Characterizing the population of the service users and the services at a community respite facility

Abstract

Introduction. Respite service is identified as a community service where the service users are provided with day care facilities and temporary overnight stays which allows their caregivers to have a short break from their caring responsibilities. The respite service can be used by any person with a medical condition as well as mental or physical limitations, and can serve to enhance the clients and caregivers' quality of life. Knowledge about respite care services may be limited in the general public. Purpose. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of the population of service users and the services available at a community respite facility, to increase awareness and provide detailed information about this service. Method. A mixed method design was adopted for this study. Two methods were used to collect the data interviews with four specialised staff and a checklist that captured quantitative demographic data on 265 clients using respite care. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyse data extracted from the checklist. Thematic analysis that followed the Braun and Clarke (2006) method was utilised to analyse data obtained from the interviews. Results: The findings showed that the majority of clients who were using the service were minors between the ages of 5 and 17, and required a high level of support. The common diagnoses among the users were autism, intellectual disability, and spectrum disorders. Most users had 30 credits allocated every six months to use the service, with extra credits being offered for unplanned situations. The primary reason for using the service was for the carers to take a short break from the caring role. Other services provided to the service users included medical, educational, and social provisions. Training and hiring more staff were the main suggestions mentioned to improve the service. Conclusion. This study attempted to provide a detailed snapshot of one respite service and its population of users in Malta. However, there is much scope to undertake more research using the same method in several respite centres in Malta and increase awareness about this sector.