Need for respite-care services for caregivers of persons with mental retardation

The initial findings of a survey of 190 families caring for people with mental retardation in the districts of Arfon and Anglesey, North Wales, were reported. Attention was focused on the way informal caregivers define the problems of care. Analysis was concentrated on the relations between the management of challenging behavior, which seems most critical to caregivers, rather than the management of physical dependency, and the largely unmet needs for a range of support services. Types of relief and respite-care services for caregivers emerged as clear priorities. Further analysis identified some of the characteristics of families who appear to have marked preference for this type of support. Policy and practice implications were discussed.