Respite care in a geriatric rehabilitation hospital: a support system for caregivers of disabled elderly.

Respite care is one of a wide range of services designed to help maintain the infirm elderly at home by reducing the burden on the caregiver. The availability and results of respite care may alter decisions to institutionalize an elderly relative. Fliman Hospital, a geriatric rehabilitation hospital in Haifa, provides short-term, inpatient care for bedridden frail or disabled elderly persons living in the community with the support of an informal network.