NDIS Registered ProviderMelbourne & Victoria-wide
HomeServicesRespite Care
Flexible support when you need it

NDIS Respite Care Melbourne

Everyone needs time to rest and recharge. Our flexible respite care supports NDIS participants in a safe, familiar and enjoyable way while giving families and carers valuable time for themselves.

In-home & community respitePlanned or emergency careOvernight supportShort-term accommodation
A participant and support worker enjoying relaxed respite support
A break that supports everyoneFlexible, person-centred care shaped around your routine and preferences.
A support worker and participant spending time outdoors
“Time to recharge, with confidence that the right support is in place.”
Support for participants and carers

Care that protects everyone’s wellbeing

Caring for someone you love can be deeply rewarding, but regular breaks are important. Respite care gives family members and carers time to rest, manage other responsibilities or simply reset.

At the same time, participants receive respectful support, maintain their routines and can enjoy meaningful activities at home or in the community.

  • Support built around your routine
  • Daytime, weekend or overnight options
  • In-home and community settings
  • Meaningful activities and social connection
  • Clear communication with families
Respite options

Flexible support for different situations

Respite can be planned in advance or arranged for an unexpected need, with support matched to the participant.

In-home respite

A support worker comes to the participant’s home, helping maintain familiar routines while their regular carer takes a break.

Community respite

Support to enjoy local activities, appointments, hobbies and social connection safely in the community.

Overnight care

Overnight support that provides reassurance, continuity and assistance according to individual needs.

Planned respite

Regular or one-off support arranged ahead of time for appointments, events, holidays or a well-earned rest.

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Emergency respite

Responsive short-term support when an unexpected situation changes the participant’s usual care arrangements.

Short-term accommodation

A supported stay away from home where participants can build confidence, enjoy activities and experience a change of environment.

Short-Term Accommodation

A supported stay with purpose and choice

Short-Term Accommodation, often called STA, can provide a change of environment with the right supports in place. It may include personal care, accommodation, meals and agreed activities during the stay.

Depending on the participant’s plan and goals, an STA stay can support:

  • Greater independence and confidence
  • New experiences and social connection
  • Daily living skills in a supported setting
  • Time for informal supports to recharge
  • A safe, welcoming break from routine

We plan each stay around the person—not around a fixed program.

A comfortable and welcoming short-term accommodation space
Friends and a support worker enjoying time together in a park
Why Optimistic

Reliable care, shaped around the individual

Good respite should feel reassuring for the participant and the people who support them. We take time to understand communication, routines, interests, culture and goals before care begins.

Person-centred support

The participant’s choices, comfort and goals guide every arrangement.

Screened support workers

Trained team members provide respectful and dependable care.

Flexible arrangements

Support can be planned around daytime, weekends, overnight stays or changing needs.

Culturally inclusive care

We respect each person’s identity, culture, communication and preferences.

Breathing room for carers

Take time for your health, work, family or rest, knowing the person you support is receiving thoughtful care.

How it works

A simple way to arrange respite care

Tell us what you need

Share the participant’s routine, support needs, interests, timing and the kind of break that would help.

Plan the support

We agree on the setting, schedule, activities and practical details with the participant and their support network.

Enjoy support with confidence

Our team provides the agreed care and keeps communication clear before, during and after the respite period.

Local Victorian support

Respite care across Melbourne and Victoria

Our local team supports participants and carers across metropolitan Melbourne and selected regional areas. Talk with us about current availability in your location.

  • Melbourne CBD
  • Northern Melbourne
  • Western Melbourne
  • South-East Melbourne
  • Geelong
  • Ballarat
  • Bendigo
  • Regional Victoria
An inclusive group spending time together outdoors in Victoria
Participants enjoying a community outing together
More than a break

Time for new experiences, confidence and connection

Respite is not only time apart. For participants, it can be a chance to try something new, practise daily living skills, meet people and enjoy activities chosen around their interests.

For carers, it creates space to rest and return to their role with renewed energy. The right arrangement can strengthen wellbeing for the whole support network.

Flexible respite. Personal support. Peace of mind.

Tell us what would make a meaningful and reassuring break for your family. We will help you explore a suitable respite arrangement.

Common questions

Respite care FAQs

What is respite care?

Respite care is temporary support for a person with disability that also gives their usual family member or carer time to rest, attend appointments, manage other responsibilities or recharge.

Who may benefit from respite care?

NDIS participants who need temporary support—and families or informal carers who need a break from their usual caring responsibilities—may benefit from a flexible respite arrangement.

What types of respite care are available?

Options can include care at home, support in the community, daytime or overnight care, planned or emergency respite, and Short-Term Accommodation.

Can respite care be funded through the NDIS?

Respite-related support may be funded through an eligible participant’s NDIS plan, depending on their goals, needs and available funding. Your support coordinator or plan manager can help confirm how your plan may be used.

Is weekend and overnight respite available?

Yes. Flexible arrangements can include daytime, overnight and weekend support, subject to availability and the participant’s individual care requirements.

How many days of respite can I use?

The amount depends on the participant’s needs, goals, funding and NDIS plan. We can discuss the preferred schedule and work with the participant’s support network to plan suitable care.