Empowered takes the utmost time to plan our short stay experiences to ensure that our participants have an enjoyable and memorable time.
When it comes to group short stays, we pride ourselves on our ability to match participants with similar goals, interests and abilities, and this is something that we don’t compromise on.
We truly want this to be a positive experience for everyone, and we will go above and beyond to make it happen.
Our short stay brochure is designed to give participants an idea of new experiences, places to visit and a range of activities that can be enjoyed by all. Whether it’s your first time away from home or you’re a seasoned traveller, we’ll make sure your short stay is one to remember.
We also have a range of individual options for participants looking for respite short stay experiences.
We often get asked by participants and stakeholders how short stays are funded under the NDIS. Short stays fall under the short-term accommodation line item (This comes from the Core Budget in a Participants NDIS Plan).
The NDIS price guide defines the short-term accommodation line item as “Integrated support for self-care, accommodation, food & activities in a centre or group residence for short periods”. This line item can be used flexibly over 24 hours to provide accommodation, food & negotiated activities over a short period. A portion of that funding can be used towards a hotel or an Airbnb, activities and going out for a nice meal.
Participants wishing to have a short stay should have a clearly defined goal in their NDIS plan that relates to respite or short-term accommodation. The purpose of the short stay should be included in the plan as part of the participant’s goal.
If you are a participant or a provider and have questions about using this line item, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team would be happy to chat through potential options with you.
“My favourite thing about this role is when a Participant returns from their short stay and tells me what an amazing time they had. Then, I get to go through all the incredible photos and put together the photo books, knowing that they will have these memories forever. Empowered short stays are unique and cater to the individual needs of each Participant, so, the Participant can let me know where they want to go and what they want to do.”
Paige Hammond
Respite Coordinator
Unfortunately, we are only able to claim within the plan period for support provided during that time.
In some circumstances it may be possible to bring your own Support Worker. Please discuss with our Respite Coordinator for more information.
Yes, our Short Stays are funded under Short Term Accommodation and can be used for the supports that underpin that Short Stay, accomodation, meals and negotiated activities during that period.
Funding is drawn from Core Supports under the Daily Activities – Short Term Accommodation line item.
Unfortunately, Empowered does not organise travel insurance. If this is something you require, we encourage you to look into this yourself.
The out-of-pocket cost will be determined by the Respite Coordinator for each Short Stay. This will differ for each Short Stay based on any additional requirements that are not funded by Short Term Accommodation.
The out-of-pocket cost covers additional requirements such as flights etc. that are not included in the Short Term Accommodation funding.
The price of the Short Stay includes all main meals, accommodation, activities, and the Support Worker.
Yes, staff complete an administering medication training module, and we will ensure that the Support Worker has experience depending on the Participant needs.
Payment for Service
If your NDIS plan expires before the Short Stay and your new plan does not include enough funding to cover the NDIS portion of the Short Stay, this will be payable by the Participant.
Out-of-pocket Cost
Out-of-pocket costs are subject to change. This will occur where there has been limited accommodation, special activity request or an expense that is not covered under the STA funding.
Cancellation of Service
There may be occasions where Short Stays need to be cancelled or rescheduled. Such circumstances may include changes or cancellations by the provider, insufficient attendees etc. Empowered Community Services will advise attendees of any changes/updates to Short Stays as soon as possible, and where applicable, reschedule to another date.
Cancellation by Participant
Participants are required to provide notices of cancellation as soon as possible and no later than 7 days prior to a Short Stay. Empowered Community Services follows the NDIS cancellation policy.
Limitation of Liability
Subject to any responsibilities implied by law and which cannot be excluded, we are not liable to you for any losses, damages, liabilities, claims and expenses (including but not limited to legal costs and defence or settlement costs) whatsoever arising from any incident whilst on a Short Stay, whether in contract, including negligence, statute or otherwise.
Travel Insurance
Empowered Community Services does not provide travel insurance. It is recommended that Participants take out their own comprehensive travel insurance when making a booking. Further information regarding Short Stays can be found in our “Short Stays & Respite Policy”, which can be provided upon request.
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Empowered Community Services Pty Ltd
ACN: 634 541 076 | NDIS Provider Number: 4050060444
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