Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
Findings from the study reveal a functional approach to providing
care as opposed to actively seeking ways to expand or develop the
service in a proactive way. Ambiguity surrounding appropriate
outcomes for respite care at national level impacts on how care is
delivered at local level. Respite was viewed more positively where it
moved beyond providing functional care to providing some
identifiable benefit for the care recipient.
Conclusions
While nurses are aware of many of the issues important to older
people and their carers, their ability to engage with these issues
tended to vary. Environmental, organisational and cultural issues
impacted on how these needs were addressed. A recommendation
of the study is that rather than providing respite care solely in
response to family stress or crises, the educational and health
promotional potential of respite care should be harnessed. This
requires reconceptualisation of respite care from that of a reactive
service to a proactive service which provides the necessary supports
and resources to adapt care-giving practices that more effectively
meet the needs of older people and their carers.
References
Ashworth, M and Baker, A.H. (2000) Time and Space: Views about
respite care. Health and Social Care in the Community. 8 (1): 50.
CSO (2007) Ageing in Ireland.The Stationery Office. Dublin.
DOC (1988) The Years Ahead Report: A Policy for the Elderly.
Dublin: Stationery Office.
DOHC, (2001) Quality and Fairness: A Health System for you.
Dublin. Department of Health.
Fine, M and Thompson, C (1995) Factors affecting the Outcomes of
Community Care Service Interventions. A Literature Review. Aged
and Community Care Service Development and Evaluation Reports
No 20. Commonwealth Department of Human Services and Health.
AGPS. Cranberra.
Garavan, R., Winder, R and McGee, H (2001) Health and Social
Services for Older People (HeSSOP). Dublin. National Council Ageing
Older People.
Gilmore, J. A. (2002) Issues and innovations in nursing
practice:Dis/integrated care:family caregivers and in-hospital
respite care. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 39 (6) 546.
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