What is Short Term Respite (STR/STA)?

Kuremara’s Short Term Respite program under NDIS Melbourne is for you to escape the ordinary and find a home away from home.

Our NDIS Short Term Respite in Melbourne offers temporary support for people with disability, giving you a short break from your usual care arrangements. Short term respite is the support that used to be called short term accommodation (STA) — and before that, respite. The name was updated to better reflect its purpose: giving participants a break while their primary informal supports (family, friends or carers) take a short break, so they can continue in their caring role. The focus is on the support you receive, whether at home or in a shared setting, rather than the accommodation itself.

Our dedicated team provides unparalleled service, ensuring your comfort and wellbeing throughout your stay. Relax in immaculately maintained, comfortable rooms in convenient locations. Get in touch to arrange your NDIS Short Term Respite in Melbourne.

If your NDIS plan still says “Short Term Accommodation,” it means the same as “Short Term Respite” — there’s no need to update your plan wording.

Who Can Benefit From Short Term Respite (STR/STA)?

Short stays can support people at different stages of their NDIS journey. Our short term respite Melbourne services suit participants who may benefit from a change of environment while still receiving consistent, respectful support.

You may be able to access short term respite if you live with your primary informal supports (or receive daily drop-in support from them), or if you receive disability-related support from them for more than 6 hours a day.

STR can be particularly helpful when:

A participant needs a break in a safe, supported environment
Families or carers need time to rest or attend to other responsibilities, so they can continue in their caring role
Short-term support is needed during transitions or unexpected changes

In many cases, STR also functions as NDIS respite accommodation Melbourne, balancing participant comfort with peace of mind for families and carers.

Our Short Term Respite (STR) Services

Across the range of NDIS short term respite providers in Melbourne, Kuremara offers respite support to participants who need a break from their usual care arrangements. Our services include custom-tailored accommodation, assistive devices, personal care, and medical support. We provide specialist NDIS housing in Melbourne for people with complex needs, all within accessible locations. Explore our services and contact us today.

Assistance with travel

Our STR Melbourne program helps participants get around with ease — whether using accessible public transport like trams, Metro trains and buses, or arranging private transport. We assist with travel to medical appointments, social events, and outings such as the Melbourne Museum or the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria).

In-home 24/7 support

Kuremara provides help 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your daily and overnight needs. Short term respite can be delivered in your own home, with a range of services tailored to your requirements so you keep your independence while your usual carers take their break.

Behaviour support

Kuremara supports participants’ mental health, both with and without behaviour plans. Our behavioural support services focus on understanding challenging behaviours within a safe and comfortable setting.

Assistance with activities of daily living

Our trained staff assist with personal care, meal preparation, and household tasks. For those who enjoy hands-on activities, we also offer cooking sessions using fresh produce from the Queen Victoria Market.

Access to 24/7 medical support through the Priority Health Group

Kuremara is affiliated with Priority Health Group, a primary healthcare provider. Our doctors are available 24/7 for telehealth visits if required.

A range of tailored activities

We create personalised activity schedules based on your interests, from music at the Melbourne Recital Centre to art workshops at the Arts Centre Melbourne. Outdoor lovers can enjoy guided sensory walks through the Royal Botanic Gardens or outings to Brighton Beach.

Therapeutic support

Our Melbourne STR services can incorporate physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy where funded in your plan. We work with local therapy centres and NDIS-approved specialists for on-site or off-site appointments.

Community access

We help participants enjoy Melbourne’s vibrant community events — from AFL matches at the MCG to inclusive workshops at the Melbourne Library and disability-friendly events at Federation Square. Social outings can include live theatre at Her Majesty’s Theatre or the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Respite care in quality accommodation

As an NDIS short term respite provider in Melbourne, Kuremara offers a quality, safe and welcoming space. Whether for a night, a weekend or longer, our compassionate care ensures comfort and peace of mind for both participants and their families.

Our Short Term Respite (STR/STA) Activities

Full day activities

Attending an AFL game at the MCG or Marvel Stadium

Exploring Melbourne Zoo and interacting with native wildlife

Day trip to Phillip Island to see the Penguin Parade

Exploring Scienceworks and learning through interactive exhibits

Enjoying Luna Park in St Kilda for fun rides and carnival games

Half day activities

Visiting the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) for art exhibitions

Exploring Queen Victoria Market and tasting fresh local produce

Watching a live theatre show at the Arts Centre Melbourne

Taking a scenic ride on the Puffing Billy Steam Train in the Dandenong Ranges

Visiting SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium to see penguins and sharks

Short activities (1 to 3 hours)

Joining a music or painting workshop at local community centers

Walking along the Yarra River and enjoying the Melbourne skyline views

Relaxing at the Royal Botanic Gardens with a picnic

Taking a tram ride on the historic City Circle route

Enjoying an interactive VR experience at Melbourne Central

Short Term Respite and Transitional Support

In some situations, short stays may extend slightly longer to support transitions. While short term respite is not the same as permanent housing, it can help participants who temporarily require NDIS medium term accommodation Melbourne while awaiting longer-term arrangements.

This may include participants:

Transitioning between homes
Awaiting home modifications
Experiencing changes in informal supports

Where appropriate, our team can guide participants through NDIS medium-term accommodation Melbourne options and help coordinate next steps.

Short Term Respite and Other NDIS Accommodation Types

Short term respite is different from long-term housing supports. While we focus on short stays, we also help participants understand how STR fits alongside broader NDIS accommodation in Melbourne, including supported living and specialist options — and how it may serve as a stepping stone toward supports like NDIS specialist disability accommodation Melbourne, where this aligns with individual goals and eligibility.

Why Choose Kuremara for Short Term Respite in Melbourne?

As experienced NDIS short term respite providers Melbourne, we prioritise care continuity, safety, and respect. We work closely with participants, families, and support coordinators so each stay feels stable, supported, and personalised. What sets us apart: participant-led support planning; inclusive, culturally aware care; experienced support workers; flexible stays aligned with NDIS goals; and clear communication with families and coordinators.

Short Term Respite (STR/STA) in Melbourne