Temporary institutional respite in dementia cases: who utilizes this form of respite care and what effect does it have?

In the studies on the effects of temporary institutional respite (TIR) published to date, a slight reduction of subjective burden has been established. The hope that this form of respite care might have a positive effect on the activities of daily living or on the health of the care recipients has not yet been confirmed. A considerable deficit in the methodology applied might be a reason for this. There is no denying the fact that there is a clear need for respite services, particularly because every seventh person providing care for a dementia patient requiring personal care belongs to a high-risk group that is characterized by serious reduction in his or her physical health and psychological well-being. TIR is primarily utilized by adult child caregivers (daughters and daughters-in-law) affected by high subjective burden who are providing care for dementia patients with extensive nursing needs.