FAQs

The Disability Homestay Network is an initiative of the Australian Homestay Network (AHN). We provide welcoming short-term accommodation (STA) and support for eligible NDIS participants (guests).

Our programs offer standards-based, high-quality, personalised support and accommodation for stays of up to 14 days OR day programs up to 10 hours per day with caring local families (hosts) who are committed to seeing eligible participants thrive.

Guests have the opportunity to connect with new people and share experiences in a safe and supportive home environment.

We operate in partnership with Breakaway Retreats to create customised stays for each guest. Breakaway Retreats will work with you (and/or your carer or support network) to tailor the experience to your specific support needs and goals.

The Disability Homestay Network operates under the Disability Homestay Network (DHN) Standards. A key component of the DHN Standards is the Commitment to the Safe and Ethical Delivery of Services and Supports for People with Disability, which includes adhering to the NDIS Code of Conduct.

To learn more about the Disability Homestay Network (DHN) Standards, please visit the Our Standards page.

Each application will be looked at on a case-by-case basis regarding eligibility and suitability for the relevant program.

We have hosts in major capital cities across Australia as well as popular regional locations. Please visit the Destinations page for a full list of where you can stay.

We want you to be comfortable and will do whatever we can to help you have the best stay possible.

The Breakaway Retreats team will use the information on your profile – such as your interests, support needs and special requests – to match you with a host. We will look for a host whose lifestyle and personality complement yours and will best help you meet your goals, ensuring they have the appropriate skills to support you and / or arrange additional assistance as required.

You will have the opportunity to look at the host profile of the family before we finalise your placement.

Our partners at Breakaway Retreats work with each participant to customise a package that meets your needs and goals. Please submit an enquiry so they can provide a quote based on your requirements.

Not all homes will be suitable for wheelchairs, however, our team will ensure you are matched with a host whose home is wheelchair accessible if required.

Hosts let us know what features and facilities are available to guests and we inspect each property to gauge its accessibility. We refer to this information during the matching process so we know the home will meet your needs.

Please let us know about your support animal during the application process. Many of our host’s homes are pet friendly.

Your stay will be tailored to your goals and interests. When you make your booking you can let us know if there are any activities you would like to do or outings you would like to go on. There is also a section for your hobbies and interests so your host knows what you like.

This information will help us and your host organise a stay that includes fun activities and time to do things you enjoy, while also meeting any goals you want to achieve.

• All hosts and all applicable residents will have passed either a Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) Check / Working With Children Check (WWCC) and National Police Check OR NDIS Worker Screening (visit the Host Clearances page for more information)
• Hosts will receive additional training if needed to provide individualised support for guests
• We will inspect the host’s home and conduct and interview with the host before they can receive their first guest placement
• We will reinspect a host’s home every 12 months to ensure nothing has changed since the initial check, and hosts must undergo recertification and training every 12 months
• We will contact the guest and the host after every stay to receive feedback on the experience

We will only match you with a host who is capable of meeting your needs.

All hosts must undergo an online training and assessment program prior to being approved to host for DHN. If additional support is required we will make sure your host has experience and /or training to care for you, or engage an external support worker as needed.

Hosts wishing to accommodate guests with High Support needs must have a valid First Aid certificate and current CPR training.

Yes. Short Term Accommodation and Assistance is generally paid out of the Core Supports budget of your NDIS plan.

Eligibility for DHN is determined by Breakaway Retreats.

Once you have been matched with a host and the placement is confirmed, you will receive your host’s contact details. This gives everyone the opportunity to get to know each other before the stay (if you and your host want to connect beforehand).

We understand that plans can change and unexpected things might happen that may affect your journey or your stay. Any cancellations or changes will need to be directed to Breakaway Retreats.

We will provide flexibility where possible.

Breakaway Connect is a short-term accommodation and support program operating in partnership with Breakaway Retreats.

It offers standards-based, high-quality, personalised support and accommodation for stays of 3-14 days

Guests have the opportunity to connect with new people and share experiences in a safe and supportive home environment.

Breakaway Retreats will work with you (and/or your carer or support network) to tailor your stay to your specific support needs and goals.

Guests can make multiple bookings per week and per annum, with the same or different host as required.

Breakaway Connect packages include:

• Hosted accommodation with a well-matched host
• Up to 2 “at home” meals per day by arrangement
• Host suitability checks and training
• Personal care and assistance with daily life tasks
• One-on-one personalised attention and support
• Activities the participant and the host agree to
• Internet access
• Transportation around the community
• Guest and host liability insurance
• 24/7 emergency assistance

• Clothes
• Toiletries
• Any medications you may need during your stay
• Personal devices/aids
• Pillow
• Comfort items like a stuffed toy or blanket
• Spending money (your placement will include up to 2 “at home” meals per day, local transport and most activities but you should bring some spending money for additional expenses like shopping, eating out, extra activities, etc. – read more info)

All accommodation is inspected so we are aware of the features and facilities available to guests.

If you require specific equipment, the Breakaway Team team will work with you (and / or your carer or support worker) to make sure this is available to you during your stay.

Meals for supports workers and carers are not included in our fees. Rates for support worker or carer may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Booking short term accommodation with us is flexible. Eligible participants can book 3 nights up to 14 nights

Yes, we will let your host know in advance if you need your food prepared in a certain way or require assistance at mealtimes.

We will ask you for this information when you make your booking so we can let your host know about your needs. This will give them time to prepare a meal plan ahead of time / buy specific food if required to cater to your requirements.

We will ask you for this information when you make your booking so we can let your host know about your needs. This will give them time to prepare a meal plan ahead of time / buy specific food if required to cater to your requirements.

You will need to pre-arrange your transport to your chosen destination if you are travelling from another city. Your host can pick you up from the bus/train station or airport when you arrive. If your scheduled arrival time changes (if you are going to arrive early or late), you must contact the host so they know when to pick you up.

Please let us know when booking if you require a specialised or modified vehicle for transportation and we will assist in arranging this for your stay.

Breakaway For A Day is a support program operating in partnership with Breakaway Retreats.

The program offers standards-based, high-quality, personalised day support for up to 10 hours per day with caring local families (hosts) centred around the host’s home.

Guests have the opportunity to connect with new people and share experiences in a safe and supportive home environment.

Breakaway Retreats will work with you (and/or your carer or support network) to tailor the experience to your specific support needs and goals.

Guests can make multiple bookings per week and per annum, with the same or different host as required.

This is an ideal program for participants requiring personalised support.

Breakaway for a Day programs include:

• One-on-one personalised attention and support in a host’s home, for up to 10 hours
• Host suitability checks and training
• Personal care and assistance with daily life tasks
• Activities the participant and the host agree to
• Internet access
• Transportation around the community
• Guest and host liability insurance
• 24/7 emergency assistance

• Any medications you may need during the day
• Personal devices/aids
• Spending money for additional expenses like shopping, eating out, extra activities, etc. – read more info)

Any personal devices/aids or specific equipment you require on a day-to-day basis should be brought with you.

Our program is designed to meet your support requirements.  This is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Breakaway for a Day program enables you to go to a host’s home and spend up to 10 hours with them. You may also go out into the community to do activities outside the home during this time depending on what you would like to do.