STA at Home vs Away From Home
Compare using NDIS Short-Term Accommodation in your own home, a shared setting or individual accommodation, including support, routines, privacy and planning.
The quick answer
Short-term accommodation does not always mean staying in a separate respite property. Current NDIS guidance says the funding can be used in the participant’s own home, a shared setting or individual accommodation, depending on the plan and support arrangement.
Using STA in your own home
Staying at home can preserve familiar routines, equipment, sensory environments and local connections. The provider still needs to understand the participant’s support needs, overnight requirements, access and safety arrangements.
Using shared accommodation
A shared setting can involve other participants or guests. Ask about privacy, staffing, shared spaces, compatibility, routines and how individual support needs are managed when more than one person requires assistance.
Using individual accommodation
Individual accommodation can provide more privacy and a quieter environment. Confirm who provides support, whether overnight assistance is available and what parts of the arrangement are funded.
Homestay arrangements
Current NDIS guidance also refers to homestay arrangements with a support worker where the participant usually needs overnight support. The arrangement still needs to fit the participant’s plan and disability-related support needs.
Compare support before comparing rooms
The setting matters, but the support arrangement is equally important. Compare personal care, communication, meals, medication, mobility, community access, overnight support and worker consistency.
Choose based on the participant’s needs
There is no single best setting for everyone. Consider familiarity, independence, privacy, social preference, accessibility, safety, support intensity and the participant’s own choice.
Helpful related pages
Continue with the guide or service page that best matches the support question you are working through.
Official NDIS information used for this guide
NDIS rules and terminology can change. These official pages are useful for checking the latest position.
Important: This AIC Services guide is general information, not an NDIS funding decision, clinical advice or legal advice. Participants should check their current plan and official NDIS information for their circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Can STA be used in the participant’s own home?
Yes. Current NDIS guidance says short-term accommodation can be used in the participant’s own home, subject to the participant’s plan and support needs.
Does STA have to be shared accommodation?
No. The NDIS says it can be used in the participant’s own home, a shared setting or individual accommodation.
What should I compare between settings?
Compare accessibility, privacy, routines, support intensity, overnight support, worker availability, safety and the participant’s own preferences.
Planning support in the participant's own home
If support will occur at home, these guides focus on handover, daily routines and the practical details that help a short break work well for everyone involved.
Contact AIC Services
AIC Services
54 Main Road
Moonah, TAS 7009
Phone:
1300 023 456
Email:
support@aicservices.com.au
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
54 Main Road, Moonah TAS 7009
To reduce unnecessary third-party requests, interactive mapping is available from our Contact page and Moonah office page.
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