According to WordNet 3.0, respite is defined as a temporary relief from harm or discomfort; an interruption in the intensity of amount of something; the act of reprieving, postponing, or remitting the administration of punishment; and a pause for relaxation. Three cheers for each and everyone who works hard at the local, state, and national level for funding of respite care! It provides a necessary and useful pause for caregivers. Now, what about the person who uses the service? What about the quality of the service? Is the person who uses the service-the actual customer of the service-involved in the evaluation of the service? Does the representative of the people (the government official who signs the check for the service) evaluate the service? Licensing organizations often assure us that all employees who provide care have "passed a test,""gone to school," or "attended some in-service." In no way do these actions ensure the quality of the service, the usefulness of the service, or the enjoyment of the service.
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