Unpaid (informal) family caregivers provide vitally important supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), but receive little support or training. This study's aim was to examine how states across the nation supported informal family caregivers in their Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs for…

Within a parallel-group randomized control trial, pain training's impact on Respite Workers' (RW) care approaches and training evaluations was explored. RW (n = 158) from 14 organizations received pain or control training following randomization. Researchers were blind until randomization; allocations were not shared explicitly with…

This parallel group randomized controlled trial tested effectiveness of the Let's Talk About Pain training on respite workers' (RW) pain-related knowledge and feasibility-confidence-skill ratings using between-group and within-group analyses. Fourteen children's respite organizations were randomized to pain or control training. Participants…

Respite care is one of a range of support services typically available to carers of people with dependencies who need a break from caring, and the factors that influence the need for respite care are generally similar irrespective of the nature of the dependencies. Hence, the expectations of families potentially have policy and service provision…

Research-informed policy and practice is needed for older caregivers of adult sons/daughters with disabilities. These caregivers are often under tremendous stress because of failing health, financial pressures, bereavement and worry about the future of their sons/daughters. Twenty-nine older parents/caregivers of 27 adults with intellectual and/or…

Background: Many family carers find the support they receive in respect of their child's challenging behaviour unhelpful. This study sought to identify carer perceptions of the ways in which support is unhelpful and how it could be more helpful. Methods: Thirteen mothers, caring for a child with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour,…

The paper describes the Temporary Care Services program in Massachusetts which provides in-home respite care to families with developmentally delayed children. Events which led to the program's development are reviewed. Respite care is offered in six areas: emergencies, scheduled routine events, social activities, family life, child care for…

A study of respite services for families of persons with developmental disabilities indicated five major problems: inconsistent availability across the state, inconsistent planning and evaluation procedures, inadequate management information systems, lack of information to families, and lack of a career development model for respite workers.…

The manual considers the development of a respite care program for families of developmentally disabled children. The development of a respite program in the Archdiocese of Denver (CO) is reviewed in terms of policy development, a pilot phase, and problem areas (lack of consumer interest and funding). The rationale for respite care is described…

Five models for respite care services for families of developmentally disabled persons were developed, including use of a sitter or in-home companion, week-end day care, and boarding and/or group homes. A needs survey of 11 counties in Alabama identified 300 eligible persons and included information on behavior patterns, diagnosis, range and…

This study of 78 mothers of mentally retarded children and adults found that respite care acts as a differential service that can enhance coping resources and is of most benefit to high self-esteem mothers of young developmentally disabled children, especially as a home-based model. (Author/JDD)

The state plan outlines Ohio's programs and services for people with developmental disabilities (DD). The definition and impact of DD are noted in section 1, and this is followed in sections 2 and 3 by descriptions of the State Planning Council on DD and the State Administering Agency. Section 4 examines the state context, noting the issues and…

The manual is intended for use in training institutes for persons providing respite care for families of children with developmental disabilities in Montana. Expectations for participants and objectives for training are outlined in preliminary sections. Each chapter contains a brief statement of the chapter's main point or points, a selected…

The report discusses financing respite care (short term care of the handicapped to provide family relief) services for the developmentally disabled (DD). Respite care is examined as a component of a comprehensive service delivery system for the DD, and the scope of respite care services as conceptualized by its advocates is reviewed. Nationally…

A respite care needs assessment survey was completed by 574 Iowa families of children with developmental disabilities. Results documented a void in the availability and accessibility of respite services regardless of demography, income level, or extent of disability. Respondents generally perceived that the availability of respite care service…