4The Effects of Respite on Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Patients: One-Year Evaluation of the Michigan Model Respite Programs

The impact of respite care on informal caregiversforparticipants in the Michigan Model Respite Programs was evaluated Using a nonequivalent control group design, 72 caregivers were assessed prior to program participation and again 6 months later on three dimensions: subjective, or felt, burden; objective burden; and morale. Caregivers who had used respite had a significantly lower level of subjective burden and significantly higher morale compared to controls. No differences between groups of caregivers were observed for objective burden. The findings are discussed within the context of recent research that has generally failed to document the effectiveness of respite programs for family caregivers. Respite, in whatever form it takes, is a service designed to provide relief for informal caregivers. Respite is assumed to benefit both caregivers and elders-caregivers directly by providing an immediate form of relief, elders indirectly by enhancing the overall quality of their care. Although these are laudable motives in themselves, it is also generally believed that respite programs result in net savings to society by reducing or delaying the need for more costly forms of care. There is at least some indirect support for these beliefs concerning respite. For example, regardless of their medical condition, frail elders who have in-home caregivers are more likely to remain in the community than are thos