Alternative Carer Respite: A Study on Its Effectiveness and Potential Mechanism

Alternative Carer Respite: A Study on Its Effectiveness and Potential Mechanisms

The primary objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of alternative carer respite in meeting the unique needs of older adults without children or with limited contact with their children in Hong Kong. Caregivers are assessed before and after the intervention, and three months after the end of intervention on their physical health, mental well-being, social engagement, and overall satisfaction.

All participants will provide informed consent at the time of enrolment. Both caregivers and their care recipients will complete an assessment. Caregivers are screened for their physical health, mental well-being, social engagement, and overall satisfaction. Care recipients are screened using InterRAI for their physical functions.

Caregivers will receive a maximal of 48 hours of respite service within 6 month. Alternative caregivers will provide in-home elderly-sitting service so that the caregivers can have some private time for themselves.

At the end of the service period, caregivers and care recipients will complete the assessment again to measure the changes of their physical and mental health.

All participants will be contacted again for follow-up assessment 3 months after the completion of service.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Either the CR or CG is aged ≥60
• Reported having (a) no children; OR (b) no children in Hong Kong; OR (c) having children in Hong Kong but with limited contact (i.e., fewer than once per month in any forms)
• Voluntary participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to communicate in neither Cantonese, English nor Mandarin