Acceptance of hospital-based respite care by families and elders

Health and social service professionals generally view respite services as a preventive health care measure for both caregiver and recipient. However, many families with dependent elders are reluctant to use formal respite care services. Factors associated with family member perceptions of hospital-based respite care as a viable personal option are examined. The findings suggest that families often fail to recognize the preventive health care functions that respite care may offer and that practitioners should propose respite care as part of overall treatment plans.