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Quick answer: Respite care cost per day in Australia typically ranges from $708 to over $4,270 for NDIS-funded Short Term Accommodation, depending on the level of support, staffing ratio, day of the week, and your location.
These numbers probably raised a few questions, and the figures alone do not tell the full story.
That’s because respite pricing is more than just about a daily rate. This guide breaks everything down clearly so you know exactly what to expect, what is covered, and how to make the most of your NDIS funding.
What Is Respite Care?
Before getting into numbers, let’s understand what you are actually paying for.
Respite care is a temporary support arrangement that gives primary caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities.
Respite care services come in several forms:
In-home respite: A trained support worker comes to your home so the caregiver can step away while the participant stays in their familiar environment.
Centre-based respite: The participant attends a day centre or community program with structured activities and social interaction.
Residential respite care: The participant stays overnight or for a few days in a supported accommodation setting. Under the NDIS, this is called Short Term Accommodation (STA).
Emergency respite: Unplanned, immediate support when an unexpected situation arises, and the caregiver is temporarily unavailable.
Each type serves a different purpose, and the right choice depends on the participant’s needs, preferences, and the level of support required.
How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Day
For NDIS participants, respite care is primarily funded through Short Term Accommodation (STA). The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26 set the maximum rates providers can charge. These rates vary depending on staffing ratio, the day of the week, and the location.
Here is a clear overview of the current maximum daily rates:
| Item Number | Item Name and Support Ratio | Unit | National | Remote | Very Remote |
| 01_058_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:1 – Weekday | Day | $2,178.57 | $3,050.00 | $3,267.86 |
| 01_059_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:1 – Saturday | Day | $2,785.13 | $3,899.18 | $4,177.70 |
| 01_060_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:1 – Sunday | Day | $3,527.69 | $4,938.77 | $5,291.54 |
| 01_061_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:1 – Public Holiday | Day | $4,270.25 | $5,978.35 | $6,405.38 |
| 01_054_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:2 – Weekday | Day | $1,198.69 | $1,678.17 | $1,798.04 |
| 01_055_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:2 – Saturday | Day | $1,501.97 | $2,102.76 | $2,252.96 |
| 01_056_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:2 – Sunday | Day | $1,873.25 | $2,622.55 | $2,809.88 |
| 01_057_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:2 – Public Holiday | Day | $2,244.53 | $3,142.34 | $3,366.80 |
| 01_062_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:3 – Weekday | Day | $872.06 | $1,220.88 | $1,308.09 |
| 01_063_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:3 – Saturday | Day | $1,074.25 | $1,503.95 | $1,611.38 |
| 01_064_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:3 – Sunday | Day | $1,321.77 | $1,850.48 | $1,982.66 |
| 01_065_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:3 – Public Holiday | Day | $1,569.29 | $2,197.01 | $2,353.94 |
| 01_045_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:4 – Weekday | Day | $708.75 | $992.25 | $1,063.13 |
| 01_051_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:4 – Saturday | Day | $860.39 | $1,204.55 | $1,290.59 |
| 01_052_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:4 – Sunday | Day | $1,046.03 | $1,464.44 | $1,569.05 |
| 01_053_0115_1_1 | STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:4 – Public Holiday | Day | $1,231.67 | $1,724.34 | $1,847.51 |
Note: These figures include accommodation, personal care, food, and activities for the duration of the stay. They are the maximum caps. Your actual cost may be lower depending on your provider and plan.
NDIS Respite Care Cost Calculator (Weekly)
How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Week?
If you are planning a week-long break, you can estimate the cost by adding up the relevant daily rates rather than simply multiplying one flat rate—especially if the stay includes a weekend.
Example 1: 1:4 Support Ratio (National – Weekdays Only)
The weekday rate for a 1:4 ratio is $708.75 per day.
For a 7-day weekday-equivalent stay:
$708.75 × 7 = $4,961.25
So, a full week at a 1:4 weekday rate would cost approximately $4,961.25.
Example 2: 1:1 Support Ratio (Including Weekend – National Rates)
If the stay includes 5 weekdays plus Saturday and Sunday at a 1:1 ratio, the calculation changes:
- Weekdays: $2,178.57 × 5 = $10,892.85
- Saturday: $2,785.13
- Sunday: $3,527.69
Total:
$10,892.85 + $2,785.13 + $3,527.69 = $17,205.67
So, a one-week stay with 1:1 support, including a weekend, would cost approximately $17,205.67 at National rates.
The good news is that NDIS plans can fund up to 28 days of STA per year, which gives families real flexibility in how they use this support.
Making the Most of Your NDIS Funding
Plan ahead. STA bookings can fill up quickly, especially during school holidays. Book early to secure your preferred dates.
Review your plan regularly. If your caregiver’s needs have changed or you are not using your STA allocation, speak with your support coordinator about adjusting your plan.
Understand the pricing. Providers must charge within NDIS price limits. Ask your provider to explain the rates they are applying and why, especially if your stay includes a weekend or public holiday.
Ask questions. A good provider will be transparent about costs, staffing ratios, and what is included. Do not hesitate to ask for clarity before committing.
Experience Premium Care with TK Community Care
Why settle for just a “stay” when you can choose an experience? At TK Community Care, we turn short term respite care into a highlight for our participants and a genuine reset for their families. We handle the complexities of NDIS respite care pricing and logistics, so you don’t have to. From 24/7 personalised support to vibrant community activities, our respite care services are built on trust, transparency, and the highest standards of safety.
Ready for a reset? Secure your dates with TK Community Care today.
