Respite / Sta

Respite / Short Term Accommodation (STA), disguised as fun experiences, friendship, and laughter.

We all need a break sometimes to restore and rejuvenate our inner selves. Carers often struggle with taking a break due to their caring role, feelings of guilt, worry about leaving the person they care for, and difficulties trusting others to provide care.

Carers are always valued, and their expertise acknowledged at The Soul Shack.

They are welcome to phone or visit the Soul Shack to check in on the person they care for, and when necessary, stay at the Soul Shack as well.

We do not provide a ‘home away from home’, instead we offer new routines, experiences, and opportunities.

Days and nights are packed with activities and adventures, with a high level of support to encourage participation.

Activities during Respite include:

• Bush walks in tropical paradise.
• Caring for and connecting with animals on the farm.
• Coffee shop morning and a pub meal.
• Cooking and working as a team on household tasks.
• Crafts, group games, lawn sports, karaoke, movie night, formal night, laser tag, costume party, community service, and campfires.
• Kayaking and swimming down a gently-flowing, pristine, crystal-clear mountain stream (with external tour company).
• Swimming and picnics at lush tropical water holes.
• Swimming at public pools and beaches (with lifeguards on duty and stinger nets when required).

Funding for respite/STA can be sourced through the persons NDIS plan ‘Core Supports’ https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/supports-you-can-access-menu/home-and-living-supports/short-term-accommodation-or-respite. Or contact The Carers Gateway to enquire about Carer Assistance that may be available to access Respite. https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

The Soul Shack provides a regular group respite program. It is a five-day program (running from 10 a.m. on Monday until 4 p.m. on Friday) that includes activities such as:

• Bush walks in tropical paradise.
• Caring for and connecting with animals on the farm.
• Coffee shop morning and a pub meal.
• Cooking and working as a team on household tasks.
• Crafts, group games, lawn sports, karaoke, movie nights, formal night, laser tag, costume party, community service, and campfires.
• Day trip to the Frankland Islands on the Great Barrier Reef, including a guided snorkelling tour, island exploration, and stand up paddle boarding.
• Kayaking and swimming down a gently-flowing, pristine, crystal-clear mountain stream.
• Swimming and picnics at lush tropical water holes.

All activities and supports are modified to suit the requirements of each individual in the group. The program has been developed by an experienced Occupational Therapist, with a high level of supervision provided to staff.

Support is typically provided at a ratio of 1:2 (1 support worker assisting 2 participants). This can be increased to 1:1 support if an individual requires more intensive assistance.

Following the 5 day experience, a brief report will be provided outlining how the activities within the respite program addressed the individuals' current NDIS goals.

Transport can be provided between Innisfail and Cairns, including airport transfers, when requested (additional cost).

Check out the ‘Events’ tab to see upcoming Respite/STA Group Program dates.

The Soul Shack provides individual respite at a ratio of 1:1 to individuals outside of the group respite program dates. 

Dates and times can be arranged to suit the individual and carers needs.

NDIS operational guidelines state ‘Short Term Accommodation, including respite, is funding for support and accommodation for a short time away from your usual home.

It covers the cost of your care in another place for up to 14 days at a time, 28 days per year.

It’s often funded when your usual carers aren’t available, or for you to try something new’.