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Frequency and determinants of formal respite service use among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Ontario
- Authors:
- DAMIANI G., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 30(1), January 2004, pp.77-86.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Describes the use of formal respite services among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Ontario and discusses factors that may contribute to use and non-use. A total of 468 caregivers were interviewed about their experience with formal respite services. Caregivers were asked about their knowledge of formal respite services, use of services in the past year, financial implications relating to formal use; perceived barriers to formal use, and reasons for not using formal services (if applicable). Nearly half (46%) reported using services in the past year. Most caregivers who used services used more than one source of respite, had services provided at home, often for less than one day, and reported using them more than 6 times. The most commonly cited reason for using formal services was for a planned break. Many factors influenced caregivers use of formal services. Caregivers with a child with a lower level of function, with multiple additional conditions, or who was male, were more likely to use formal services. Although over 90% of caregivers indicated that respite use is beneficial for both family and child, over 60% reported facing many barriers while attempting to access services. Results from this cross-sectional study indicate that caregivers who used respite services used them frequently for breaks from caregiving. Suggests strategies to improve caregivers' experience given the many barriers described.