Respite Care Services for Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Families From the Perspective of Home Care Nurses

Abstract

The objective of this study was to use the perspective of home care nurses to elucidate the reactions of in-home patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their family members regarding use of respite care, and involvement of home care nurses with patients and family before and after respite care. Six home care nurses participated in semistructured interviews. Data of seven ALS patients regarding respite care use were collected. The findings showed that ALS patients had both positive and negative reactions to using respite care. The family members provided highly patient-centered care on a daily basis and they wanted the care staff to provide the same quality of care in the respite care setting. The home care nurses provided various services relevant to respite care for ALS patients and their family members.