Finding the right provider for you can be challenging. To make the choice, you need to know what to look out for and what key questions to ask. This will help ensure you find a person or organisation that offers the supports you need.

When it comes to Short Term Accommodation (STA), it’s important to explore providers to find one that suits your (or your participants) needs well.

To make the process simpler, we spoke to the team at Beyond Disability Services. These are some of the key things they say are essential to look out for.

What is STA?

STA (previously known as Respite) is designed to give a participant’s usual carers a break while providing new opportunities for participants.

This means the participant is out of their usual surroundings, staying in a separate accommodation for some time.

What should you look out for when seeking STA/Respite?

When seeking STA, it’s essential to ask some questions to ensure that the participant and the provider will be a great fit.

These questions include:

• Does the company use their own staff and/or agency staff?


• Will your loved one share the accommodation with other participants if you have booked 1:1 care?


• Does the provider use their own facility or book Airbnbs/motels?


• What activities does the provider have planned whilst your loved one will be in their care?


• Does the provider work on Capacity Building activities whilst in care?


• Does the provider have their own vehicles to utilise for the participants and/or are the staff vehicles covered under their policy for use?


• Will the provider be cooking fresh homemade dinners or processed foods?


• Does the provider offer healthy snacks?


• What type of training do the staff members have?


• Does the participant have access to community amenities or will they stay onsite only?


• Does the provider follow the seven-day NDIS cancellation policy and charge families?


• Is there a manager on call 24 hours a day in case of an emergency?


• What is the policy for visitors?


• What medical emergency and evacuation plans do they have in place?


• Does the provider offer emergency STA if required?

What does Beyond Disability Services offer?

At Beyond, we provide STA, day programs and camps for individuals living with a disability.

We’re committed to offering the best care possible to help participants to thrive. That includes using our own dedicated staff exclusively, using self-contained properties, and self-contained units, and having flexible cancellation periods for the benefit of families. We also have a senior manager on call 24 hours a day in case of emergencies. It’s all part of our commitment to participants.

How can I learn more about Beyond Disability Services?

You can visit our website, send an email to [email protected], or call us on 0491 086 009.