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Caring for a loved one with a disability can be both rewarding and exhausting. While the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is designed to support individuals with disabilities, it also provides indirect and practical support for the family members and carers who accompany them every day. Many carers don’t realise that the scheme includes specific supports that can ease the pressure, build resilience, and ultimately enhance the sustainability of care.
In this article, we explore how carers and families can benefit from NDIS-funded support and the lesser-known options that could make a significant difference in your daily life.
Understanding the Role of NDIS Carers
Although the NDIS is participant-focused, it recognises the vital contribution carers make. The impact of caring responsibilities is often discussed during planning meetings, as it helps determine the types of support the participant may require. By supporting the participant effectively, the NDIS is also supporting the carer.
Some of the key ways the scheme assists carers and families include:
- Funding supports that reduce carer strain, such as in-home personal care or assistance with daily living
- Enabling participants to access respite through Short-Term Accommodation (STA)
- Providing opportunities for skill development and training for families
You can learn more about how these services operate by visiting our Respite Care – Short-Term Accommodation page or our overview of Assistance with Daily Personal Activities.
Short-Term Accommodation (STA) as a Break for Everyone
STA—often referred to as respite—is one of the most valuable forms of support for carers. It provides participants with a temporary stay in a supportive environment, while allowing carers to rest, recharge, and attend to their wellbeing. These short breaks can be crucial in preventing burnout and improving the long-term sustainability of home-based care.
NDIS funding for STA usually covers:
- 24/7 support for the participant during the stay
- Accommodation, meals, and personal care
- Opportunities for community engagement and skill-building
Discover how we offer respite care that benefits both participants and their families on our Respite Care page.
Family Capacity Building and Training
Families and carers are often key to a participant’s success, and the NDIS recognises this by including support for capacity building. Depending on the participant’s plan goals, funding may be available for family members to receive:
- Training in behaviour management techniques
- Education about the participant’s condition or support needs
- Guidance on how to navigate the NDIS and support services more effectively
This can be especially helpful when supporting someone with complex needs or challenging behaviours. Our Complex Behaviour Support services are often delivered in partnership with families and carers to ensure consistent strategies across environments.
Supported Living and Daily Care Relief
Ongoing support with daily care—such as bathing, toileting, or meal preparation—not only benefits the participant but also provides carers with much-needed relief. The NDIS may fund this type of assistance under Core Supports, reducing the intensity of the carer’s role.
Explore how Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Community Nursing services help reduce pressure on families while ensuring quality care for participants.
Mental Health Support for Carers
Caring for someone with disability—especially in high-intensity or long-term situations—can take a toll on mental health. While the NDIS does not directly fund mental health services for carers, helping the participant receive appropriate care (e.g., through High-Intensity Nursing or behavioural support) can ease that burden.
Outside of the NDIS, carers may also be eligible for support through organisations like Carer Gateway, Carers Queensland, or mental health services under Medicare.
Final Thoughts
While the focus of the NDIS is on the participant, its benefits often extend deeply into the lives of family members and carers. From respite care to training and daily support, these services are designed to create a more sustainable, supportive environment for everyone involved.
If you’re caring for a loved one and feel like you’re missing out on potential NDIS-funded support, our team at My Care Living can help. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and identify ways to ease the pressure, because when carers are supported, participants thrive too.