Short Term Accomodation (STA) Questions

  • Good news, you don’t need STA listed separately in your plan. If you have funding in your Core Supports budget, you can use it flexibly for short-term accommodation. We’ll work with you or your Support Coordinator to ensure it aligns with your plan and goals, and meets the criteria for disability-related support.

  • NDIS STA funding covers your accommodation, support staff, home-cooked meals, and any agreed-upon activities during your stay. However, personal costs like takeaway meals, shopping, medical appointments or unplanned travel outside the program aren’t included. We’re transparent from the start, so you’ll always know what’s covered.

  • We’ve made our 6-step booking process as simple and stress-free as possible:

    1. Submit an Enquiry - Reach out by phone, email or online form.

    2. Let’s Have a Chat - A friendly team member will call to get to know your needs.

    3. Tour the Home & Meet the Team - See the home, ask questions, and get a feel for the environment.

    4. Personalised Intake Process - We guide you through every form and gather everything needed, from care routines to health sign-offs.

    5. Book Your First Stay - We begin with a 3-day trial stay to make sure the space and support feel right.

    6. Ongoing Bookings & Support - Once you’re happy, we secure your bookings and keep everything flexible as your needs evolve.

  • Yes, we do. At Lighthouse, comfort and accessibility go hand in hand. At our luxury STA we provide manual hoists, shower chairs, and have a fully accessible bathroom designed for ease of use. Our spaces are wheelchair-friendly throughout, and we even have a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a ramp for community outings. We want your stay to feel both safe and effortlessly comfortable.

  • Yes, Lighthouse offers 24/7 support. Our staff are onsite throughout the night, they operate on a sleepover (non-active) model, meaning they are resting in the night but always close by and ready to assist if needed. This setup is perfect for participants who are independent overnight but still want the peace of mind that someone is there in case of a medical issue, personal need, or emergency.

  • Your Lighthouse stay includes personal care, all meals, fun and meaningful activities, and community access outings tailored to your interests. We co-design your experience with you, whether you want a quiet recharge or a weekend of exploring Sydney’s best accessible spots.

  • We offer flexible stays to suit you, anything from a short weekend break to a 14-day retreat. The NDIS generally funds up to 28 days per year, which can be used in blocks or across the year in smaller visits. Our team will help you plan the best use of your time and funding.

  • We understand life happens. If you have a last-minute need, maybe your regular carer is unavailable or you’re in transition, we do our best to accommodate. Availability depends on current occupancy, but we’re just a phone call away to assist you through urgent arrangements.

  • Yes, your loved ones are welcome. Our spaces are designed to be warm and social, and visitors are encouraged during your stay. We just ask for notice so we can ensure privacy, safety, and a welcoming experience for all guests in the home.

  • Absolutely, and we highly recommend it. Come experience the warmth, care, and luxury firsthand. We’ll show you around the home, introduce you to our team, and answer any questions you or your family have. Seeing is believing, and we want you to feel 100% confident.

  • You can search via the NDIS Provider Finder online, but if you’re looking for luxury, comfort, and truly personalised support, start with us here at Lighthouse. We’re based in Sydney and offer a high-quality alternative to traditional respite. Feel free to reach out, we’d love to show you what makes us different.

Medium Term Accomodation (MTA) Questions

  • Medium-Term Accommodation is a temporary housing solution funded by the NDIS. It’s designed for situations where your long-term home is confirmed but not yet ready, for example, if you’re waiting for home modifications, assistive tech, or a vacancy in Specialist Disability Accommodation. MTA gives you a beautiful, supportive place to stay in the meantime, with the care and dignity you deserve.

  • Yes, the NDIS generally funds MTA for up to 90 days, but longer stays can be approved with the right documentation and funding. If, for example, you’re waiting on home modifications that will take longer, your plan can reflect that. Lighthouse will support you in gathering the evidence needed and help liaise with your Support Coordinator to make it seamless.

  • Here’s a quick breakdown:

    • MTA is a bridge - temporary housing while you wait to move into your long-term home.

    • STA (respite) is short-term support, usually for up to 14 days, used for rest, carer breaks, or skill-building.

    • SDA is a permanent home designed for people with very high support needs.

    Lighthouse can support both STA and MTA clients.

  • Yes, absolutely. At Lighthouse, we understand that the right equipment is essential for both comfort and safety. Our Medium-Term Accommodation includes manual hoists, shower chairs, and fully accessible bathrooms. We work closely with your support team to ensure the space is ready for any essential assistive technology you may bring.

  • Yes, they can. You’re welcome to continue with your existing therapists or arrange for new providers to support you during your stay. We can help coordinate appointments and welcome professionals into the home. Whether it’s physio, OT, or speech, your care continues uninterrupted, because progress shouldn’t pause just because you’re between homes.

  • NDIS MTA funding only covers the cost of the accommodation itself, that means your temporary housing during the waiting period for your long-term home. It does not include food, electricity, internet, or other day-to-day living costs. It also doesn’t cover your personal care or support services, but don’t worry, you can use other supports in your NDIS plan to cover those while you’re staying with us. We’re always transparent about what’s included, and we’ll walk you through it step by step, so you feel confident about your support.

  • We make the process smooth and supportive from start to finish:

    1. Submit an Enquiry - Call, email, or complete our online form.

    2. Have a Chat - We’ll get to know your needs and confirm suitability.

    3. Tour the Home - Meet our team, view the space, and ask questions.

    4. Personalised Intake - We’ll guide you through documentation and care planning.

    5. Book Your MTA Stay - Once approved, we schedule your move-in date.

    6. Ongoing Support - We’re by your side every step of the way.

    Whether you’re transferring from hospital, another facility, or the community - we’ll make sure the move is supported.

  • If you’re being discharged from hospital or aged care and your next home isn’t ready yet, MTA is a great solution. Your hospital team, support coordinator, and the NDIA can work together to get MTA added to your plan. Lighthouse will coordinate with your discharge planner to ensure the transition is safe, smooth, and timely, because you deserve care without delay.

  • From the moment you arrive, we’re here to help you settle in and feel at home. We can assist with:

    • Orientation around the home

    • Support with unpacking or adjusting to routines

    • Gentle emotional reassurance

    • Arranging transport or community access

    • Working closely with your external support team and family

    And when it’s time to move out, we’ll help you pack up and transition smoothly into your next home.

  • Absolutely, your loved ones are welcome. We believe your MTA experience should feel like home, and that includes having visitors over. We just ask that visits are coordinated with staff to maintain safety and comfort for everyone.

  • When choosing an MTA provider, look for:

    • Accessibility - Are the homes suited to your mobility needs?

    • Supportive staff - Are they qualified, caring, and present 24/7?

    • Comfort and quality - Does it feel like a place you’d truly enjoy?

    • Flexibility - Can they personalise the stay around your goals?

    • Reputation - Read reviews, visit the home, meet the team.

    At Lighthouse, we combine all of these with a luxury, home-away-from-home feel, because a temporary stay should never feel second-best.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) Questions

  • SIL funding is generally for people aged 18 and over who have higher support needs and require help with daily living tasks at home. You might be eligible if you need regular assistance from support workers, even overnight, to live independently. SIL is often suited for people living in shared homes, but it can also apply to individual arrangements depending on your needs.

  • To have SIL added to your plan, you’ll need to work with your Support Coordinator or NDIS planner to show that it’s a “reasonable and necessary” support. This usually involves:

    • Sharing reports from allied health professionals (like OT or psychologists)

    • Outlining your daily support needs

    • Explaining your housing goals

    If SIL fits your needs, the NDIA will assess the best home and living supports for you. We’re happy to guide you through the process and collaborate with your team every step of the way.

  • Our SIL team supports you with everything you need to live well and confidently. This includes:

    • Personal care (e.g. showering, dressing, medication support)

    • Meal preparation and cooking

    • Cleaning and laundry

    • Transport to appointments or activities

    • Building life skills like budgeting or planning your week

    We co-design your routine with you so everything fits your lifestyle, preferences, and goals.

  • Yes, Lighthouse offers 24/7 support. Our staff are onsite throughout the night, they operate on a sleepover (non-active) model, meaning they are resting in the night but always close by and ready to assist if needed. This setup is perfect for participants who are independent overnight but still want the peace of mind that someone is there in case of a medical issue, personal need, or emergency.

  • Absolutely. We encourage you to bring your own furniture, photos, keepsakes, or comforts to make the space feel like home. Each Lighthouse room is beautifully styled, but your room is your sanctuary, and it should reflect your personality.

  • You have the freedom to live your way. At Lighthouse, we support flexible routines based on your goals, preferences, and energy levels. We just have respectful guidelines to keep the shared home running smoothly. You choose when to sleep, eat, go out, and relax. It’s your home.

  • You can do as much or as little as you like. Our team organises a variety of social and recreational activities, outings, creative activities, movie nights, or gentle exercise, but you decide what’s right for you. Want to do something on your own? That’s perfectly fine too. We’re here to support your lifestyle.

  • Yes, you can. Your comfort and wellbeing come first. If things don’t feel quite right, whether it’s the provider, support style, or house dynamic, you can speak to us, your Support Coordinator or planner about exploring other options. We’ll help make any transitions smooth and respectful.

  • While we’re unable to offer trial stays due to NDIS funding arrangements, we warmly invite you to visit the home, meet our team, and spend time getting a real feel for the space and atmosphere. You’re welcome to ask questions, explore the common areas, and make sure the environment feels right for you before making any decisions. We want you to feel completely comfortable and confident about your choice

  • Yes, we believe compatibility is key. When matching housemates, we consider things like age, interests, communication style, personality, and support needs. You’ll be included in this process so that everyone in the home can feel comfortable and supported. It’s all about creating a peaceful, welcoming space for everyone.

  • Yes, if that’s part of your housing goal and it’s a good fit. If both parties are eligible for SIL, and the home can support your combined needs, then living together is absolutely possible. Whether it’s a sibling, close friend, or partner, we’ll work with you to make it happen in a way that feels right and respectful.