The Effects of Respite on Caregivers of Alzheimer's Patients: One-Year Evaluation of the Michigan Model Respite Programs

The impact of respite care on informal caregiversforparticipants in the Michigan Model Respite Programs was evaluated Using a nonequivalent control group design, 72 caregivers were assessed prior to program participation and again 6 months later on three dimensions: subjective, or felt, burden; objective burden; and morale. Caregivers who had used respite had a significantly lower level of subjective burden and significantly higher morale compared to controls. No differences between groups of caregivers were observed for objective burden. The findings are discussed within the context of recent research that has generally failed to document the effectiveness of respite programs for family caregivers.