Respite care for Alzheimer's families: Research findings and their relevance to providers

Abstract

A research project to evaluate a respite care program for caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease and related conditions provided information relevant to service providers of respite care. Providers must under-stand the psychological needs of caregivers that enter into their willingness to use respite care. Caregiving equity, caregiving modeling, the moral imperative of caregiving, caregiving as a challenge, caregiving as role continuity, and resignation to caregiving are themes that may be accountedfor in designing and marketing respite care. People use formal respite as a supplement to the caregiving relief provided byfamily members. Although respite care was highly valued by most who used it, persistent problems involve the cost of care as well as the reluctance of many to entrust their impaired relative and their home to a relative stranger. Training and selectivity in recruitment of respite workers are essentialfor consumer acceptance.