Respite care in seven families with children with complex care needs

To evaluate the experience of nursing respite care in families caring for children with complex health needs.

Seven mothers took part in semi-structured, in-depth interviews, which were taped, transcribed and coded. Results were categorised thematically.

Families described a positive impact on all aspects of life, the high value of respite care and the preference for more information, flexibility, choice and co-ordination of the different services.

Respite care is highly beneficial to family life, but there need to be clearer communication lines and a stable, flexible and adequately resourced workforce. Families value a single point of contact and would prefer more respite care to be available.