The effect of inpatient respite care on elderly patients and their carers.

Fifty-eight carers and their dependents who received inpatient respite care were studied before and during the admission period. Although there was no observable improvement in the carers' emotional well-being the majority of the patients showed an improvement in functioning, particularly those who were being looked after by highly stressed carers. Many carers expressed a wish for more respite than they were currently offered, and some would have preferred a more flexible type of service.