There is a common misconception that Short Term Accommodation (STA) is just a fancy way of saying “a weekend in a hotel.”
If you treat it that way, you’re missing out on the true value of the NDIS. When done correctly, STA is a powerful tool for growth, a “circuit breaker” for family stress, and a way to fast-track your independence goals.
But doing it “the right way” requires more than just picking a date on a calendar. At This Way Support, we’ve perfected the art of the premium stay. Here is the blueprint for making sure your STA isn’t just a break, but a breakthrough.
1. Match the Stay to the Goal
The NDIS doesn’t fund “holidays,” but it does fund “capacity building.” To do STA the right way, your stay should align with your NDIS goals.
- Goal: Independence. Use your stay to practice grocery shopping and cooking away from the family home.
- Goal: Social Participation. Choose a Melbourne location near events, galleries, or sports hubs you’ve always wanted to explore.
- Goal: Self-Care. Focus on sensory-friendly environments and activities that regulate your well-being.
2. Insist on Active 24/7 Support
One of the biggest mistakes participants make is accepting “passive” or “sleepover” support when they actually need active care.
- The “Wrong” Way: A staff member is in the house but asleep, and you feel like a burden if you need help at 2:00 AM.
- The “Right” Way: Choosing a provider like This Way Support where staff are awake, active, and engaged 24/7. This ensures safety, provides immediate assistance, and creates a professional environment where you feel truly supported.
3. The “Try Before You Buy” Approach
If you are considering a permanent move to SIL (Supported Independent Living) in the future, use your STA as a “trial run.” Doing it the right way means using those 48 or 72 hours to see how you handle living with housemates and managing a different routine. It’s the best way to “de-risk” a major life transition.
What “Doing it Right” Looks Like in Practice
“We used to just book whatever was available. Then we found This Way Support.” “In the past, STA felt like a holding cell,” says Chloe. “But This Way Support asked me what I wanted to achieve. I wanted to learn how to use the Melbourne tram system. They didn’t just ‘take me’ on the tram; they spent the weekend teaching me how to read the maps and tap my Myki. Now, I have a new skill that I use every day. That’s doing STA the right way.”
“It saved our family dynamic because the support was actually premium.” “As a carer, I used to feel guilty about sending my son to respite,” says David. “But when I saw the quality of the home and the fact that the staff were active 24/7, that guilt vanished. He wasn’t ‘away’—he was ‘levelling up.’ He came home happy, and I came home rested. It’s a win-win when you find the right provider.”
The “This Way Support” Standard
At This Way Support, we don’t believe in “standard” respite. We believe in premium experiences that move the needle on your NDIS journey. We do STA the right way by providing:
- Bespoke Itineraries: We plan your stay around your interests.
- Active Support: Our team is alert and available around the clock.
- Luxury Melbourne Accommodations: You stay in a home that feels like an upgrade, not an institution.
Stop Settling for “Just a Bed”
If your current respite feels like a chore rather than a choice, it’s time to change your approach.
Contact This Way Support today and let’s plan an STA stay that actually works for your life and your NDIS plan. Visit thiswaysupport.com.au to see our current Melbourne vacancies.
