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Review of respite services

Uncovering experiences of respite services for carers

This is a project that will address the lack of evidence on carer experiences of respite services in Scotland. The project, in partnership with Shared Care Scotland and the Coalition of Carers will seek to uncover carer experiences of respite services within local areas.

This project is stage three of a broader research agenda

  1. Stage1: A review of local authority approaches to service planning and provision
  2. Stage 2: A mapping exercise to identify the range and availability of different models of respite care and short break services
  3. Stage 3: A survey of carers’ experiences of respite care and short break services

Stages one and two have been completed and the results published by Reid Howie Associates and Shared Care Scotland in the ‘It’s About Time’ report (November 2010).

IRISS, Shared Care Scotland, Coalition of Carers in Scotland and Mecopp will collaborate to take forward stage three. This research will be of interest to short break service providers, particularly those making efforts to continually improve their services in response to changing needs and expectations.  Carers, service users and their representative groups will be able to use the research to strengthen their campaigning activities. 

The research is particularly interested in the following areas:

  • carers’ experiences of services including an analysis of the benefits of short breaks, and the resulting outcomes for carers
  • evidence of carers reporting outcomes in relation to short breaks supporting the caring relationship, promoting health and well being, and helping to widen opportunities (for themselves and the people they care for)
  • levels of satisfaction with the amount, quality, timing, frequency and appropriateness of services or support offered/received following assessment
  • carers preferences for different types of breaks
  • any evidence of improved choice, flexibility and personalisation of services
  • feedback on the availability of timely, up-to-date information on assessment procedures, eligibility criteria and entitlements – relating to respite care and short breaks
  • feedback on the quality of the assessment process in dealing with respite needs, and the resulting care plan
  • perceived deficiencies/shortfalls in services 
  • evidence of carer involvement in local planning, budgeting/commissioning, monitoring and evaluation of respite care and short break provision

The survey has now closed. The results of the research will be published in April 2012. Contact Ellen Daly for more information.

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