit a change request.
Remember, both STA and MTA are flexible supports designed to make life easier during times of change or transition.
Conclusion
Short-term accommodation (STA) and medium-term accommodation (MTA) are vital supports within the NDIS framework. In Adelaide, these services give participants safe spaces to rest, learn, and grow while ensuring carers get the relief they need.
At Tibii, we understand that each participant’s journey is unique. Knowing how NDIS short-term and medium-term accommodation work empowers you to make informed choices that align with your goals. Whether you’re exploring disability respite accommodation for a short stay or planning a transition to more independent living, the right support can make all the difference.
If you’d like to learn more about how STA and MTA can fit into your NDIS plan or discuss your individual needs, contact Tibii’s team today — we’re here to guide you through every step of your support journey.
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