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(unpublished) literature about effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of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,
• to develop existing conceptualisations of ‘effectiveness’ and ‘costeffectiveness’,
• to ensure the views of key stakeholders were central to the literature
review,
• to identify examples of good practice,
• to advise on areas of priority for further research.
The report presents the findings from the literature review and consultation with representatives from national statutory and voluntary organisations, and carers.
