Trevor’s Story
How NDIS respite care in Perth helped one young man reconnect with the people who matter most
Trevor Hardwick is 33 and lives at home with his parents. It’s a comfortable arrangement, but for a while now, he’d been finding it hard to keep up with friendships and stay connected with the people he cares about. Daily life has a way of filling every space, and there wasn’t much room left for the relationships that mattered to him.
That’s what led him to St Jude’s.
Trevor now visits for short-term respite in Perth every now and then, short breaks that give him time away from home in a supported environment. It’s a flexible arrangement, and over time, those visits have made more of a difference than he expected.
A smooth start
When Trevor first arrived at St Jude’s, he wasn’t sure what to expect. But the process turned out to be simple.
“It was very smooth,” he says. “I just had to bring my clothes, and everything else was in place.”
The team had even organised a new bed for him before he arrived, a small thing, but the kind of detail that helped him feel welcome and settled from the start. For families looking into NDIS short-term accommodation in Perth, that sort of care in the early stages can make a real difference. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
Stronger relationships
One of the things Trevor had been struggling with was maintaining his relationships. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, it was just hard to find the energy and headspace when everyday life at home took up so much.
Having time away changed that.
“I had a good time off,” Trevor says. “My relationships improved with my friends and family — it was nice to have some time away.”
It might seem strange that spending time apart could bring people closer together, but that’s what happened for Trevor. He came back home feeling more refreshed, with more to give to the people around him. For a lot of families, this is what short-term accommodation through the NDIS can offer: a chance for NDIS participants to step back and recharge, while also giving carers a short break from the day-to-day.
Building new skills
Respite isn’t only about having a break. For Trevor, it’s also been an opportunity to learn new things and build his confidence in a supportive setting.
During his stays, the staff at St Jude’s have worked with him on practical, everyday skills, things like setting up his bed, doing laundry, and looking after his own space. “They showed me how to do my own chores,” he says.
That kind of NDIS support has carried over into his life at home. Trevor now walks to the park near his house on his own, something he wasn’t doing before. He also made the decision to leave a gym that wasn’t right for him and join a better one. He says he’s “more outdoorsy now.”
None of these are dramatic changes on their own, but together they add up to something meaningful, a growing sense of independence and the confidence to make his own choices.
Connection and community
One of Trevor’s proudest moments during his time at St Jude’s was hosting a barbecue for the house.
With support from staff, he planned what to cook, prepared the food, and ran the BBQ himself. His mum and dad came along to join in.
“Staff helped me do a BBQ, and I had a nice time with others in the house,” Trevor says.
It wasn’t just about cooking; it was about creating something and sharing it with people. That sense of contribution matters.
Trevor has also formed a genuine connection with one of the support workers, Bosh. “He’s a fun person,” Trevor says. “A bit cheeky and helpful. A very good person.”
These kinds of relationships are part of what makes respite feel less like a service and more like somewhere you actually want to be.
What respite has meant for Trevor
Looking back, Trevor’s time with St Jude’s has given him more than just a break from routine. It’s helped him strengthen his relationships, build practical skills, and feel more confident in himself.
He still lives at home with his parents, and that’s not changing. But the way he feels about his life, and the way he shows up for the people he loves, has shifted. Respite has become part of how he looks after himself, and he keeps coming back whenever he needs it.
At St Jude’s, our Short Term Accommodation is built around this kind of flexibility. As an NDIS respite provider in Perth with over 40 years of experience, we’ve seen what a difference the right support can make, not just for participants, but for the families around them too.
Frequently asked questions
What is NDIS short-term accommodation?
Short-term accommodation (sometimes called STA or short-term respite) is temporary supported accommodation for people with disability, funded through the NDIS. It gives participants a chance to spend time away from home in a supported environment, where they can build skills, try new things, and have a change of scenery. For families and carers, it also provides an opportunity to rest and recharge. Stays can be as short as one night or as long as a couple of weeks, depending on what works best.
How do I access respite accommodation in Perth through my NDIS plan?
Short-term accommodation is usually funded under the Core Supports category in your NDIS plan. If you’re not sure whether you have funding available or how to use it, your Support Coordinator can help you work through your options and connect you with a provider like St Jude’s.
What does my family member need to bring?
Not a lot. As Trevor found, St Jude’s provides most of what’s needed: comfortable bedding, household essentials, and a welcoming space. Participants generally just need to bring their own clothing, toiletries, and anything specific to their support needs, like medications or mobility equipment.
Will there be support available during the stay?
Yes. Our NDIS respite care in Perth includes 24/7 NDIS support from trained staff. Depending on the person’s needs and goals, this might include help with daily tasks, personal care, skill-building activities, or getting out into the community.
Can respite be ongoing, or is it just a one-off?
It can definitely be ongoing. Like Trevor, many NDIS participants use respite on a regular basis, whether that’s monthly, a few times a year, or whenever it suits. Coming back regularly helps people build familiarity with staff, continue developing skills, and maintain the benefits of having that dedicated time away.
If you’re thinking about respite
If you’re supporting someone who might benefit from a short stay away from home, or you’re just not sure whether respite is the right fit, you’re welcome to get in touch.
We’re happy to talk through what’s involved, answer any questions about how it works, and help you figure out whether it could be a good option. There’s no pressure, and if it’s not the right time, that’s completely fine.
Get in touch or call us on (08) 9279 4343
