Empirical Support for the Effectiveness of Respite Care in Reducing Caregiver Burden: A Single-Case Analysis

Abstract

This article examines the effectiveness of respite care in reducing feelings of entrapment and resentment experienced by a 69-year-old daughter who was sole caregiver for her frail, 99-year-old mother. Outcome measures collected weekly over a 2-month period included caregiver reports of amount and enjoyment of time away from home and attitude toward mother. An experimental single-system (ABAB) design allowed comparison of caregiver burden during times when respite care was and was not available. All measures evidenced statistically significant changes in predicted directions when respite care was in place. Issues discussed include operationalization of burden and the clinical significance of findings. The case study offers an exemplar of how empirical support for respite care can be garnered to promote social welfare policies and programs that are responsive to the needs of families pursuing caregiving functions.