Planning Your First Respite Stay: A Checklist for Participants and Families
Knowing who will help you in the morning can matter just as much as remembering your toothbrush. For your first respite stay, familiar routines belong beside the booking details.
Respite can provide support while your usual family or informal carers take a break. Use this checklist to prepare, with your preferences guiding the plan.
Helping a family member? Ask which decisions they want help with and who they want involved.
1. Confirm the booking and costs
Confirm the dates, arrival and departure times, and exact location.
Request an itemised quote showing accommodation, support and any additional personal expenses.
Check cancellation conditions, changes to bookings and arrangements for leaving early.
If using NDIS funding, confirm eligibility and what your plan allows before booking.
Check what you’ll pay yourself: Current NDIS guidance excludes food and meals from short-term accommodation funding. Confirm these and any activity costs before booking. Your NDIS contact can help clarify funding questions.
2. Get to know the place and team
Ask whether a visit, video tour or conversation with the support team is available.
Check that the bedroom, bathroom and access arrangements meet your needs.
Confirm any equipment required and who will supply it.
Ask who will provide support during the day and overnight.
Discuss what happens if you become unwell, feel uncomfortable or need different support.
For example, explain the space and equipment you need for safe transfers.
3. Prepare a clear support handover
Give the team the information needed to support you safely, using the provider’s agreed process.
Describe personal care, mobility, transfer, continence and overnight support needs.
Share relevant, current care plans, including mealtime or behaviour support plans where applicable.
Provide an up-to-date medication list, allergy information and relevant instructions from treating professionals.
Agree how medication will be supplied, stored and managed, and who is responsible.
Confirm that workers have the skills and training needed for your specific support.
4. Make preferences part of the plan
Care information should include the things that help you feel comfortable.
Explain your usual morning and bedtime routines.
Discuss food preferences, cultural practices and personal care preferences.
Share how you communicate and how you prefer information explained.
Mention sensory needs, quiet time or activities you enjoy.
A note such as, “Please give me time to answer before asking another question,” gives staff something practical to work with.
Your choices, privacy and communication needs should be respected throughout the stay.
5. Pack for your everyday needs
Check what the provider supplies, then prepare:
Comfortable clothes, sleepwear and personal toiletries.
Medication and documentation prepared according to the agreed handover arrangements.
Mobility aids, communication devices, chargers and necessary personal supplies.
A familiar item, such as a favourite book or pillow.
Essential contact details and any agreed care information.
Label belongings where helpful and make a simple list of equipment that needs to return home with you.
6. Agree on communication and the return home
Choose a main contact and backup contact.
Agree who may receive updates and how, respecting the participant’s consent and privacy.
Confirm transport, collection times and who will collect you.
Arrange the handover of medication, equipment and relevant information at departure.
Ask how to raise concerns during the stay and review the experience afterwards.
After returning home, talk about what felt comfortable and what you would change next time.
Frequently asked questions
Can the first stay be a short one?
Ask about a shorter first stay or an introductory visit, including any costs. What is possible depends on your needs, provider availability and funding arrangements.
What if I feel uncomfortable during the stay?
Tell the team and use the contact arrangements agreed beforehand. You can involve a trusted person or advocate. Discuss what can be changed and what options are available if you want to leave.
Plan your respite support with Care Cube
Planning a respite stay in Ballarat or elsewhere in Victoria?
Talk to Care Cube about your routines, preferences and support needs. Ask about available services and work through the practical details before you decide.
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