What to Expect in Your First Respite Care Stay: A Step-by-Step Guide for Participants & Families

There’s a moment every family reaches where support is no longer just helpful, it becomes necessary.

Sometimes it’s because a caregiver needs rest.

Sometimes it’s because a participant deserves new experiences, friendships, and confidence.

And sometimes, it’s simply time for a breather.

That’s where Respite Care and Short-Term Accommodation (STA) come in.

But if this is your first time stepping into respite care, it’s completely normal to feel unsure.

What will it be like? Who will be there? Will it feel safe, familiar or supportive?

These questions matter and you deserve answers.

So let’s walk through what your first stay in NDIS respite accommodation truly looks like, step by step.

Step 1: The Conversation — Understanding What You Want

Before anything is booked, the first step is a genuine conversation.

It’s not about forms or eligibility checklists, It’s about you.

• What does the participant enjoy?

• What helps them feel comfortable?

• What routines matter?

• What are the goals — Independence, skills, confidence, social connection, or simply rest?

  
  

At Tibii, we approach this differently.

We believe care begins with listening deeply.

At Tibii, we’re proud to be the first in Australia to put the Human-Centred Approach into real practice, supporting people with disabilities through the lens of Human Rights and genuine care.

So before the stay even begins, there is already understanding, respect, and a personalised plan.

Step 2: Preparing for the Stay — No Surprises, No Stress

The next stage is preparation and this should feel easy, not overwhelming.

Families usually get:

• A welcome guide

• Packing suggestions

• Information about the environment

• An introduction to support staff

• Planned routines and activity options

• Emergency and communication contacts

Some families choose to visit the disability respite accommodation beforehand — and that’s completely okay. Familiarity builds comfort.

Think of this stage as matching support to comfort, not forcing change.

Step 3: Arrival — Settling In at Your Own Pace

Walking into the respite home for the first time can bring mixed feelings: excitement, nerves, curiosity, and yes sometimes hesitation.

That’s okay.

The first hour is never rushed.

Participants are encouraged to:

• Explore the space

• Choose their room setup

• Bring favourite items or comfort objects

• Meet staff slowly and naturally

• Ease into activities only if they want to

There’s no pressure to perform or adapt.

The environment adapts to them, not the other way around.

Step 4: The Stay — Routine, Support & Meaningful Moments

Every respite stay looks different because every person is different.

But a good experience usually includes:

Familiar Routines

Meals, sleep times, medications, and preferred activities follow the rhythm of the participant not a rigid schedule.

Connection & Care

Support workers don’t just provide assistance, they build trust, laughter, belonging.

Skills & Independence

Where appropriate, participants may practice:

• Cooking or helping prepare meals

• Community outings

• Transport or travel confidence

• Social interaction

• Daily living skills

Fun & Choice

From movie nights to walks, art, games, or quiet time, participation is always optional and guided by genuine choice.

A good respite stay should feel like this:

• Safe

• Heard

• Comfortable

• Included

• Supported to grow

Step 5: Support for Families because the Break Is for You Too

Respite isn’t only about the participant, it’s also about the people who love and care for them every day.

During the stay, families can expect:

• Updates if they want them

• Space if they need it

• Reassurance without intrusion

For some caregivers, this time becomes a rare opportunity to rest, breathe, reset — guilt-free.

And that matters.

Step 6: The Return Home — A Gentle Transition

When the stay comes to an end, there’s a soft handover not a rushed goodbye.

Families receive:

• A summary of the stay

• Any milestones or new skills explored

• Notes on comfort levels and preferences

• Recommendations for the future

Many participants leave feeling proud, more confident, and eager for their next visit.

Some even say:

“When can I come back?”

Step 7: Reflection — Improving the Next Stay

Feedback is part of the process, not paperwork for the sake of paperwork.

A genuine respite provider will ask questions like:

• What felt right?

• What can we do better?

• What would make the next stay even more comfortable?

Because real care is not static, it evolves with the person.

Final Thoughts: Your First Stay Is the Beginning, Not the Test

You don’t have to have everything figured out before your first respite booking.

You just need a provider who respects:

• Autonomy

• Dignity

• Communication

• Emotional safety

• Human rights

• Growth at your pace

A good respite experience should feel like support, not separation.

A moment to breathe, not a break in routine.

And most importantly:

It should feel like you’re handing care to someone who sees the person, not just the plan.

At Tibii, our approach to respite care NDIS services is simple: Human First, Paperwork Second.

Because at the heart of every plan is a person — with interests, comfort needs, preferences, routines and a story that matters.

If you’d like to discuss your needs, availability, or suitability, we’d be happy to help. Reach out to our team and start the conversation.