Making Respite Care Easy for Families
How Respite Care Helps Families Recharge
Respite care can give parents a break while making sure children are safe, happy, and engaged.
The NDIS provides different types of respite so families can rest, reset, and continue providing the best support for their child.
Here are some simple tips to make respite care work for you.
Tip 1: Know What Respite Care Covers
Respite care is short-term support for children with additional needs, either at home, in the community, or at a respite centre.
It gives children the chance to enjoy fun activities and socialise while parents take some time for themselves.
The NDIS covers different types of respite, including in-home care, centre-based respite, and overnight stays.
Tip 2: Check If Respite Is in Your Child’s NDIS Plan
Not all plans automatically include respite care. Look under Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life to see if it’s covered.
If it’s missing but would benefit your family, request a plan review and provide details from therapists or support workers explaining why respite is important for your child.
Tip 3: Find a Support Coordinator to Help
Support coordinators help families understand their NDIS plan and connect with the best providers. They make finding and organising respite care much easier.
If you don’t have a support coordinator, you can ask for one in your next plan review.
Tip 4: Choose the Right Respite Provider
Picking the right provider is key to a great respite experience. Look for NDIS-registered services that specialise in working with children.
Visit their centre, meet the staff, and ask how they personalise care to make sure your child feels comfortable and included.
Tip 5: Explore Different Types of Respite
Every family is different, so it’s important to find the right kind of respite care:
- In-home respite: A support worker comes to your home to care for your child.
- Centre-based respite: Your child attends a program with activities and social opportunities.
- Overnight respite: Your child stays at a supported accommodation service for a short time.
- Community access respite: A support worker takes your child on outings and activities they enjoy.
Trying different options helps you see what works best for your child.
Tip 6: Plan Respite Around Your Family’s Needs
Respite care should fit your lifestyle, not disrupt it. Decide how often you need support—whether it’s a few hours per week, overnight stays, or occasional weekends.
Planning ahead makes it easier to balance everyone’s needs.
Tip 7: Help Your Child Feel Comfortable with Respite Care
Starting respite care can take time. Ease your child into it with short visits before committing to longer stays. Talk to them about what to expect, introduce them to the staff, and visit the respite centre together.
Keeping a familiar routine can also help them feel safe and comfortable.
Tip 8: Keep Communication Open with Providers
Regular chats with your respite provider make sure that your child is getting the best experience. Share their routines, preferences, and any important details.
After each session, ask for feedback on how your child is adjusting and whether any changes are needed.
Tip 9: Use Respite to Recharge and Focus on Yourself
Respite isn’t just for your child - it’s for you too! Use the time to rest, enjoy a hobby, catch up with friends, or focus on self-care. Taking a break helps you stay refreshed and ready to support your child in the best way possible.
Tip 10: Review and Adjust Respite Care as Needed
As your child grows, their needs will change. Regularly check if the current respite care is still working. If not, request an NDIS plan review to adjust funding and support services so your family gets what it needs.
Advice for Parents
Respite care is a great way to balance your child’s care with your own well-being. It helps children build independence, confidence, and social skills while giving parents much-needed time to rest.
Start small, choose a provider you trust, and don’t be afraid to ask for more support if needed.
Need Help Choosing The Right Respite Care?
Chat with Giuliana today for guidance on choosing a provider, adjusting your child’s NDIS plan, and making respite care a smooth experience for your family.