Caring for someone full-time is one of the hardest things a person can do. And asking for a break can feel just as hard. But here’s what we know: when carers don’t get time to rest, the caregiving relationship suffers. Burnout is real. It doesn’t make someone a bad carer. It makes them human.
TNWA’s STA and respite care is designed for both sides. The participant gets a change of environment, new experiences, and structured support that builds independence. The carer gets time to breathe. Both come back stronger. This isn’t a holiday. It’s something more useful than that.
WHAT STA & RESPITE CARE LOOKS LIKE WITH TNWA
Short term accommodation through TNWA is a temporary, personalised stay away from home. Typically up to 14 days, with 24-hour support, structured activities and everything the participant needs taken care of.
And carers need space to recharge without worrying about the quality of support their person is receiving. We provide both, at the same time.
BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPANTS
NDIS respite care can sometimes feel like being parked somewhere while someone else takes a break. At TNWA, we do it differently. Every stay is individualised. Activities are structured around the participant’s interests, goals and NDIS plan. The focus is on building skills, confidence and social connections in a supported and accessible environment.
New surroundings, new people, new experiences. A chance to step outside the usual routine and discover what they’re capable of in a different setting.
This isn’t passive care. Activities are designed to develop independence, encourage decision-making and build life skills. Every stay comes with a structured program that outlines what’s planned and how it supports growth.
For some participants, respite is the first time they’ve spent extended time away from their primary carer. That experience, done well and done safely, builds confidence that carries over long after the stay ends.
Meeting new people, engaging in group and individual activities, being part of something outside their everyday. Respite reduces the risk of isolation for participants who might otherwise have limited social opportunities.
BENEFITS FOR CARERS
Carer burnout is one of the biggest risks to long-term caregiving relationships. It builds slowly. Fatigue, stress, resentment, guilt. Left unchecked, it affects the carer’s health and the quality of care they provide.
NDIS respite care exists for a reason. Taking a break isn’t stepping away from responsibility. It’s protecting the relationship that makes everything else possible.
Your person is in safe hands. TNWA provides 1:1 support with trained staff, structured activities, and a clear program you can review before the stay begins. You’ll know exactly what’s happening and who’s looking after them.
Research consistently shows that regular respite reduces carer stress and improves the quality of care over time. A short break now protects the relationship for the long run.
Real rest. Sleep, socialise, attend to your own health, or do nothing at all. The point is that the time is yours.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Detailed Programs:
Families and coordinators get full visibility. Each stay comes with a structured program that includes:
1:1 Individual Support:
Dedicated support from a TNWA support worker for the duration of the stay. Not a shared roster. Not a group house ratio. One participant, one support worker.
Accommodation & Meals:
A safe, comfortable place to stay with all meals and daily needs covered. We match the venue to participant needs.
Goal-Aligned Activities:
Negotiated activities tailored to the participant's capacity, interests and NDIS goals. Every activity is planned with purpose, not just to fill time.
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1: Get in touch.
Reach out and tell us about the participant, their needs, and what you’re looking for from a respite stay. We’ll listen first. You’re welcome to drop by our office in Ballajura, email or call us on (08) 6556 8870.
Step 2: We plan the stay together.
We’ll work with the participant, their family, and their support coordinator to design a stay that aligns with their NDIS plan, goals and interests. This includes the structured program, activity planning and support arrangements. We’ll set up a service agreement together before your program begins.
Step 3: Enjoy your STA & respite care.
The participant arrives with everything organised. Accommodation, meals, activities, support. All covered. The carer gets their break knowing exactly what’s happening.
Step 4: Follow-up & feedback.
After the stay, we provide a summary of how it went, what was achieved, and any observations that might be useful for future planning.
Get in touch and we’ll talk through how TNWA’s STA and respite care works, what’s included, and how to get started. Whether you’re a participant, a carer, or a support coordinator, we’ll make sure you have everything you need to feel confident about the process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long can a respite stay last?
Typically up to 14 days per stay. The length depends on the participant’s needs, their NDIS plan funding, and what works for the family. We’ll help you figure out the right duration during the planning stage.
What does "comprehensive support" mean?
It means extra help across multiple areas of daily life, beyond what’s normally rostered. During a respite stay, the participant receives support with daily tasks, activities, meals and personal care as needed, all covered within the 24-hour period.
How is this funded through the NDIS?
STA and respite care is funded under the NDIS as Short Term Accommodation. Call us on (08) 6556 8870, or speak with your Support Coordinator to confirm how it fits within your plan and what funding is available.
Is respite only for when carers are burned out?
No. Respite works best when it’s used proactively, not as a last resort. Regular short stays help prevent burnout, give participants positive experiences outside the home, and strengthen the caregiving relationship over time.
What activities are included during a stay?
Activities are negotiated with the participant and tailored to their interests, goals and NDIS plan. Every stay includes a structured program outlining what’s planned. Activities are designed to support capacity building, not just fill time.
Can participants bring personal items or specific routines?
Yes. We want the stay to feel comfortable and familiar. Participants are welcome to bring personal items, and we work with families to understand existing routines, preferences and any specific needs before the stay begins.
What happens if something goes wrong during the stay?
The participant has 1:1 support at all times. Our support workers are trained to handle a range of situations, and we have clear escalation. processes in place. Families are kept informed throughout the stay.
Can I see the program before the stay starts?
Yes. The structured program is shared with families and support coordinators before the stay begins. You’ll know what’s planned, how support will be provided, and how the stay connects to the participant’s goals.