Understanding the consumer, carer and stakeholder experiences of residential respite care: a qualitative study

Abstract

Aims Residential aged care respite clients are vulnerable and prone to poor healthcare outcomes. Improvements in the quality of care for this cohort are urgently needed. However, before proposing changes to care models, a nuanced understanding of relevant issues affecting respite care consumers and professionals is required. We aimed to explore perspectives of consumers, carers, healthcare workers, and aged care workers involved in residential respite care. Methods We used purposive sampling to recruit respite consumers, their family members, residential aged care staff, and healthcare workers across metropolitan Melbourne for semi-structured telephone interviews and electronic surveys regarding residential respite care. Thematic analysis of interviews and surveys was performed. Results Twenty-three semi-structured in-depth interviews (five family members, four residential aged care staff, five general practitioners, two nurse practitioners, seven hospital staff) and twelve electronic surveys (five family members, three general practitioners, four hospital staff) were completed . Five key themes were identified: (1) expectations and understanding of respite care vary; (2) reasons for using respite care vary (3) medical management and healthcare needs of respite residents are complex; (4) care professionals often lack timely access to accurate healthcare information; and (5) structural and funding factors influence the experience and quality of care.

Conclusion These findings from multiple stakeholders highlight several issues regarding the benefits of and problems with residential respite care, and the interfaces between the aged care and healthcare sectors. Understanding these issues is pivotal in informing targeted and systemic interventions to improve residential respite care.