The Fight to Keep STA Alive
On Friday, 22nd November 2024, the NDIS announced amendments affecting Short-Term Accommodation (STA). For participants who live alone, STA provides essential respite, yet this lifeline is now under threat. The benefits of STA go far beyond a simple change of environment — it’s a critical support that promotes mental health, well-being, and independence.
Living with a disability and being alone can mean facing long stretches of isolation, compounded by the constant demands of managing daily life independently. STA offers a reprieve, giving participants the chance to recharge, connect with others, and access resources that aren’t always available at home. Despite these benefits, recent NDIS changes suggest a diminishing understanding of how crucial STA is for participants’ quality of life.
Using Core Funding Flexibly
I’ve never sought additional funding for STA. Instead, I’ve relied on my core funding, using it creatively to meet my needs. By working within this framework, I’ve been able to:
Take short-term stays that provide a much-needed break from routine.
Build social connections, essential for combating the isolation of living alone.
Relieve the pressures of managing household tasks on my own, reducing burnout.
This flexibility has allowed me to maximise the benefits of STA without adding strain to the system. However, the NDIS’s tightening definitions of "reasonable and necessary” threaten to strip away this adaptability, putting STA out of reach for many who rely on it.
Mental Health and Well-Being: The True Impact of STA
STA is more than a temporary escape — it’s integral to mental health and emotional well-being. Living alone often leads to isolation and stress. STA offers:
Mental Relief: A break from solo living challenges reduces anxiety and loneliness.
Physical Benefits: Many STA locations provide accessible environments, encouraging fresh air and physical activity, such as wheelchair-friendly paths or gardens.
Social Opportunities: Engaging with others during STA stays creates meaningful connections.
For me, STA isn’t a luxury; it’s key to maintaining independence and quality of life.
The Consequences of Cutting STA
The NDIS’s amendment risks undermining the progress flexible supports like STA have enabled. Limiting this essential service could force participants to choose between maintaining mental health and meeting other basic needs, contradicting the NDIS’s mission of empowering people with disabilities.
A Call for Action
It’s time to take a stand for STA. Participants, families, advocates, and the broader community must demonstrate why this support is indispensable. Sharing stories, engaging with decision-makers, and advocating for flexible supports are critical to ensuring STA remains accessible.
For those of us living alone, STA is more than a break — it’s a necessity for well-being and independence. The NDIS must recognise this and protect the supports that truly make a difference.
——
Have you relied on STA to maintain your mental health and well-being? Share your experiences and join the conversation to help safeguard this vital service.