Carers’ experiences with overnight respite care : a qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore experiences with overnight respite care (ORC) of Norwegian carers who provided care to frail elderly awaiting nursing home placement. <br> Background: In many Western countries respite care has become part of health care service provision, and various types of respite care are available. The intent with respite care can be twofold; caring for the care receiver and supporting the carer. <br> Methods: This is a descriptive qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with 15 carers, transcribed and analysed by qualitative content analysis. <br> Findings: The carers described various experiences with ORC. If ORC supported the whole family, it was welcomed by carers and experienced as supportive. If ORC did not support the whole family, many carers rejected ORC, and it was experienced as non-supportive. Two categories were constructed: ‘experiencing ORC as supportive for the family as a whole’ and ‘not experiencing ORC as supportive for the family as a whole’. <br> Conclusion: To support more carers, nurses have to listen to carers’ experiences about ORC. Nurses need to take responsibility for the family as a whole and provide more flexible ORC services based on both carers’ and elderly’s needs.