care

Objectives: To review the evidence for different models of community-based respite care for frail older people and their carers, where the participant group included older people with frailty, disability, cancer or dementia. Where data permitted, subgroups of carers and care recipients, for whom respite care is particularly effective or cost-effective, were to be identified.

Action for Children and the Every Disabled Child Matters Campaign commissioned this report which aims to explore the social and economic value created by effective local delivery of short breaks – the largest component of the Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC) programme – aimed at those with the most complex needs. Of the social and economic value created, particular focus is given to the value generated for the state.

The study aimed to establish the current state of knowledge about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of respite services and short breaks for carers for people with dementia. The overall aim encompassed six objectives:
• to identify the range of services available for carers,
• to examine evidence from national and international published and grey
(unpublished) literature about effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of
respite services for carers of people with dementia,

This is a consultation that was carried out with 21 carers living in rural areas who have volunteered to talk on the phone, or had responded by email to a series of consultations from time to time, over a period of about 18 months. The aims were to make it as easy as possible for people in rural areas to take part and to ensure that the views and experience of carers in rural parts of Highland reach the people, both at local and national level, who make decisions about meeting carers’ needs.

‘It’s about time’ provides an overview of how local authorities in Scotland are approaching the planning of short break and respite care services. The research, carried out for Shared Care Scotland by Reid-Howie Associates Ltd, focuses on planning and provision within Adult and Older People’s Services.