Family caregivers and in-home respite options: The consumer-directed versus agency-based experience

This study examined the preferences for and characteristics of consumer-dir ected (i.e., direct pay) and professionally-managed (i.e., agency-based) re spite for family caregivers of adults with cognitive impairments. The sampl e of 168 caregivers was drawn from the in-home respite caseload of Californ ia's Caregiver Resource Centers. Respondents in both groups reported the sa me "most important" reasons for preferring their respective mode of respite : wanting to be sure their loved one was safe, and having good, reliable an d trustworthy help. The data revealed a clear preference for consumer direc tion in respite care in the home. Practice implications are addressed for i mproving the delivery of in-home respite care.