What we know
Caring for someone can be a valuable and rewarding experience but it can also be stressful both mentally and physically. Respite care is planned or emergency care which provides a temporary break both for a carer and the person receiving care. Evidence indicates that carers are satisfied with respite care and that it helps them to continue in their role. However, how this best works is not well understood. Attention to the needs of the carer and the person receiving care is important in shaping respite care.