Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Ninety-nine caregivers who utilized a VA respite service reported that respite care contributed to improved physical and mental health, better relationships, and increased confidence in their ability to continue in the caregiving role, while not affecting patients' physical or mental functioning. Contrary to expectation, reported likelihood of institutionalization increased nearly as often as it decreased, reflecting the use of respite services as a transition from home to institution for some families.
Scharlach et al. (1986) studied this question.