Short Term Accommodation FAQs

STA is NDIS-funded temporary accommodation for participants. It can be used for respite to support you and your carers, giving them a short break from their caring role. STA may also suit your needs if your usual support network isn’t available for a short period.

The NDIS funds up to 28 days of Short Term Accommodation per year. STA comes from your CORE Budget and is not required to be written into your plan. You can use your STA funding flexibly. For example, you might use it for a 2-night stay, in a block of up to 14 days at a time, or for 1 weekend a month.

In accordance with the NDIS Price Guide, STA is typically “used for short periods of up to 14 days at a time.” For stays longer than 14 nights, written approval from the NDIA is required. Contact your Support Coordinator and/or Plan Manager for further guidance. Our Care Navigators are also able to assist with your specific needs.

The frequency of STA use depends on your NDIS plan and individual needs. Typically, up to 28 nights of STA can be accessed flexibly every year, with each stay being limited to 14 days at a time.

STA is generally limited to 28 nights per 12-month period. For bookings beyond 28 nights, written approval from the NDIA is required. Contact your Support Coordinator and/or Plan Manager for further guidance. Our Care Navigators are also able to assist with your specific needs.

STA provides temporary accommodation to give informal supports a break or during times when your usual support network isn’t available. However, STA is not intended for emergency accommodation, holidays, or everyday lifestyle stays, such as business trips, sporting events, or concerts. If you need further assistance or guidance, our Care Navigators are available to help.

MediStays primarily handles the accommodation component of STA; however, we do have several locations that offer support workers as well. Please share your specific support requirements with our Care Navigators, and we’ll assist you in finding the best option for your needs.

You can select from any of MediStays accommodation partners, which you can find listed on our website. There’s no requirement to choose a registered STA group facility or centre for your respite stay.

Yes, you have full flexibility to arrange your formal support workers yourself or with the assistance of your Support Coordinator.

Yes, MediStays gives you full flexibility to stay with your trusted NDIS support workers if this is your preference. This can provide peace of mind during your stay, especially when your supports are familiar with your individual needs.

MediStays will invoice your plan manager at the end of your stay. For stays longer than one week, we will invoice for each 7-day period. The costs, terms, and conditions will align with our Service Agreement.

For participants who are self-managed, the same invoicing process will apply. We can also invoice at the time of confirmation, allowing you to make payment via your personal account and then request reimbursement through your NDIA portal.

The support provided in STA can vary based on the specific facility and individual needs, but generally includes accommodation, personal care, meal preparation, and access to necessary social and recreational activities. It’s important to note that STA funding does not cover non-disability-related expenses, such as entrance fees or event tickets.

Yes, you can book STA through MediStays. Please submit a Rapid Request form, and our Care Navigators will be delighted to assist you.

STA is funded from your CORE supports. Up to 28 nights of STA funding can usually be accessed flexibly every year.

No, MediStays can support bookings directly from participants of the NDIS. However, your Support Coordinator and/or Plan Manager can also provide guidance.

Yes, many MediStays accommodation providers accept pets. If you have a Licensed Assistance Animal, you will be allowed to bring it and cannot be refused entry according to the rules of the Disability Discrimination Act (1992). You will be required to show your accreditation documentation upon checking into your accommodation.

Animals that are commonly referred to as “therapy pets” – whilst providing emotional support and companionship, are not currently recognised legally and do not have public access rights. It is at the discretion of the property to accept or refuse entry. Please let us know when you submit a Rapid Request Form.

You should bring personal items, medications, and any specialised equipment not provided by the accommodation. MediStays can liaise with our onsite team for any deliveries of equipment you may be bringing, e.g., hospital bed, commode, etc.

Contact our Care Navigators as soon as possible. Please do not contact the property – we will do this for you. Cancellation policies may vary depending on the provider and the notice given.

You will be required to have funding available in your plan. MediStays will confirm your STA booking once your Plan Manager confirms you have funding available. We are unable to arrange STA outside of your current plan.

STA funding can be used for respite to support both you and your carers. It gives your carers a short break from their caring role, which can help maintain your current living situation.

A short stay away from home can:

• Give you the chance to try new things
• Provide opportunities to make new friends or develop new skills
• Help maintain your current living situation by giving your informal supports a break

STA may suit your needs if your usual support network isn’t available for a short period. It provides a safe and supported environment when your regular care arrangements are temporarily unavailable. It may also be utilised in order to give your informal carers a break to sustain your current living arrangement.

Short Term Accommodation provided by MediStays may include accommodation only or, depending on the chosen property/location, may also include personal care, meal preparation, and access to necessary social and recreational activities that you and the provider agree to.