Trying respite for the first time can bring up all kinds of feelings, from relief and excitement, to having a few nerves. The great news is, with the right preparation and support, your first stay can be comfortable and rewarding, bringing a whole new world of opportunities
At Melba Support Services, we’ve created this respite guide to help you prepare and get started.
Respite (also known as Short Term Accommodation or STA) is a chance to spend time somewhere new, with the right support around you, while your usual support network takes a break too.
For many people, respite can:
It can really help to have a clear picture of what your stay will look like before you arrive, so you know what to expect. This may involve visiting the location beforehand and having a ‘meet and greet’ with your support team.
Some of the things you might like to explore include:
At Melba, our team take the time to walk you through all the activities and options available to you before your stay, so you feel relaxed, prepared – even a bit excited!
It’s not always easy knowing what to take with you for your first overnight stay at respite, so the Melba respite team have put together this handy packing list you can easily print out.
It’s a great idea to share your routines and preferences with your support team upfront, so they understand what matters to you and can tailor your support to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
You might like to share with them:
When it comes to respite with Melba, we have regular and familiar support workers at our respite houses. This means you get to know your support workers, and they get to know exactly what you like.
It’s very common to have a few nerves before your first respite stay. You’re trying something new, and it’s natural for that to come with mixed feelings. For most people, these feelings ease once they unpack and start to settle in.
These simple tips can help make that first stay feel more familiar.
Keeping connected often makes it easier to settle into your respite stay.
Our experienced team have learnt a few simple things that can make a big difference to your respite experience, including:
Visit before your stay if you can
Drop in and see the respite space and meet your support team ahead of time, so it feels a bit more familiar when you come for your actual stay.
Bring a piece of home with you
A favourite pillow, photos, blanket or even a small personal item can make a new place feel more like your own.
Be open to new experiences
You might find joy in unexpected things when you’re willing to give them a go, whether it’s trying something new, going to a new cafe, a different routine, or meeting new people.
Share what’s working (and what’s not)
Your respite stay is all about you, and your support team is there for you. Let us know what you’re enjoying and if anything could be better. This way, we can tailor your stay to be as rewarding as possible.
Give yourself time to settle in
It’s completely okay if it takes a little while to feel comfortable. Go at your own pace, there’s no rush.
Your first respite stay doesn’t have to look a certain way. At Melba, we shape your stay around what feels right for you. It might be a quiet, relaxing break or a few days filled with activities.
We work with you to:
During your stay, we keep communication open so you can share feedback, ask questions, and make changes along the way. This way, we can adjust your stay as we go, working together to make it feel right for you.
With more than 50 years of experience, Melba is a trusted, NDIS registered provider of tailored disability support services across Victoria.
We do things differently at Melba, we call it The Melba Way. At the heart of The Melba Way is recognising you and every person we support is unique, with your own personality, interests and abilities. We take the time to really get to know you and celebrate what makes you who you are. This understanding shapes our approach, ensuring the support we provide always fits your needs and lifestyle.
If you’re looking for respite services, we’re here to walk you through the process. Contact Melba Support Services today or start searching for a respite location today.
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Respite is a short break where a person with disability can enjoy a change of routine, new experiences, and time in a supportive setting, while their families and support networks have peace of mind they are happy, supported and comfortable.
Respite can happen in a dedicated respite house, in a community or day centre, or sometimes in your own home depending on the type of support you choose.
What you pack for respite will depend on how long you’re staying and the type of support you need, but it’s always a good idea to bring the things that help you feel comfortable and settled.
Common items include:
Many people also find it helpful to bring a favourite item from home to make the new environment feel more familiar.
Download Melba’s handy respite packing list so you don’t forget anything.
To get Supported Independent Living funding in your NDIS plan, the NDIS requires you to show why you need regular support at home.
If you’re exploring SIL in Victoria, Melba can organise a Functional Capacity Assessment and help you gather evidence to support your application.
This evidence then needs to be submitted to the NDIA who will decide if SIL is a reasonable and necessary support for you.
A respite package is the grouping of supports and services included as part of a respite stay. This can vary depending on your NDIS funding, personal needs, and the type of respite you choose.
A respite package may include:
Some respite packages are designed for overnight or weekend stays, while others may support longer or more regular breaks.
The purpose of short term respite is to give people a break, while their usual support network has peace of mind they are happy and comfortable.
Respite offers the chance for:
Short term respite is also a great way for people to gradually build confidence with staying away from home in a comfortable and supported setting.
In Victoria, Melba Support Services offers tailored respite to make you feel comfortable, supported and prepared for your first stay.
Learn more about respite in Ballarat, Gippsland and Cranbourne >
When choosing a respite provider, it’s important to look for a team that takes the time to understand what matters to you and helps you feel comfortable throughout the process.
