title: Effects of respite care services in a children's hospice: the parents' point of view.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze, from the parents' point of view, the effects of respite services offered at a children's hospice, the Maison André-Gratton.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative methodology (participatory approach) using mainly semi-structured interviews with parents (25 mothers and 8 fathers). Thematic analysis of the data was done.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Respite stays allow parents to get some rest, to feel liberated from the responsibility of taking care of their sick child for a few days, to focus on their other children and their life as a couple, and to break their social isolation. For siblings, the main benefits are having their parents to themselves and sharing activities with them.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two characteristics of the respite program contribute to the positive effects of respite on families--the high quality of the care offered by a qualified staff, and the adequate length of respite stays.
authors: Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, 445 boulevard de l'Université, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada. manon.champagne@uqat.ca
authors: Manon
authors: M
authors: Champagne
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Mongeau
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005192:Family Health; D005221:Fatigue / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011792:Quebec; D012144:Respite Care; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control