Emergency Respite: When a Carer Suddenly Can't Continue
If a carer suddenly can't provide care, for example because they're ill or injured, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 at any time. A local Carer Gateway provider will talk through the options and book emergency respite where it's available. If the person you care for has short term accommodation (STA) in their NDIS plan, a registered STA provider may also be able to arrange a stay. If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 000.
Who Do You Call First?
000 if anyone is in danger. Otherwise Carer Gateway, on 1800 422 737, any time.
| Situation | Call |
|---|---|
| Someone is at immediate risk of harm | 000 |
| The carer is suddenly sick or injured and can't continue caring | Carer Gateway, 1800 422 737, any time |
| The person has STA in their plan and needs a stay soon | An STA provider, the support coordinator, or us |
| Support needs have changed for good | The NDIA, to ask for a plan change |
| Someone is homeless or needs somewhere to live | Your state or territory homelessness services |
Can NDIS Short Term Accommodation Be Used in an Emergency?
If STA is already in the plan, it can be used for a stay at short notice, if a provider has room. STA isn't crisis accommodation.
STA is for time apart from family or carers, so they can keep caring. The NDIA won't fund it for a housing crisis, and it doesn't replace other mainstream and community supports like crisis accommodation. If the person's support needs have changed because the caring arrangement has broken down, ask the NDIA for a plan change.
Looking for a Stay?
We'll connect you with a registered STA provider who may have a stay that suits.
What Does Carer Gateway Emergency Respite Do?
It organises someone to take over care while the carer recovers, if a suitable service is available nearby.
Carer Gateway is a national government service for carers. When you call, you speak to your local Carer Gateway service provider, who talks through the options and books emergency respite where it's available. Carer Gateway also offers planned respite for carers who aren't sick or injured but need a break.
How Can You Be Ready for an Emergency?
Make an emergency care plan, and keep the person's key information in one place.
- Write an emergency care plan, so someone else can step in. Carer Gateway explains how.
- Keep a one-page summary of routines, medication, communication and care needs
- Know whether STA is in the plan, how much is left and how the plan is managed
- Have the support coordinator's and plan manager's contact details handy
- Get to know an STA provider before you need one, with a short planned stay
Questions People Ask
What is the emergency respite number in Australia?
Carer Gateway, on 1800 422 737. It's available at any time for carers who suddenly can't provide care. If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 000.
Does the NDIS fund emergency respite?
The NDIS funds short term accommodation for eligible participants, which can be used at short notice if a provider has room. It isn't crisis accommodation.
Is medium term accommodation an emergency option?
No. The NDIA says medium term accommodation isn't short term or emergency accommodation.
Keep Reading
- Respite houses and vacanciesWhat an NDIS respite house is, who stays there, how STA vacancies work, what to have ready when you ask, and how to find a registered respite house provider.
- STA and carersHow NDIS short term accommodation gives family carers a break, what the NDIA looks at about carers, and other places carers can get respite and support.
- Who can get STAThe NDIA's rules for short term accommodation: the 6 hour test, the extra factors it looks for, when it won't fund STA, and the different rules for children.
- STA vs MTA vs SILThe difference between NDIS short term accommodation (STA), medium term accommodation (MTA) and supported independent living (SIL), side by side, with examples.
- NDIS respite accommodationNDIS respite accommodation explained: respite houses, cottages, group stays and host stays, who can get it, what's funded and how to find a registered provider.
- How it worksHow we connect you with an STA provider, and what happens to your details.
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