What Activities Are Included in an NDIS STA or Respite Stay?

Kirsty Savage

Aug 14

4 min read

One of the most common questions families ask before booking an NDIS STA or respite stay is a practical one: what will the participant actually be doing? This guide from Visionary Respite and Care explains how activities are typically planned during a stay, what influences the options available, and what to ask a provider before booking.

How Activities Are Planned During a Stay

Activities during an NDIS STA or respite stay should be planned around the participant, not offered as a generic list. A well-run stay usually starts with information gathered before the participant arrives, covering their interests, routine, sensory preferences, and any support needs that shape what is realistic and enjoyable.

From there, a support worker can plan a mix of activities that fit the length of the stay, the participant's energy levels, and their goals under the NDIS. This might include time in the community, quieter activities at the accommodation, or a combination of both, depending on what the participant wants and needs.

What Kinds of Activities Are Typically Involved?

The specific activities vary widely between participants, but common categories include:

Community access — visiting local shops, cafes, parks, or attractions, depending on the participant's interests and mobility
Social and recreational activities — games, hobbies, creative activities, or shared meals with other participants if the stay involves shared support
Routine and daily living tasks — continuing familiar routines such as meal preparation, personal care, or exercise, which help the stay feel less disruptive
Skill-building activities — practising specific goals from the participant's NDIS plan, such as budgeting, communication, or independent living skills
Quiet or low-sensory time — rest, downtime, or activities that suit participants who need less stimulation, particularly during longer stays

Not every stay will include all of these, and the right mix depends entirely on the individual participant. If you are preparing for a first stay, our first-time STA checklist covers what to pack and prepare alongside this.

What Should Shape the Activity Plan?

A good provider builds the activity plan around:

the participant's stated interests and preferences
goals documented in the participant's NDIS plan
any sensory, communication, or behavioural support needs
the length and purpose of the stay
input from family or carers about what has worked well in the past

If a provider cannot explain how they plan activities around a specific participant, rather than offering the same schedule to everyone, that is worth asking more about.

Questions to Ask a Provider Before Booking

Before confirming a stay, it is reasonable to ask:

How do you find out what the participant enjoys before planning activities?
Can activities be adjusted if the participant is tired, overwhelmed, or unwell during the stay?
Are activities linked to any specific goals in the participant's NDIS plan?
What happens if the participant prefers not to take part in a planned activity?
How much choice does the participant have day to day during the stay?

How NDIS Funding Usually Applies

Costs are generally covered through NDIS plan funding where the support is included in the participant's plan. Community participation and skill-building activities during a stay are generally funded as part of the support delivered, rather than as separate add-ons, though this depends on how the participant's plan and the specific stay are structured. A support coordinator or plan manager can confirm what applies.

What Good Support Looks Like

Across a well-planned stay, quality support usually includes:

flexibility to change plans based on how the participant is feeling
respect for the participant's right to choose or decline an activity
clear communication with family about how the stay is going
activities that connect to the participant's actual goals and interests, not a fixed itinerary
a calm, unhurried pace rather than a packed schedule

When It May Help to Speak With Visionary Respite and Care

If you want to understand how activities are planned during an NDIS STA or respite stay and what might suit the participant's interests and goals, Visionary Respite and Care can talk through the options as part of planning a stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the participant have to take part in every planned activity?

No. Participants should always have the choice to decline an activity or ask for something different. A good provider builds in flexibility rather than a fixed schedule.

Are activities during a stay covered by NDIS funding?

Costs are generally covered through NDIS plan funding where the support is included in the participant's plan. How activities are costed depends on the specific plan and how the stay is structured.

Can family suggest specific activities before a stay?

Yes. Sharing what the participant enjoys, along with any activities to avoid, helps the provider plan a stay that genuinely suits them.

What if the participant needs quiet time rather than a full schedule?

A good provider should be able to plan for this. Rest and low-sensory time are valid parts of a stay and should be included when they suit the participant.

Can activities be linked to NDIS plan goals?

Yes, where relevant. Skill-building and community participation activities can often align with specific goals in a participant's plan, though this should be discussed with the provider and support coordinator.