Finding an NDIS Respite Provider for In-Home Care

What Does a Respite Provider Do?

It matches a support worker to the participant, rosters shifts, makes sure the worker is screened and trained, and claims payment from the plan or invoices you or your plan manager.

Some providers do only in-home support. Others also run community programs or short-term accommodation. For in-home respite, what matters most is whether they have workers near you, at the times you need, who can do the care safely.

What Should You Check About a Respite Provider?

Registration, worker screening, training for the care needed, availability and the terms in the service agreement.

• Registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Registered providers need NDIS worker screening clearances for key personnel and workers in risk-assessed roles
• Working with Children or Working with Vulnerable People checks, if the participant is a child, as state and territory laws require
• Training for any high intensity care, like enteral feeding or complex bowel care, or experience with a behaviour support plan
• Workers available on the days and times you need, including overnight if that's what you want
• The same one or two workers each time, where possible
• Clear prices at or below the NDIS maximums, and clear travel and cancellation terms

Everyone delivering NDIS supports, registered or not, has to follow the NDIS Code of Conduct. That includes respecting privacy, giving supports safely and competently, and acting with integrity, honesty and transparency.

Where Do You Find NDIS Respite Providers?

Ask your support coordinator, search the NDIS provider finder, ask other families, or tell us what you need and we'll pass it to a registered provider.

The NDIS website has a provider finder you can search. It won't tell you who has a worker free on Tuesday afternoons, so expect to make a few calls. If you'd rather not ring around, our service passes your enquiry to one registered provider at a time.

Do You Need a Service Agreement?

It isn't required for in-home respite, but the NDIS recommends one when you start with a new provider or your needs change.

A service agreement sets out what you and the provider have agreed: the supports, times, prices, travel, cancellations and what to do if something goes wrong. The NDIS says service agreements are there to protect you.

What If a Respite Provider Isn't Working Out?

Raise it with the provider first. You can change providers, and you can make a complaint to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Check the notice period in your service agreement before you change. If you're worried about someone's safety or the quality of support, contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.