Former “STA” Renamed to “Short Term Respite (STR)” – New Operational Guidelines Released

At Assist Lifestyle Pty Ltd, we are committed to keeping you informed about the latest updates in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIA has recently released new operational guidelines, officially published on 16 October 2025 and effective immediately, which redefine and rename the previous “Short Term Accommodation (STA)” support. It is now called Short Term Respite (STR) — a change designed to clarify its true purpose.

These new guidelines focus on supporting participants and their informal carers, ensuring short-term respite continues to provide meaningful breaks while maintaining care continuity. Read the official announcement here.

What’s Changed?

1. Name Change – Dropping the Word “Accommodation”

The NDIA has renamed STA to Short Term Respite (STR) to shift focus from the physical “accommodation” aspect to the support purpose.

This change highlights that STR is not about a place to stay — it’s about providing a planned break for both the participant and their informal carers.

STR remains limited to up to 28 days per year, typically taken in blocks of up to 14 days at a time. Learn More

2. Re-Directed Purpose – Focus on Informal-Carer Relief

The new guidelines make it clear that STR’s main purpose is respite for informal carers, rather than skill-building or training.

This means the NDIA now views STR as a way to help carers rest, recharge, and sustain their caring role — preventing burnout and promoting long-term wellbeing.

While STR may still involve some skill-building or community participation, those elements are secondary to the respite purpose. See NDIA guidance

🧩 Who Is an Informal Carer?

An informal carer is a family member, friend, or unpaid person who provides ongoing support to someone living with disability.

They may assist with:

1. Personal care (e.g. bathing, dressing, meal preparation)

2. Emotional support and companionship

3. Managing daily routines, appointments, or medications

4. Household tasks or transport

Unlike paid support workers, informal carers do not receive formal payment for their help. They play a vital role in enabling participants to live independently and safely in their homes and communities.

The NDIA recognises that caring can be physically and emotionally demanding, and that regular breaks through STR can help carers maintain their own health and wellbeing — ultimately supporting better outcomes for participants too.

3. Clarified Settings – Including Hotels, Airbnb, and Homestays (With Conditions)

The updated guidelines allow more flexibility in where STR can take place.

Participants can now use STR in various environments such as hotels, Airbnb, or homestays, provided that:

1. The environment is safe and suitable for the participant’s needs

2. Appropriate disability supports are in place during the stay

3. The provider meets NDIS requirements and is compliant with the new STR standards

This change acknowledges that not every respite setting must be a traditional “respite house” — what matters is that the participant’s support needs are met.

Find Out More

4. Tighter Parameters for When and How STR Is Funded

The NDIA has introduced clearer boundaries for how STR will be approved and funded:

1. Duration: Generally capped at 28 days per year, with shorter stays preferred.

2. Funding Levels: Group support rates apply unless individual support is justified due to high needs.

3. Eligibility: The STR must directly relate to the participant’s disability and NDIS goals.

4. Purpose: Funding is not for holidays, general living costs, or long-term accommodation substitutes.

5. Justification: STR requests must demonstrate the link between the participant’s goals and the benefit to their informal carer.

   Learn more from NDIA

Implications for Participants and Providers

For participants and their carers, the new STR guidelines mean:

1. Clearer purpose: STR funding must now directly relate to giving informal carers a break, not simply offering alternative accommodation.

2. More flexibility: Participants can choose from a wider range of settings as long as the environment and support arrangements are appropriate.

3. Greater scrutiny: Providers and support coordinators must ensure documentation is detailed, accurate, and compliant.

Providers must now show that every STR booking meets the NDIA’s “reasonable and necessary” criteria — with transparent records of support hours, rates, and outcomes.

How Assist Lifestyle Will Support You

At Assist Lifestyle, we’re proactively updating our internal procedures and communication to align with these changes. We will:

✅ Update all STR service descriptions and participant agreements to reflect the new guidelines

✅ Provide step-by-step guidance for support coordinators and families when requesting or planning STR

✅ Offer compliance training to ensure STR bookings meet the NDIA’s documentation and safety standards

✅ Communicate with participants and carers to review existing STR arrangements under the new rules

Our mission is to ensure that participants continue to receive meaningful, compliant, and person-centred respite support — while giving informal carers the rest and relief they deserve.

What to Consider When Planning STR

Before arranging a Short Term Respite, ask yourself:

1. Is the stay linked to the participant’s disability goals?

2. Does the arrangement give the informal carer a genuine break?

3. Is the setting appropriate and safe for the participant?

4. Are the costs clear and reasonable?

5. Will the support be delivered by a registered provider with the right qualifications?

The renaming of STA to Short Term Respite (STR) is more than a name change — it’s a re-focus on what truly matters: supporting the people who support others.

By recognising the importance of informal carers and ensuring that respite is purposeful and disability-related, the NDIA has taken an important step toward making the NDIS more sustainable, transparent, and person-centred.

At Assist Lifestyle, we’re here to make these transitions easy for you — helping participants, carers, and support coordinators navigate STR confidently and compliantly.

If you have any questions about how these changes affect your plan or upcoming respite arrangements, please reach out to us at

📧 hello@assistlifestyle.com.au | ☎️ 07 5612 7045