Review of respite services and short-term breaks for carers of people with dementia

The study aimed to establish the current state of knowledge about the effectiveness and cost- effectiveness of respite services and short breaks for carers for people with dementia. The overall aim encompassed six objectives: • to identify the range of services available for carers, • to examine evidence from national and international published and grey (unpublished) literature about effectiveness and cost -effectiveness of respite services for carers of people with dementia, • to develop existing conceptualisations of ‘effectiveness’ and ‘cost-effectiveness’, • to ensure the views of key stakeholders were central to the literature review, • to identify examples of good practice, • to advise on areas of priority for further research. The report presents the findings from the literature review and consultation with representatives from national statutory and voluntary organisations, and carers.