Like everything at Melba, there is no one size fits all approach to respite – it looks different for everyone, from a relaxing weekend to a week full of activities. It’s a chance to take a break in a fully supportive environment.

Respite at Melba

We pride ourselves on having regular familiar support workers at our respite houses, this means you know your support workers and they know you and what you like. 

 

Melba support workers are highly trained and most of our houses are equipped to support those with complex support needs. All of our support is tailored to your needs. Talk to us about your support needs and we can recommend the respite location best suited to your needs. 

 

We are a child safe organisation.  We have separate respite options for adults and children aged seven and over.

What activities are available at Melba Respite?

If staying in is more your style, make the most of your weekend by:

It means the world to me knowing that when my son is at Melba respite he’s in a space where he’s values, respected and well supported.

- Ruby

Find out more about our Respite locations

Search for a respite location near you

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Respite in Westcliffe Cresent, Sebastopol

Respite in Westcliffe Cresent, Sebastopol

Icon | Bedroom 6
Icon | Bathroom 2
Icon | Additional Feature Kids respite, suited for complex support needs.
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Respite in Washington Street, Traralgon

Respite in Washington Street, Traralgon

Icon | Bedroom 6
Icon | Bathroom 2
Icon | Additional Feature Registered provider, suited for complex support needs.
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Respite in Nicholson Street, Sale

Respite in Nicholson Street, Sale

Icon | Bedroom 4
Icon | Bathroom 2
Icon | Additional Feature Registered provider, suited for complex support needs.
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Respite in Stratfield Court, Warragul

Respite in Stratfield Court, Warragul

Icon | Bedroom 5
Icon | Bathroom 2
Icon | Additional Feature Registered provider, suited for complex support needs for children.
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Respite in Camms Road, Cranbourne

Respite in Camms Road, Cranbourne

Icon | Bedroom 5
Icon | Bathroom 2
Icon | Additional Feature Registered provider, suited for complex support needs for children.
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Respite in Errard Street, Ballarat

Respite in Errard Street, Ballarat

Icon | Bedroom 5
Icon | Bathroom 2
Icon | Additional Feature Registered provider, suited for complex support needs.
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Respite in Howe Street, Miners Rest

Respite in Howe Street, Miners Rest

Icon | Bedroom 6
Icon | Bathroom 2
Icon | Additional Feature Registered provider, suited for complex support needs open daily.
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Get support

If you are seeking support for yourself or someone else, contact us today.

Frequently asked questions about respite

We offer individual and group activities that not only teach new things, but most importantly are fun and build confidence and friendships.

You can also get out and explore with things such as:

  • go to the movies
  • head to a cafe
  • play sport
  • explore walking trails and parks 
  • visit local attractions.

If you prefer to stay in there’s also plenty to do, such as:

  • Sensory activities.
  • Reading.
  • Arts and crafts.
  • Puzzles and board games.
  • Relaxing in the backyard.
  • Xbox and Wii.
  • Watching TV.

Our highly trained, experienced support workers are available around the clock for things such as:

  • daily stuff, such as planning and cooking meals.
  • personal stuff, such as cleaning teeth,
  • taking medication correctly and on time.

To help ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable stay for everyone, occupancy limits vary at each of our respite houses:  

  • Sale: 4
  • Ballarat, Cranbourne and Warragul: 5 
  • Miners Rest, Sebastapol and Traralgon: 6 

No. Children and adults stay at different times or in separate houses, depending on the location.

Our typical ratio for respite services is 1:2 – that means one support worker for two people attending. This can change depending on individual needs. We also offer 1:1 or 1:3 support, based on compatibility, activities and personal support plans.

Yes, absolutely. A trained and experienced Melba support worker is always on site, day and night, to make sure everyone is safe, supported and enjoying their stay.

The daily rate for our respite services includes meals and in-home activities, in line with NDIS pricing rules. However, if you choose to have respite in a different setting (like your own home or a private rental), meals and activities are not included in the funding and may need to be paid for separately.  

No. NDIS funded respite is designed to give people time away from their primary supports. If you live alone or receive Supported Independent Living funding, you already have some independence from family or informal supports.

No. NDIS respite funding is to help with support such as personal care, short stays away from home, or joining community activities. It can’t be used for everyday costs, such as food, entertainment, or regular travel expenses. 

If you need to travel to our respite houses, you will probably need to cover the cost yourself. However, some NDIS plans include transport funding – for example people who can’t travel independently or need specific support to get around. Talk to us about transport if you need support. 

Short term respite (STR), sometimes called respite care, is temporary support in a different location or with different support workers to your regular arrangements. Respite is about providing an NDIS participant to stay somewhere different for a short period while receiving the day to day support they need. 

 

A respite stay can be as short as one night or last a few weeks, depending on your situation and what works best for you. During your stay, support is tailored to your routine, preferences and needs, so you feel comfortable and well supported. 

  • Accommodation  
  • Daily living support  
  • Meals  
  • Personal care and support  
  • Activities and opportunities in the community  

For many people, STR is more than just a break. It can be a chance to try new experiences, build confidence, meet new people, maybe just enjoy a change of scenery in a supportive environment. It also gives families and carers time to rest and recharge, with peace of mind knowing their loved one is being supported. 

Short term respite (STR) is generally available to NDIS participants who rely heavily on support from family members or other unpaid carers in their daily life. 

You may be eligible for STR funding if you:

  • Live with your primary support person or family 
  • Receive regular daily support from informal supports 
  • Rely on those supports for more than 6 hours of disability related services each day 

For children, short term respite is usually funded to children aged over seven whose  support needs are much higher than what would typically be expected for their age, and respite supports the family to continue in their caring role. 

In some situations, STR may not be funded, including if someone: 

  • doesn’t rely on family or informal supports in their daily life 
  • already receives high levels of paid daily support, such as Supported Independent Living or Individualised Living Options 

 

Because every situation is different, eligibility can vary depending on individual circumstances and how supports are currently set up in an NDIS plan. 

Short term respite stays can range from just a few hours to 14 days, depending on your needs. The length of stay is flexible and can be arranged for regular breaks or one off support. 

 

Medium term respite is 90 consecutive days in a Melba respite location.  

The daily rate for respite depends on the type of support you need, where you stay, and what’s included in your NDIS plan. As a guide, it can range from around $800 a day for group stays to $2,000 a day for one to one support. We can work with you to understand the costs based on your needs and funding. 

Finding emergency respite can be stressful when it’s needed at short notice. Here at Melba, we act quickly to understand your situation and needs, providing clear information on respite options that match what matters to you, so you can feel comfortable and supported in your decisions. 

Yes, respite (also known as short term respite) may be funded through the NDIS if it’s considered a reasonable and necessary support for your needs.  

For short term respite you can usually access up to 28 days of respite (also called short term respite) each year through the NDIS. Stays can be up to 14 days at a time and used either all at once or spread across the year. 

 

Medium term respite is respite for 90 consecutive days at a Melba location. 

We provide respite services across Victoria. Talk to us about your support needs and we can recommend the respite location best suited to your lifestyle and what you’d like to get out of the experience.  

 

View our Ballarat respite brochure 

View our Gippsland and Bayside brochure

Call 1300 696 352 or email engagement@melbasupport.com.au