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Institutional respite care: breaking chores or breaking social bonds?
1Research School of the Social Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. valerie.braithwaite@anu.edu.au
The Gerontologist
|November 6, 1998
Summary
Respite care is positively viewed but underutilized by caregivers. Its use increases with high caregiving demands and dysfunctional relationships, but decreases with perceived loving bonds.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Caregivers often view respite care favorably but underutilize it.
- Understanding barriers to respite care use is crucial for supporting caregivers.
- Previous research highlights caregiver burden but less on appraisal factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between caregiver appraisal dimensions and respite care usage.
- To identify factors influencing both past and future utilization of respite services.
- To explain the discrepancy between positive evaluation and low uptake of respite care.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving interviews with 144 caregivers in Canberra, Australia.
- Analysis of five appraisal dimensions in relation to current and future respite care use.
- Statistical examination of factors influencing respite care utilization.
Main Results:
- Respite care use was higher when caregiving task demands were significant.
- Dysfunctional caregiving relationships correlated with increased respite care utilization.
- A perceived intimate and loving relationship between caregiver and care receiver significantly reduced future respite care use.
Conclusions:
- Caregiver appraisal of the caregiving relationship significantly impacts respite care decisions.
- High task demands and relationship dysfunction may necessitate respite care, despite potential emotional barriers.
- Interventions should consider the complex interplay of caregiver burden and relationship quality when promoting respite care.