Respite Care for Children With Mental Handicap: Service Evaluation and Profile of Children

Use of respite care and coping strategies among Irish families of children with intellectual disabilities1

“…However this study found that children who never/rarely dressed themselves or took care of their own continence needs were no more likely to use respite care, nor were children who presented with challenging behaviour any more likely to use respite care than children without these behaviours. The second finding is also inconsistent with former research suggesting that children who present with challenging behaviours are more frequent users of respite care (Grant & McGrath 1990;Jawed et al 1992;Marc & MacDonald 1988). When reflecting on why children with substantial personal care needs were not more likely to use respite care than their more independent peers it is important to consider that carers are often 'arbiters of standards' and require confirmation from providers that services will maintain the dignity of the cared-for person before accepting a service (Twigg & Atkin 1994).…”

“…However this study found that children who never/rarely dressed themselves or took care of their own continence needs were no more likely to use respite care, nor were children who presented with challenging behaviour any more likely to use respite care than children without these behaviours. The second finding is also inconsistent with former research suggesting that children who present with challenging behaviours are more frequent users of respite care (Grant & McGrath 1990; Jawed et al. 1992; Marc & MacDonald 1988).…”

Frequency and determinants of formal respite service use among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Ontario

“…The literature on this issue is conflicting. Salisbury (1990) found that mothers of female children with disabilities were more likely to use respite services, while Jawed et al . 's (1992) findings were similar to those of the present study.…”