[3] Sixty percent of family caregivers age 19 to 64 recently surveyed by the Commonwealth Fund reported fair or poor health, one or more chronic conditions, or a disability, compared with only 33% of non-caregivers.
Respite has been shown to help sustain family caregiver health and wellness, avoid or delay out-of-home placements, and reduce the likelihood of abuse and neglect.
An outcome-based evaluation pilot study showed that respite may also reduce the likelihood of divorce and help sustain marriages.
The temporary caregiver learns the family routine, where medicines are stored, and the patient is not inconvenienced by transportation and strange environments.
Vouchers are a means by which a family may choose their own service provider directly through a payment, coupon or other type of authorization.
Another model uses a specialized, local facility where the care receiver may stay for a few days or a few weeks.
Sitter-companion services are one of about 6 different innovative community approaches or models to respite care which were developed internationally.
Care must be taken to assure that the sitter-companion is trained in what to do if an emergency occurs while the regular care-giver is out of the home.
Therapeutic adult daycare may provide respite care during business hours five days a week.