Respite Care for Families of Special Needs Children: A Systematic Review

A pre-test and post-test study of the physical and psychological effects of out-of-home respite care on caregivers of children with life-threatening conditions

“…This is consistent with previous qualitative and survey research detailing the benefits of respite care for these families. 3,4,10,12,13 The current research findings are contrary to longitudinal studies that showed no significant benefit of respite on the mental health of caregivers of children with life-threatening conditions. 14,15 Discrepant findings may be due to the different time points in which data were collected.…”

“…9 It is generally accepted that caregivers are the intended beneficiary of respite, with the aim to provide a break from intensive caring and thereby promote a sense of well-being. 9,10 Research in populations of children with disabilities suggests that respite has a positive impact on the wellbeing of caregivers and also on the children receiving care. [10][11][12] In relation to children with life-threatening conditions, two qualitative studies from the United Kingdom and Canada evaluated out-of-home respite care at hospices offering similar services to those in Australia.…”

“…9,10 Research in populations of children with disabilities suggests that respite has a positive impact on the wellbeing of caregivers and also on the children receiving care. [10][11][12] In relation to children with life-threatening conditions, two qualitative studies from the United Kingdom and Canada evaluated out-of-home respite care at hospices offering similar services to those in Australia. The studies revealed that respite offered at regular intervals enabled parents or guardians to cope more effectively with the demands of caring.…”

Utilisation des services en déficience intellectuelle et satisfaction des parents à leur égard

“…Plusieurs études ont fait ressortir l'effet bénéfique ou modérateur des services sur la santé psychologique des parents (Hassall, Rose et McDonald, 2005;Mullins, Aniol, Boyd, Page et Chaney, 2002;Singer, Ethridge et Aldana, 2007;Strunk, 2010 CRDI, 2010;Hanvey, 2002, The Roeher Institute, 2000Statistique Canada, 2008). Ainsi, malgré l'aide apportée aux familles, d'importants besoins restent non comblés (CU et CRDI, 2010;Statistique Canada, 2008).…”

“…Selon une récente recension des écrits (Strunk, 2010), ce service a aussi été identifié comme ayant des effets bénéfiques sur le stress, la détresse ainsi que la qualité de vie des parents d'enfants ayant des besoins spéciaux. Concernant spécifiquement les parents d'enfants présentant une déficience intellectuelle, une étude antérieure de Tremblay et ses collaborateurs (soumis) a également reconnu l'importance des services de répit-gardiennage.…”