Understanding factors influencing residential respite service use by carers of people living with dementia using Andersen’s behavioural model of health services use: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: Residential respite (RR) provides a valuable break for family carers, but little known about its offer, take-up or experiences of carers of people living with dementia. This paper aims to further understandings of factors influencing RR use. DESIGN: RR stakeholder workshop and qualitative interviews. SETTING: Stakeholder or living in the community in own home. PARTICIPANTS: RR stakeholders (13); family carers with experience of RR, or had declined it, or were planning to use it for the first time (n = 36). METHODS: Stakeholders participated in a workshop to discuss provision, models and funding of RR. Family carer interviews focused on expectations, experiences and outcomes of use of RR. Data were analysed thematically and mapped against Andersen’s model of health service use. RESULTS: Identifying need for RR does not necessarily transpire into use. Planning and ease of booking were crucial for carers, but many felt there was little support with this. Systemic factors concerning funding, planning and booking RR act as barriers to its use. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight how systemic factors influence RR use. Discussing respite need in routine care planning or reviews may support carers and people living with dementia to consider RR, but system changes are needed to address barriers.