{"id":7980,"date":"2026-09-30T13:33:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T03:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/?p=7980"},"modified":"2026-09-30T14:53:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T04:53:49","slug":"your-first-respite-stay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/knowledge-hub\/your-first-respite-stay\/","title":{"rendered":"Your first respite stay: a helpful guide to getting started"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"7980\" class=\"elementor elementor-7980\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-286b5191 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"286b5191\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a2897f1 e-con-full home-banner e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a2897f1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d7849bb elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-laptop__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet_extra__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2d7849bb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Your first respite stay: a helpful guide to getting started<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b4dd185 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4b4dd185\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6191cc23 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6191cc23\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab661f7 link elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ab661f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">Trying respite for the first time can bring up all kinds of feelings<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">from relief <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">and<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">excitement<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">to having a<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\"> few nerves<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\"> The great news is, w<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">ith<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\"> the<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\"> right preparation and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">support<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">, your first stay can <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">be<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\"> comfortable<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">and<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW106550409 BCX8\">rewarding<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106550409 BCX8\">, bringing a whole new world of opportunities<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW106550409 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-473c3f6 link elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"473c3f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\">At <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW47402948 BCX8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW47402948 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Melba<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\"> Support Services<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\">,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\">we\u2019v<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\">e<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\"> created this<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\">respite <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\">guide<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\"> to help you <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\">prepare and get started<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47402948 BCX8\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW47402948 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37bb8606 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"37bb8606\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f59a0d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8f59a0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is respite and how can it support you?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b7b042 link elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2b7b042\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\">Respite<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\"> (also known as Short Term Accommodation or STA)<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\"> is a chance to spend time somewhere new, with <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\">t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\">he right support around you, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\">while<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\"> your<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\"> usual support network <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\">takes <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266188510 BCX8\">a break too.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW266188510 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc214fa link elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cc214fa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For many people, respite can:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">be a refreshing change of routine and scenery<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">create opportunities to meet new people\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">learn new things to develop and foster greater independence<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">build confidence, strengths and interests in a new environment<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-85a6a0d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"85a6a0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Preparing for your first stay<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-320d717 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"320d717\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4514ea4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4514ea4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Set expectations<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fae4084 link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fae4084\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>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 \u2018meet and greet\u2019 with your support team.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a38f92c link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a38f92c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Some of the things you might like to explore include:<\/p><ul><li>what a typical day at respite might look like<\/li><li>who will be supporting you<\/li><li>what kinds of activities you can choose from during your stay<\/li><li>who else will be there during your stay<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56ab375 link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"56ab375\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>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 &#8211; even a bit excited!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-608e549 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"608e549\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fcabfb8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fcabfb8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What to pack<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-542aabc link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"542aabc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2cd72b5 elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-align-left elementor-tablet-align-justify button elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"2cd72b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm elementor-animation-float\" href=\"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/CHECKLIST-what-to-pack-for-your-first-respite-stay.pdf\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Download packing list<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e41904 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4e41904\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1fb8600 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1fb8600\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Share important info with your support team<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-edf0d21 link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"edf0d21\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8863e75 link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8863e75\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You might like to share with them:<\/p><ul><li>your daily routine (morning, meds, meals, bedtime)<\/li><li>what you\u2019d like to get out of your stay<\/li><li>food preferences or dietary needs<\/li><li>things you enjoy doing<\/li><li>things you don\u2019t like<\/li><li>new things you would like to try<\/li><li>any sensitivities or things you prefer to avoid<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea4c9ec link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ea4c9ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When it comes to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/respite\/\">respite with Melba<\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9490b77 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9490b77\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3453f34 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3453f34\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Easing first time nerves<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56804df link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"56804df\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It\u2019s very common to have a few nerves before your first respite stay. You\u2019re trying something new, and it\u2019s natural for that to come with mixed feelings. For most people, these feelings ease once they unpack and start to settle in.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>These simple tips can help make that first stay feel more familiar.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e689c3f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e689c3f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bf5cda5 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"1bf5cda5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\"><b>Start small<\/b>  <br>You might begin with a shorter stay, trial visit or day stay. This way, you can gradually build up to longer stays over time. Take things at a pace that feels good to you.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\"><b>Stay connected  <\/b><br>Staying in touch with your family and support networks can be reassuring. You might like to schedule phone or video calls with family and friends, send regular updates and photos, and agree on check in times.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8fb91cc link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8fb91cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Keeping connected often makes it easier to settle into your respite stay.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ae361b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4ae361b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Extra respite tips from Melba<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a840132 link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a840132\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Our experienced team have learnt a few simple things that can make a big difference to your respite experience, including:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5201e666 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5201e666\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-236f63b6 elementor-arrows-position-inside elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-carousel\" data-id=\"236f63b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;carousel_items&quot;:[{&quot;slide_title&quot;:&quot;Slide #2&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;ab34651&quot;},{&quot;slide_title&quot;:&quot;Slide #2&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;0af3d76&quot;}],&quot;slides_to_show&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;slides_to_show_tablet&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;slides_to_show_mobile&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:5000,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;speed&quot;:500,&quot;offset_sides&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;arrows&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;image_spacing_custom&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;image_spacing_custom_laptop&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;image_spacing_custom_tablet_extra&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;image_spacing_custom_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;image_spacing_custom_mobile_extra&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;image_spacing_custom_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-carousel.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-carousel swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Gallery\" dir=\"ltr\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\" aria-live=\"off\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" data-slide=\"1\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"1 of 2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ad48f9d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4ad48f9d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1db39a66 elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"1db39a66\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"34\" height=\"33\" viewBox=\"0 0 34 33\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M19.9781 32.1532V26.1665C20.1126 22.6239 20.2471 19.2606 20.3817 16.0766C20.561 12.8927 21.2113 9.9554 22.3324 7.26475C23.4535 4.52926 25.5163 2.10767 28.5209 0L31.7496 4.23777C30.8976 5.00012 29.7989 6.56966 28.4536 8.9464C27.1083 11.2783 26.3908 14.5071 26.3011 18.6327L33.2295 19.5072V32.1532H19.9781ZM0 32.1532V26.1665C0 22.6687 0.11211 19.3278 0.336331 16.1439C0.605396 12.96 1.34532 10.0002 2.55611 7.26475C3.81175 4.52926 5.94185 2.10767 8.9464 0L12.1752 4.23777C11.3231 5.00012 10.2245 6.54724 8.87914 8.87914C7.53381 11.211 6.81631 14.4398 6.72662 18.5655L13.2514 19.5072V32.1532H0Z\" fill=\"#404040\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52fa467e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"52fa467e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>It\u2019s completely normal to feel a bit unsure before your first respite stay. What helps a lot is talking through what to expect ahead of time whether that\u2019s with the Melba team or someone you know. Knowing the routine, who will be there, and what your days might look like can take a lot of the worry away.<\/em><\/p><p><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p><p><em>Respite isn\u2019t just about time away, it\u2019s also an opportunity to try new things, meet new people, and enjoy a bit of independence. Going in with a mindset of curiosity rather than worry can really change the experience.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d166f9a elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"4d166f9a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 34 33\" width=\"34\" height=\"33\"><style>.a{fill:#404040}<\/style><path class=\"a\" d=\"m13.3 0v6q-0.3 5.3-0.5 10.1-0.2 4.8-1.9 8.8-1.7 4.1-6.2 7.3l-3.2-4.3q1.3-1.1 3.3-4.7 2-3.5 2.1-9.7l-6.9-0.9v-12.6zm20 0v6q0 5.2-0.4 10-0.4 4.8-2.2 8.9-1.9 4.1-6.4 7.3l-3.2-4.3q1.3-1.1 3.3-4.6 2-3.5 2.2-9.7l-6.6-1v-12.6z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fe8758f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fe8758f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Michal, Head of Community Services at Melba<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" data-slide=\"2\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"2 of 2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4101607 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4101607\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9972c72 elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"9972c72\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"34\" height=\"33\" viewBox=\"0 0 34 33\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M19.9781 32.1532V26.1665C20.1126 22.6239 20.2471 19.2606 20.3817 16.0766C20.561 12.8927 21.2113 9.9554 22.3324 7.26475C23.4535 4.52926 25.5163 2.10767 28.5209 0L31.7496 4.23777C30.8976 5.00012 29.7989 6.56966 28.4536 8.9464C27.1083 11.2783 26.3908 14.5071 26.3011 18.6327L33.2295 19.5072V32.1532H19.9781ZM0 32.1532V26.1665C0 22.6687 0.11211 19.3278 0.336331 16.1439C0.605396 12.96 1.34532 10.0002 2.55611 7.26475C3.81175 4.52926 5.94185 2.10767 8.9464 0L12.1752 4.23777C11.3231 5.00012 10.2245 6.54724 8.87914 8.87914C7.53381 11.211 6.81631 14.4398 6.72662 18.5655L13.2514 19.5072V32.1532H0Z\" fill=\"#404040\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3193712 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3193712\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>If you&#8217;re feeling nervous about trying respite for the first time, there\u2019s no need to rush. Start with a short visit of just a few hours. This gives you the chance to get to know the setting and your support team &#8211; and for them to get to know you. As your confidence grows, you might visit for a little longer next time, then eventually try an overnight stay when you\u2019re ready.<\/em><\/p><p><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p><p><em>The most important thing is that respite feels right for you. Taking things one step at a time can help build trust, familiarity, and confidence, so it becomes something you genuinely look forward to and enjoy.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2571bc3 elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"2571bc3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 34 33\" width=\"34\" height=\"33\"><style>.a{fill:#404040}<\/style><path class=\"a\" d=\"m13.3 0v6q-0.3 5.3-0.5 10.1-0.2 4.8-1.9 8.8-1.7 4.1-6.2 7.3l-3.2-4.3q1.3-1.1 3.3-4.7 2-3.5 2.1-9.7l-6.9-0.9v-12.6zm20 0v6q0 5.2-0.4 10-0.4 4.8-2.2 8.9-1.9 4.1-6.4 7.3l-3.2-4.3q1.3-1.1 3.3-4.6 2-3.5 2.2-9.7l-6.6-1v-12.6z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a77580d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a77580d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Shannon, Outcomes Manager<\/strong><strong> at Melba<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-prev\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Previous\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-chevron-left\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M646 125C629 125 613 133 604 142L308 442C296 454 292 471 292 487 292 504 296 521 308 533L604 854C617 867 629 875 646 875 663 875 679 871 692 858 704 846 713 829 713 812 713 796 708 779 692 767L438 487 692 225C700 217 708 204 708 187 708 171 704 154 692 142 675 129 663 125 646 125Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-next\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Next\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-chevron-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M696 533C708 521 713 504 713 487 713 471 708 454 696 446L400 146C388 133 375 125 354 125 338 125 325 129 313 142 300 154 292 171 292 187 292 204 296 221 308 233L563 492 304 771C292 783 288 800 288 817 288 833 296 850 308 863 321 871 338 875 354 875 371 875 388 867 400 854L696 533Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7656b7f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7656b7f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How Melba works with you to get your respite just right<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64387646 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"64387646\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79b1fe8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"79b1fe8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e655b1f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4e655b1f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ee125d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1ee125d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Visit before your stay if you can<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-506be3d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"506be3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1dee59d9 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1dee59d9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c6725b3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2c6725b3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-421aaa25 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"421aaa25\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Bring a piece of home with you<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c25117 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6c25117\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A favourite pillow, photos, blanket or even a small personal item can make a new place feel more like your own.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7470928d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7470928d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-312adb32 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"312adb32\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-49bb8074 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"49bb8074\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Be open to new experiences<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34b92707 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"34b92707\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-302ce0aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"302ce0aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You might find joy in unexpected things when you\u2019re willing to give them a go, whether it\u2019s trying something new, going to a new cafe, a different routine, or meeting new people.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2824bedc e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2824bedc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b4f1338 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6b4f1338\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78699b98 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"78699b98\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Share what\u2019s working (and what\u2019s not)<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7452cbd2 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7452cbd2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6677e375 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6677e375\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Your respite stay is all about you, and your support team is there for you. Let us know what you\u2019re enjoying and if anything could be better. This way, we can tailor your stay to be as rewarding as possible.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41036f24 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"41036f24\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0babfa e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b0babfa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4c676f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e4c676f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Give yourself time to settle in<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a779cd2 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1a779cd2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-508b60d4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"508b60d4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It\u2019s completely okay if it takes a little while to feel comfortable. Go at your own pace, there\u2019s no rush.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d14192 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1d14192\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How Melba works with you to get your respite just right<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d0996c4 link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d0996c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Your first respite stay doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39f0704 link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"39f0704\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>We work with you to:<\/p><ul><li>choose a respite option where you\u2019ll feel comfortable<\/li><li>support your routine, interests, likes and needs<\/li><li>Find the right environment and people for you<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-49656d3 link elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"49656d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5bc08028 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5bc08028\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-766f4fb6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"766f4fb6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Who is Melba Support Services? <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e43fc38 link elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e43fc38\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>With more than 50 years of experience, Melba is a trusted, NDIS registered provider of tailored disability support services across Victoria.<\/p><p>We do things differently at Melba, we call it <em>The Melba Way<\/em>. At the heart of <em>The Melba Way<\/em> 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33c3939 link elementor-widget-laptop__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"33c3939\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you\u2019re looking for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/respite\/\">respite services<\/a>, we\u2019re here to walk you through the process. Contact Melba Support Services today or start searching for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/respite\/#viewproperties\">respite location<\/a> today.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ee7c954 elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-align-left elementor-tablet-align-justify button elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"5ee7c954\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm elementor-animation-float\" href=\"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/contact-us\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Contact Melba today<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-464d84e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"464d84e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e06bd21 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6e06bd21\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16b164e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"16b164e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Share<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67a67c73 elementor-share-buttons--view-icon elementor-share-buttons--skin-flat elementor-share-buttons--shape-circle elementor-share-buttons--color-custom elementor-grid-0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-share-buttons\" data-id=\"67a67c73\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"share-buttons.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-grid\" role=\"list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_facebook\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Share on facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fab-facebook\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.78 90.69 226.38 209.25 245V327.69h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.31 482.38 504 379.78 504 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_linkedin\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Share on linkedin\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fab-linkedin\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 32H31.9C14.3 32 0 46.5 0 64.3v383.4C0 465.5 14.3 480 31.9 480H416c17.6 0 32-14.5 32-32.3V64.3c0-17.8-14.4-32.3-32-32.3zM135.4 416H69V202.2h66.5V416zm-33.2-243c-21.3 0-38.5-17.3-38.5-38.5S80.9 96 102.2 96c21.2 0 38.5 17.3 38.5 38.5 0 21.3-17.2 38.5-38.5 38.5zm282.1 243h-66.4V312c0-24.8-.5-56.7-34.5-56.7-34.6 0-39.9 27-39.9 54.9V416h-66.4V202.2h63.7v29.2h.9c8.9-16.8 30.6-34.5 62.9-34.5 67.2 0 79.7 44.3 79.7 101.9V416z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_email\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Share on email\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-envelope\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M502.3 190.8c3.9-3.1 9.7-.2 9.7 4.7V400c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48H48c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48V195.6c0-5 5.7-7.8 9.7-4.7 22.4 17.4 52.1 39.5 154.1 113.6 21.1 15.4 56.7 47.8 92.2 47.6 35.7.3 72-32.8 92.3-47.6 102-74.1 131.6-96.3 154-113.7zM256 320c23.2.4 56.6-29.2 73.4-41.4 132.7-96.3 142.8-104.7 173.4-128.7 5.8-4.5 9.2-11.5 9.2-18.9v-19c0-26.5-21.5-48-48-48H48C21.5 64 0 85.5 0 112v19c0 7.4 3.4 14.3 9.2 18.9 30.6 23.9 40.7 32.4 173.4 128.7 16.8 12.2 50.2 41.8 73.4 41.4z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96d266e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"96d266e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a9fe8db elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7a9fe8db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Your First Respite Stay FAQ<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-622da57 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"622da57\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;all_collapsed&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1020\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1020\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What is respite in simple terms?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1020\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-515f9925 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"515f9925\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7086966e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7086966e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/respite\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Respite<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1021\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1021\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What do I need to pack for a respite stay?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1021\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-131bc5e7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"131bc5e7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4df0aedd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4df0aedd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What you pack for respite will depend on how long you\u2019re staying and the type of support you need, but it\u2019s always a good idea to bring the things that help you feel comfortable and settled.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Common items include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Comfortable clothing and sleepwear<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Toiletries and personal care items<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Medications in original packaging<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chargers, communication devices or assistive technology<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Favourite comfort items like a pillow, blanket or book<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Activities you enjoy, such as puzzles, games or music<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Many people also find it helpful to bring a favourite item from home to make the new environment feel more familiar.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Download Melba\u2019s handy <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/CHECKLIST-what-to-pack-for-your-first-respite-stay.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">respite packing list<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> so you don\u2019t forget anything.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1022\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1022\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What is a respite package?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1022\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6752f27 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6752f27\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e5135e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e5135e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>To get Supported Independent Living funding in your NDIS plan, the NDIS requires you to show why you need regular support at home.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>If you\u2019re exploring SIL in Victoria, Melba can organise a Functional Capacity Assessment and help you gather evidence to support your application.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>This evidence then needs to be submitted to the NDIA who will decide if SIL is a reasonable and necessary support for you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1023\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1023\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What are the new SIL practice standards? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1023\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a985b7e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a985b7e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cce25c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cce25c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A respite package may include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Accommodation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Daily living support<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Personal care<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meals<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Medication and health support<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Social activities and community access<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some respite packages are designed for overnight or weekend stays, while others may support longer or more regular breaks.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1024\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1024\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What\u2019s the purpose of a short term respite stay?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1024\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b6ea69 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8b6ea69\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d33ae8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7d33ae8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Respite offers the chance for:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A refreshing change of routine and setting<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Building confidence and independence<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">New social experiences and activities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Time in a supportive environment<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1025\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"6\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1025\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What respite is available near me?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1025\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ef8202 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0ef8202\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42773d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"42773d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In Victoria, Melba Support Services offers tailored respite to make you feel comfortable, supported and prepared for your first stay.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.melbasupport.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Melba-Respite-brochure.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Learn more about respite in Ballarat, Gippsland and Cranbourne<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> &gt;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When choosing a respite provider, it\u2019s important to look for a team that takes the time to understand what matters to you and helps you feel comfortable throughout the process.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the right preparation and support, your first respite stay can be incredibly rewarding. 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