Respite Care

With the increasing population of people over 65 years of age, escalating rates of chronic disease and [Page 901]disability, a continued emphasis on community-based care, and the economic ramifications of an ever-growing demand for health care services, the burden on family caregivers is increasing. While family caregivers can gain a great deal of satisfaction from their caring role, research is showing they have poorer health and quality of life than noncaregivers. Respite care is a generic term that entails a range of services designed to allow family caregivers temporary relief or time out from their ongoing care commitments, which may be provided on a planned regular basis or in emergencies. Respite care services help caregivers regain or maintain their physical and emotional health so that ...