Respite services for children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Ireland.

Appropriate respite care for children with life-limiting conditions (LLC) and their families is the cornerstone of high quality paediatric care. The effect of caring for children with LLC on families, including parental needs, cannot be underestimated and respite can give families support while caring for their children. There are many different types of respite care available in Ireland, including specialist respite, inhome respite or out-of-home respite; the wishes of the family should be sought when arranging care. Comparisons between Ireland and the UK have drawn similarities in the benefits and limitations of respite care. Although there are many positive attributes associated with respite care, there are inconsistencies between best practice recommendations and reality. Worldwide issues remain with a lack of funding for respite care. Such care should become an area which attracts funding for future research to improve the quality of life for these children.