Respite gives families and carers a chance to rest and recharge. For participants with complex needs, that break only works if the support during the stay matches the support at home.
At ONCALL, Short-Term Respite (STR) is delivered with the same high-intensity registration, clinical workforce and governance behind all our services. The family gets a break. The care doesn't.
What's changed: STA is now STR
Under the NDIA's updated guidelines, Short-Term Accommodation (STA) is now Short-Term Respite (STR). It's a planned break for family and carers who provide 6+ hours of daily support. Stays are generally up to 14 days at a time and 28 days a year, funded from the participant's flexible Core budget.
That makes respite easier to plan into the year, for families, coordinators and plan managers alike.
What every ONCALL stay includes:
Clinical care: PEG feeding, tracheostomy care, ventilation, continence care and epilepsy management
Credentialed staff: assessed to high-intensity standards, with in-house nursing and 24/7 oversight
Continuity with home: existing support, mealtime and behaviour plans carry over
A coordinated handover: clear admission and return, with updates to the family and coordinator
Now available: Paradise, Clyde
Paradise is a purpose-built High Physical Support (HPS) SDA home in Clyde, Victoria. It has step-free access, wide hallways, assistive technology throughout, a private accessible bedroom with ensuite and a secure courtyard, all close to shops, healthcare, parks and transport.
Every stay includes 1:1 support with Onsite Overnight Assistance, backed by our full clinical team.
More than respite
Whether someone needs a short break, a supported accommodation placement or high-intensity support at home, we have the credentials, the clinical workforce and the pathways to take it on with confidence..
Have a complex referral?
Families, support coordinators, clinicians and plan managers: let's talk it through and see if we're the right fit.
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Yes. The legislation passed Parliament on 19 August 2026 and received Royal Assent on 20 August 2026. It is now the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026.
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Usually, no. Most participants can continue using their current plan and supports. The reforms will be introduced progressively, and the NDIA has said it will notify participants when a change affects them.
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Changes to some social, civic and community participation and capacity-building budgets are expected to begin progressively from 1 October 2026. They will generally apply as plans are reassessed, renewed or newly approved.
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Eligible participants who require continuous 24-hour disability support may be able to request a plan variation if a support determination affects essential funding. The NDIA may increase funding where required to prevent gaps in critical support.
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The NDIA can consider informal support, but it must also consider whether a family member or carer is realistically able to provide it, whether the arrangement is appropriate and whether a lack of formal support could create a risk of harm.
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The major changes to NDIS access and eligibility are expected to begin from 1 January 2028. Existing participants are expected to be reassessed progressively over a transition period rather than all at once.
What to do next
The new NDIS laws are significant, but they will not change every participant’s plan at the same time.
The most important steps are to stay informed, keep evidence of current support needs and seek clarification before making decisions based on broad public information.
Our team can discuss available support options, including:
For advice about an individual NDIS plan, funding decision or review right, contact the NDIA, a qualified professional or an independent disability advocate.
Sources and perspective
This article draws on information published by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the NDIS, Inclusion Australia, People with Disability Australia and the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations. Inclusion Australia welcomed some of the additional safeguards introduced by the Senate but stated that it did not support the legislation overall.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not legal, financial or individual NDIS plan advice. Implementation details may continue to change as new rules, determinations and guidance are released.