Empower Lives with Heart

Registered NDIS Provider

NDIS Respite Care That Gives Everyone a Real Break

Short, supported breaks for participants and carers across Sydney, with 24/7 support in a safe and welcoming place.

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No waitlist
Planned or emergency 

15 min

Immediate appointments.
No waitlist

Why Us

Why Sydney Families Choose Affective Care

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Breaks That Recharge

Quality short breaks that give carers rest and participants a positive change of scene.

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Planned or Emergency

Respite when you plan ahead, and support when something unexpected comes up.

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24/7 Support

Around-the-clock care from trained, friendly support workers.

Support for Children, Adults and Older Adults

Culturally Inclusive

Multilingual workers who respect culture, food and routines.

HOW IT WORKS

How Respite Works from First Enquiry to a Relaxing Stay

We learn what the participant needs and enjoys, plan a stay that suits, then provide 24/7 support and activities, so the participant has a positive break and carers get genuine time to rest.

Getting started: a free call to plan dates, support needs and funding.

The stay: 24/7 support, personal care and activities in a safe, welcoming place.

The outcome: participants enjoy a change of scene and carers return refreshed.

Occupational Therapy services
WHO WE SUPPORT

Respite for Participants and the People who Care

Respite may suit people living with disability who would enjoy a short break or change of scene, and the family carers who need time to rest and recharge.

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Carers Needing a Break

Time to rest, recharge or manage other commitments, knowing your loved one is safe.

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Autism

Predictable, sensory-aware short stays with patient, understanding support.

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Intellectual Disability

A safe, friendly change of scene with help for daily routines.

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Physical Disability

Accessible stays with personal care and mobility support included.

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Acquired Brain Injury

Consistent routines and support during a short, restful stay.

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Psychosocial Disability

Calm, supportive breaks that ease pressure for participants and carers.

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Young Adults

A taste of time away from home, building confidence and independence.

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Older Participants

A comfortable, supported stay with company and gentle care.

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Complex Needs

Higher-intensity respite with personal and complex care during the stay.

BUILT ON TRUST & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The Credentials, in Plain Terms

RD
Rita Dagher
Registered Psychologist • CEO

A psychology-led team, so respite is restful, safe and genuinely caring.

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NDIS Certified_col
Ahpra and National Boards
Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Occupational Therapy Australia
Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
NSW Education Standards Authority
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NDIS-registered provider delivering supports under the NDIS Practice Standards.

Trained, screened and supervised support workers.

Culturally inclusive, multilingual team (English, Arabic, Mandarin).

Backed by a multidisciplinary team: psychology, nursing and allied health.

OUR HAPPY PARTICIPANTS

A Real Break, for the Whole Family

What we help with

Respite That Feels Like a Real Break

From a single night to a weekend away, our respite includes the support, comfort and activities that make a stay genuinely restful.

Overnight Respite

Short overnight stays with 24/7 support and a comfortable place to relax.

Weekend Breaks

Weekend respite so carers can rest and participants enjoy a change.

Planned Respite

Regular, scheduled breaks booked around your needs and funding.

Emergency Respite

Short-notice support when something unexpected comes up.

Personal Care Included

Help with daily personal care during the stay, by trained workers.

Activities & Outings

Fun activities and outings so the stay feels like a real break.

Higher-Needs Support
Respite for complex and high-support needs.
RESPITE COVERAGE

Across Sydney
With Local Teams

In-home respite comes to you; short-stay respite is in a supported setting.

Inner West (Campsie)
Greater Sydney

Not sure if we cover your area?

Call us and we’ll talk through respite options near you, plus what’s available and how soon.

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About / Our Commitment

Affective Care knows carers need rest and participants deserve a positive change of scene. Our respite is warm, safe and well-supported, giving families peace of mind and participants a break they’ll enjoy.

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Your Choice: In-Person or Telehealth Support

We offer respite the way that suits your family.

  • In-home respite, with support coming to you.
  • Short-stay respite in a safe, supported setting.
  • The same trained, person-centred support either way.
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NDIS Funding for OT

  • Respite is funded as Short Term Accommodation (STA) under Core Supports: Assistance with Daily Life.
  • STA usually covers accommodation, meals, activities and 24/7 support, often up to around 28 days a year.
  • Not sure what your plan includes? We’ll help you check and book a stay.
How it works

Getting Started is Simple

Three steps from first call to a restful, supported break.

1

Free enquiry

Tell us the dates, support needs and funding on a free, no-obligation call.

2

Plan the Stay

We confirm support, activities and a comfortable place to stay.

3

Enjoy the Break

The participant settles in with 24/7 support, and carers get to rest.

Ready to Arrange Respite in Sydney?

Whether you’re a participant, family member or support coordinator, we make respite simple. Tell us the dates and needs, and we’ll confirm support, options and funding quickly.

Fill in our short referral form or call us — we respond quickly, including for emergency respite.

Occupational Therapy build skills
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Families & Participants

A Safe, Happy Break for Your Loved One and You

Caring is full-on, and everyone needs a break sometimes. We provide warm, well-supported respite so your loved one is safe and engaged, and you get genuine time to rest and recharge.

  • Planned or emergency respite
  • 24/7 support and personal care included
  • Culturally inclusive, multilingual staff
SUPPORT COORDINATORS & PROVIDERS

A Responsive Respite Partner You Can Rely On

Refer with confidence. We respond quickly, including for emergencies, confirm STA funding and support needs, and keep you updated, so your participants get respite without long waits.

  • Fast response, including emergency respite
  • Planned, scheduled and one-off stays
  • Clear updates and NDIS-aware records
We're ready when you are

Ready for a Break Everyone Can Enjoy?

Let’s arrange a safe, supported respite stay that gives participants a change of scene and carers a real rest. Talk to our team today, no waitlist.

Mon–Fri · 9am – 5pm · No waitlist

FAQ

NDIS Respite Care in Sydney: Common Questions

Respite is a short break from usual care, giving the participant a supported change of scene and the carer time to rest. Under the NDIS it’s funded as Short Term Accommodation (STA), which can include accommodation, meals, activities and 24/7 support.

Yes, when it’s in your plan. Respite is funded as Short Term Accommodation (STA) under Core Supports, often up to around 28 days a year. We can help you check your plan.

It’s for people living with disability who’d enjoy a short, supported break, and for family carers who need time to rest, recharge or manage other commitments.

Respite (STA) usually includes a place to stay, meals, activities and support with daily living and personal care, around the clock, by trained support workers.

Yes. We offer planned, scheduled respite booked in advance, and emergency respite at short notice when something unexpected comes up. Availability depends on capacity.

Yes. We offer overnight stays and weekend breaks, with 24/7 support, depending on your needs and funding.

We offer in-home respite, where support comes to you, and short-stay respite in a safe, supported setting across Sydney. Call us to confirm options near you.

We have immediate availability and no waitlist, and can respond quickly for emergencies. Call 1300 615 193 or make a referral and we’ll get started.

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PROGRAMS / RELATED SERVICES

Respite often works alongside other supports. As a psychology-led, multidisciplinary provider, we also offer Short-Term and Medium-Term Accommodation, Supported Independent Living (SIL), personal care, social and community support, plus therapy and positive behaviour support across Sydney.

Respite — Immediate support. No waitlist. 

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Jessica Boumelhem

Jessica Boumelhem

Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner | PBS Manager

NDIS-aligned | Systems-aware | Values-led

Jessica supports individuals and teams through:

Jessica brings over two decades of experience as an educator and a strong foundation in psychology to her role as an Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner. As PBS Team Manager, she leads with clarity and accountability, ensuring practice aligns with both NDIS standards and ethical, person-centred care.

Her approach is holistic and collaborative, taking into account sensory, environmental, emotional, and relational factors that influence behaviour. Jessica works closely with individuals, families, and support teams to ensure behaviour support plans reflect personal values, lived experience, and real-world contexts.

Jessica’s leadership supports consistency, quality, and confidence across multidisciplinary teams. Her work ensures behaviour support is not just compliant, but compassionate, practical, and genuinely empowering.

Chady Aoun

Chady Aoun

Senior Psychologist and Behaviour Support Practitioner

Multidisciplinary | Assessment-driven | Governance-focused

Chady supports individuals through:

Chady is a highly experienced psychologist whose work spans both public and private sectors. At Affective Care, he delivers integrated behavioural and psychological services, supporting clients of all ages through assessment, therapy, and tailored intervention.

Known for his leadership within multidisciplinary teams, Chady brings structure, insight, and consistency to complex presentations. His expertise includes early intervention, rehabilitation, and complex case management, with a strong commitment to clinical governance and quality care.

Chady’s work is grounded in evidence-based practice and collaborative problem-solving. He supports individuals, families, and teams to navigate complexity with clarity, ensuring care remains ethical, coordinated, and effective.

Miray El-Hachem

Miray El-Hachem

Positive Behaviour Therapist & Registered Counsellor (ACA Level 2)

Holistic | Education-informed | Adolescent-focused

Miray supports individuals through:

Miray brings over 20 years of experience in education into her clinical work as a Positive Behaviour Therapist and Registered Counsellor. Her practice integrates behavioural science with a deep understanding of human development, particularly during adolescence.

She takes a holistic approach, blending structure with empathy to support individuals through behavioural challenges. Miray’s work is grounded in understanding the whole person—their environment, relationships, and emotional world.

Through compassion and insight, Miray supports individuals to develop self-awareness, regulation, and confidence. Her practice reflects a balance of science and humanity, creating space for growth that feels both supported and respectful.

Anabell Beattie-Bowers

Anabell Beattie-Bowers

Registered Psychologist

Relational | Empowerment-focused | Trauma-aware

Anabelle supports children and adults through:

Anabelle works alongside individuals with warmth, curiosity, and a deep respect for each person’s inner world. As a psychologist, she supports both children and adults to strengthen emotional awareness, build resilience, and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Her therapeutic style is tailored and responsive, integrating approaches such as CBT, DBT, and Circle of Security to meet the unique needs of each client. Anabelle places strong emphasis on empowerment—helping people understand their patterns, reconnect with their values, and develop tools that support lasting change.

Anabelle’s work is grounded in safety, collaboration, and trust. She believes therapy is not about fixing people, but about creating space for insight, growth, and meaningful connection—supporting individuals to move forward with greater confidence and emotional clarity.

Brandon Boumelhem

Brandon Boumelhem

Occupational Therapist

Functional independence | Strengths-based | NDIS-focused

Brandon supports individuals through:

Brandon’s work centres on helping people build skills that translate into real, everyday independence. As an Occupational Therapist, he partners with individuals, families, and carers to identify what matters most in daily life and then builds practical pathways toward those goals.

His approach is client-centred and evidence-based, grounded in collaboration and respect for each person’s strengths, environment, and pace. Brandon understands that meaningful outcomes are rarely achieved in isolation, so he works closely with support networks to ensure strategies are realistic, sustainable, and supportive of long-term participation.

Through the NDIS, Brandon supports people to increase autonomy, confidence, and engagement in daily routines. His work is guided by a belief that independence is not about doing everything alone—it’s about having the right supports, skills, and systems in place to live with choice and dignity.

Natalie Soto

Natalie Soto

Registered Psychologist | PBS

Bilingual | Assessment-focused | Person-centred

Natalie supports children and adults through:

Natalie is a bilingual psychologist (English/Spanish) with extensive experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. Her work spans assessment and therapy, with a particular interest in forensic psychology and complex presentations.

She combines evidence-based practice with creativity and flexibility, tailoring interventions to each person’s needs, culture, and goals. Natalie’s approach is grounded in collaboration, ensuring clients feel understood, supported, and actively involved in their care.

Through thoughtful assessment and therapeutic intervention, Natalie supports individuals to build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.

Edric Limbo

Edric Limbo

Speech-Language Pathologist

Rehabilitation-focused | Goal-driven | Community-oriented

Edric supports individuals through:

Edric’s practice is centred on helping people reconnect—both with their communication and with their communities. Working with adults and children, he has a strong interest in stroke rehabilitation and supporting individuals through the process of rebuilding communication skills.

His approach is practical and goal-focused, ensuring therapy remains relevant to everyday life. Edric collaborates closely with clients and families to identify meaningful outcomes and develop strategies that support confidence, participation, and independence.

Edric finds deep fulfilment in witnessing people regain their voice and reconnect with others. His work is guided by respect, patience, and a belief in each person’s capacity for recovery and growth.

Heather Pinel

Heather Pinel

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner & Registered Counsellor

Trauma-informed | Neuroscience-integrated | Relational

Heather supports individuals through:

Heather is an accomplished Behaviour Support Practitioner with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. Her work integrates neuroscience, psychological theory, and trauma-informed practice to address complex presentations including attachment trauma, neurodevelopmental differences, and psychosocial disability.

Heather’s approach is collaborative and whole-person focused, ensuring behaviour support plans reflect both evidence and lived experience. She works closely with families and support networks to build strategies that enhance emotional wellbeing, safety, and functional independence.

Her commitment to holistic care ensures individuals receive support that honours identity, relationships, and long-term quality of life.

Charbel Azzi

Charbel Azzi

Speech-Language Pathologist

Communication | Connection | Technology-enhanced

Charbel supports children and adults through:

Charbel’s work is driven by a passion for helping people connect more fully with the world around them. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, he supports both paediatric and adult clients to strengthen communication, social interaction, and participation in daily life.

Since 2022, Charbel has worked across diverse settings, tailoring therapy to each person’s goals, strengths, and communication style. He has a particular interest in integrating technology into therapy, using innovative tools to enhance engagement and outcomes.

Charbel brings curiosity and creativity into his practice, believing communication is not just about words, but about connection, confidence, and belonging. His approach supports individuals to express themselves more clearly and engage meaningfully with others across home, school, work, and community environments.

Nisreen El-Saidi

Nisreen El-Saidi

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Grace Boutros

Grace Boutros

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Shayma Sadek

Shayma Sadek

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Ali Bazzi

Ali Bazzi

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Areeba Chaudhry

Areeba Chaudhry

Casual Allied Health Assistant

Joana Suh

Joana Suh

Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Neurodiversity-affirming | Strengths-based | Mental health-focused

Joana supports children, adolescents, and adults through:

Joana is a Senior Occupational Therapist with a strong commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practice. She works with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing complex emotional and behavioural needs, including bipolar affective disorder and other mental health conditions.

Her experience spans a range of developmental and neurodevelopmental presentations, including autism, ADHD, and Down syndrome. Joana’s clinical focus includes building fine motor, cognitive, sensory, and emotional regulation skills to support participation in everyday life.

Joana is particularly passionate about peer-mediated, client-centred, and strengths-based approaches. Her work supports individuals of all ages to increase social inclusion, functional independence, and overall quality of life.

Rita Dagher

Rita Dagher

Psychologist | Managing Director – Affective Care & Affective Health Services

Humanistic | Systems-led | Clinically grounded

Rita supports individuals, families, and communities through:

Rita works at the intersection of psychology, leadership, and purpose-driven care. As a psychologist and Managing Director, she brings both clinical depth and strategic clarity to every layer of service delivery at Affective Care and Affective Health Services. Her work is grounded in the belief that systems should adapt to people—not the other way around.

With a strong clinical foundation and a humanistic leadership style, Rita ensures that psychological therapy, allied health, and in-home supports remain emotionally intelligent, ethical, and genuinely person-centred. She leads teams with integrity, cultivating cultures of safety, reflection, and excellence so that practitioners can deliver their best work and clients can experience care that feels respectful and empowering.

Rita’s approach bridges therapeutic insight with organisational vision. She understands that sustainable outcomes require both skilled clinicians and well-designed systems. Through thoughtful leadership and clinical oversight, she supports services that respond to complexity with compassion, accountability, and innovation—creating meaningful, long-term impact for individuals, families, and the broader community.