Melba makes accessing respite easy
When a carer needs to take a short break, we can help. Melba respite services in Victoria, are conveniently located for you to arrange regular short breaks.
What is respite?
Respite, known as Short Term Accommodation (STA) in NDIS plans, is all about enjoying a great break in a supportive environment. Some organisations refer to respite as Short Term Accommodation and Assistance (STAA).
Why choose Melba Respite?
We pride ourselves on having regular familiar support workers at our respite houses, this means you know your support workers and they know you and what you like.
Melba support workers are highly trained and most of our houses are equipped to support those with complex support needs. All of our support is tailored to your needs. Talk to us about your support needs and we can recommend the respite location best suited to your needs.
What does Melba Respite offer children?
We offer individual and group activities that most importantly are fun, whilst building confidence, friendships and enhance capability by building life skills.
Socialising: Build friendships and enjoy group activities.
Local outings: Experience fun trips to the movies or local attractions.
Special events: Head to a festival, concert or sporting event.
Exploring nature: Visit local parks, gardens or accessible paths and trails.
What activities are available at Melba’s Respite houses?
Your visit to respite is tailored to you so activities will vary, what’s most important is you get to do what you want, have a good time and make friends and socialise if that’s what you choose.
Apart from activities, what else does respite at Melba provide?
Our highly trained, experienced support workers are available around the clock for things such as: daily tasks like planning and cooking meals, personal care tasks, such as cleaning teeth or taking medication correctly and on time.
Search our Respite home locations
- Ballarat Central (Adults and young people)
- Miners Rest (Adults and young people)
- Sebastopol (Young people only)
- Cranbourne (Adults and young people)
- Warragul (Adults and young people)
- Traralgon (Adults and you people)
- Sale (Adults and young people)
Download, print or share our respite offer brochures
Respite in Westcliffe Cresent, Sebastopol
Book your visit or stay at our Westcliffe Cresent kids respite home in Sebastopol. The home has excellent accessibility, and all manual handling equipment as required.
6
2
Kids respite, suited for complex support needs.
Respite in Washington Street, Traralgon
Book your visit or stay at our Washington Street respite home in Traralgon. The home has excellent accessibility, and all manual handling equipment as required.
6
2
Registered provider, suited for complex support needs.
Respite in Nicholson Street, Sale
Book your visit or stay at our Nicholson Street respite home in Sale. The home has excellent accessibility, and all manual handling equipment as required.
4
2
Registered provider, suited for complex support needs.
Respite in Stratfield Court, Warragul
Book short-term accommodation at Stratfield Court, Warragul. Our large comfortable home features a great indoor and outdoor space for children to play.
5
2
Registered provider, suited for complex support needs for children.
Respite in Camms Road, Cranbourne
Book short-term accommodation at Camms Rd, Cranbourne. Our large comfortable five-bedroom home features a great indoor and outdoor space for children to play.
5
2
Registered provider, suited for complex support needs for children.
Respite in Errard Street, Ballarat
Book your visit or stay at our Errard Street respite home in Ballarat. The home has excellent accessibility, and all manual handling equipment as required.
5
2
Registered provider, suited for complex support needs.
Respite in Howe Street, Miners Rest
Our large comfortable six-bedroom home features TVs in each room and two bathrooms including one fitted with overhead hoist, an Arjo bath and shower room with a large open shower.
6
2
Registered provider, suited for complex support needs open daily.
Everything you need to know about Respite (Short-term accommodation): Frequently asked questions
Is respite covered by the NDIS?
Respite is included in many NDIS plans under Core Supports, allowing up to 28 days per year. If you have an NDIS plan but aren’t sure whether it includes respite, chat to us.
Can I access respite if I’m not with the NDIS?
Yes. If you don’t have NDIS funding, there are other ways to access and pay for respite:
– You can pay privately (fee for service).
– You may be eligible for funding through Carer Gateway or other government or community programs.
We’re happy to chat with you about your options.
How long can I stay for?
Respite stays are usually up to 12 nights at a time, depending on your support needs and availability. Please check with the specific respite location for more details, as some houses may offer different arrangements.
How many people can stay in the one place?
To help ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable stay for everyone each of our respite houses can support a set number of people at one time.
Sebastapol: 6
Traralgon: 6
Sale: 4
Warragul: 5
Cranbourne: 5
Ballarat: 5
Miners Rest: 6
Do children and adults stay together?
No. Children and adults stay at different times or in separate houses, depending on the location.
What is the support worker ratio?
Our typical ratio for respite is 1:2 – that means one support worker for two people being supported. This can change depending on individual needs. We also offer 1:1 or 1:3 support, based on compatibility, activities and personal support plans.
Is there a Melba support worker on site 24/7?
Yes, absolutely. A trained and experienced Melba support worker is always on site, day and night, to make sure everyone is safe, supported and enjoying their stay.
Are meals included in the price?
The daily rate for respite in Melba houses includes meals and in-home activities, following NDIS pricing rules. However, if you choose to have respite in a different setting (like your own home or a private rental), meals and activities aren’t included in the funding and may need to be paid for separately.
Is respite available for people in Supported Independent Living?
No. Respite is designed to give people time away from their primary carers. If you live alone or receive Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding, you already have some independence from family or informal supports.
Can respite funding be used for other purposes?
Respite funding is meant to help with support such as personal care, short stays away from home, or joining community activities. It can’t be used for everyday costs, such as food, entertainment, or regular travel expenses.
How do I get to respite locations and who pays for the transport?
If you need to travel to respite, you will probably need to cover the cost yourself. However, some NDIS plans include transport funding, for example people who can’t travel independently or need specific assistance to get around. Talk to us about transport if you need assistance.
How much does respite cost?
Our respite charges are in line with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits for Short Term Accommodation (STA). If you have questions about the cost, we are happy to discuss with you.
Melba Support Services acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises First Peoples’ continuing connection to lands, waters, and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present who carry the memories, traditions, cultures, and aspirations of First Peoples, and who forge the path ahead for future leaders.