Residential Respite

A home away from home for people living with neurological conditions. 

What is residential respite care?

If you’re caring for someone living with a neurological condition, you may occasionally feel the need for a break. If you’re being cared for, you may want your carer to take some time off to rest and recharge, while you have a break from your normal routine. That's where residential respite care services come in. 

Residential respite (also knows and Short-Term Accommodation or STA) is a ‘home away-from-home’, built to meet the needs of people living with neurological conditions, including those with high-care needs. Our home is comfortably appointed with on-site 24/7 care and support and home-cooked meals. 

Respite is available to all MSWA Clients in need of a short-term break from normal living arrangements. Funding to cover your stay may be available.

MSWA Respite home

MSWA offers a purpose-built, accessible respite home located in City Beach. Our Short Term Accommodation home is:

  • Staffed 24/7, providing around-the-clock supports
  • Built to meet the needs of people people living with neurological conditions, including those with high-care needs.
  • Provides a home where you can take a break safely and comfortably.

Explore MSWA's short-term respite home below.

How to access respite care services at MSWA

Most Clients accessing our Respite home will stay for one or two weeks, or longer depending on their needs. 

We require a booking with at least four weeks’ notice for your first visit and two weeks for any subsequent visits. This allows our team to best support your needs. A booking can be made by yourself, family member, your MSWA Support Coordinator, CLC or our MSWA Allied Health team.

Prior to your visit, a Nurse will be in contact to complete a nursing assessment.

Funding to cover your stay may be available through your Support at Home Package (formerly HCP) or National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) individual package. Speak to your support coordinator or Client Liaison Coordinator (CLC) directly about funding for respite.

Kitchen with windows letting in sunlight. Table in the middle with two chairs situated next to it.

Who we support

Respite is available to all MSWA Clients in need of a short-term break from normal living arrangements. 

We support adults living with a diagnosed neurological condition, including: 

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Stroke
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Motor neurone disease (MND)
  • Acquired brain injury

This list is not exhaustive. You can find a comprehensive list of conditions here. If your neurological condition is not listing, please contact us on 08 9365 4888 or complete the form below. 

Frequently asked questions

Definitions, Funding and NDIS

What is the difference between respite care and short-term accommodation?

While often used interchangeably, there is a difference between respite care and Short-Term Accommodation (STA).

Respite care is a service primarily aimed at giving carers a break. It can be provided in various settings, including the individual's home. At MSWA, we offer residential respite care services, providing accommodation that Clients can use for short and medium stays.  

Short-Term Accommodation (STA) is more focused on providing the individual with a temporary change of environment. STA emphasise providing a supportive and enjoyable experience for the individual.  

What does respite care mean?

Respite care refers to a temporary break from carer duties, typically lasting from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, individuals can access respite accommodation where they will continue to receive support based on their needs. At MSWA's respite home, Clients can stay from a few days to a few weeks. This purpose-built home is staffed 24/7, providing continuity of care for Clients while their carers take a break.  

What type of funding is accepted for respite?

Funding to cover your stay may be available through a range of options including NDIS, various grants or fee for service. 

Speak to your support coordinator or Client Liaison Coordinator (CLC) directly about funding for respite.

Can I use my NDIS plan to book respite care or short-term accommodation?

Respite and STA are services that can be funded under a NDIS plan. Speak to your Support Coordinator or Client Liaison Coordinator (CLC) directly about funding for respite.

How do I apply for respite or STA?

We require a booking with at least four weeks’ notice for your first visit and two weeks for any subsequent visits. This allows our team to best support your needs. MSWA Clients should contact their CLC to book respite accommodation.  A booking can be made by yourself, family member, your MSWA Support Coordinator, CLC or our MSWA Allied Health team.  

How long can I stay in respite care?

Most Clients accessing a MSWA Respite home will stay for one or two weeks, or longer depending on their needs. Contact us to find out availability. 

Respite for individuals living with neurological conditions

What is the benefit of respite if I have MS?

MSWA’s Residential Respite provides short-term, 24/7 support for individuals with multiple sclerosis, offering professional care in a purpose-built home. 

MS respite care includes access to nursing staff, allied health professionals, and tailored activities in fully accessible MS respite care homes designed to support both Clients and their carers. 

To access multiple sclerosis respite care, contact your MSWA Client Liaison Coordinator to know more or submit an enquiry form below.

Can you access respite after a stroke?

Yes, respite care for stroke patients is available at the Margaret Doody House (City Beach). Stroke respite care can be accessed by Clients 24/7 throughout the year. To access stroke respite care, contact your MSWA Client Liaison Coordinator to know more or submit an enquiry form below.  

What is respite care for a stroke?

Respite care is a service that offers carers the opportunity to take a break from caring for someone who is recovering from a stroke for a short period of time (usually from a few days to a few weeks). It can also be helpful for stroke survivors to try living in a supported environment to determine whether it might be a good choice to explore in the future.  

Can I access respite if I have Parkinson's disease?

Yes, MSWA's Margaret Doody House (City Beach) is available for respite care for Parkinson's patients. To access Parkinson's respite care, contact your MSWA Client Liaison Coordinator to know more or submit an enquiry form below.   

Practical considerations

Should I bring food?

MSWA Respite offers fresh meals catered to specific requirements of individual living with neurological conditions.  

How much clothing should I pack?

You can pack whatever makes you feel comfortable. A washing machine and dryer is available at the home for Clients to utilise during their stay.  

Who will give me my medication?

The MSWA Respite support team can assist with personal care and medications. Our Respite home is built to accommodate the needs to individuals living with neurological conditions, including those in need of high support. 

MSWA staff and client speaking while sitting on armchairs

Residential Respite Enquiry

To find out more, please complete the form below and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

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