Whether its definition of respite care covers both the carers and those being cared for.

Guidance issued by the Scottish Office in March 1996 (Circular SWSG 10-96) defines respite as “anyservice of limited duration which benefits a dependent person. The distinctivefeature of respite care is that the break should be a positive experience forthe cared for person and the carer (where there is one) in order to enhance thequality of their lives and to support their relationship. Respite care can be providedwithin or outwith an individual’s home and may extend from a few hours to a fewweeks”. We are working with local authorities, carers’ organisations and keystakeholders to improve the data currently available on respite provisionacross Scotland. Part of that work involves revisiting the definitionof respite care. It is important that any revised definition continues toreflect the importance of respite as a vital support to carers, as well as tothe people they care for.