Short-Term Respite at Honeygem House
Short-term respite offers a chance for carers to take a break from their daily caring duties to relax and recharge, while children and adults with disability enjoy a safe, fun and supportive change of scenery.
At Tea-cup Cottage, our short-term respite is all about:
- giving families peace of mind
- creating a “home away from home”
- building independence, skills and confidence
- making memories, not just managing care
We’re a Disability Approved and NDIS-registered provider, offering short-term and emergency short term respite that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Why short-term respite matters
Short term respite can make a big difference for everyone involved:
- For carers and families:
Time to rest, reset and look after your own wellbeing, knowing your loved one is safe, supported and having a great time.
- For children and adults with disability:
A chance to spend time away from the usual routine, try new activities, develop life skills and make new friends in a supportive environment.
During a stay, guests might:
- relax in a calm, natural setting
- build daily living skills like cooking or helping in the kitchen
- enjoy creative activities like arts and crafts
- join in games and group activities
- visit local recreational and social venues (depending on goals and length of stay)
Before each stay, we complete a non-invasive assessment to understand each guest’s needs, goals and preferences, and to plan supports that are right for them.
Welcome to Honeygem House
Honeygem House is Tea-cup Cottage’s dedicated short term respite home in Birkdale – a warm and welcoming lakeside retreat designed especially for children with disability.
Tucked away on a tranquil 1.6-hectare property, Honeygem House is:
- a secure and private four-bedroom home
- overlooking a peaceful lake with ducks and other wildlife
- surrounded by tall trees, open green spaces and the sounds of nature
Honeygem House is a healing, playful space – there are no consultation rooms, treatments or lessons to attend. It’s simply a place for families to recuperate and for children to just be themselves, play and explore.
Our staff respect the rights, values and personal goals of our little visitors and their families. We’re committed to ensuring all children, whatever their ability, have a delightful space where they can do as much – or as little – as they please.
Honeygem House features & facilities
Supported 24 hours a day by our experienced and caring team, children with disability can enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities and play spaces.
Outdoors
- Wheelchair-friendly backyard with ramp access from the house
- Pathways connecting all outdoor areas for easy access
- Lakefront setting where children can feed the chickens and ducks, and sometimes see visiting horses
- Large sandpit
- Enclosed springless trampoline
- Arts and crafts shed
- Underwater-themed play pod with ball pit
- Vegetable garden for kids who love getting their hands dirty
- Large turfed sports area with goal posts for soccer and active play, shaded by tall trees
Indoors
- Four-bedroom home, including:
- One downstairs bedroom with an adjustable bed for children who require mobility assistance
- Three additional bedrooms upstairs
- Fully stocked kitchen with childproof locks on cupboards and fridge
- Air-conditioned media room with walls painted full of happy memories and colour
- Comfortable spaces for relaxing, playing games and spending time with others
Who Honeygem House supports
Honeygem House is uniquely designed to cater for a range of disabilities, including:
- autism (ASD)
- intellectual disability
- mental health conditions
- physical disability
- complex and high support needs
Our short term respite is Disability Approved for both planned and emergency short-term stays and operates 24/7.
Our qualified and friendly staff are always on hand to:
- support daily routines
- organise activities based on each child’s interests and goals
- help develop social and life skills
- arrange trips to local recreational and social venues (such as the movies, playgrounds or lunch outings), depending on the length of stay and what’s right for each child
Stays at Honeygem House can range from one night to two weeks or more, depending on your needs and NDIS plan.
A home away from home
Respite at Honeygem House is more than just a break – it’s:
- a chance for children to play, explore and grow their independence
- a safe, nurturing environment where they can build confidence and friendships
- time for parents and carers to recharge, knowing their loved one is safe, supported and happy
Book a stay at Honeygem House
Fill out the form below to register your interest or
to speak to a member of our team:
Phone: 1800 832 287
Email: info@tea-cupcottage.com
We’d love to talk with you about how short term respite can support your family.
