| Sumario: | As a family caregiver, parents of children living with special needs are at higher risk for exhaustion, stress, and social isolation, and the challenges can impact both the child and family's physical and emotional well-being. The purpose of this study was to evaluate self-reported stress levels of parents pre and post a respite intervention and to explore the family caregivers' perspectives on their respite experiences. This single-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-week group respite intervention on stress among 16 family caregivers of children with special needs. The Kingston Caregiver Stress Survey (KCSS) was administered pre- and post-intervention and paired t -tests revealed a significant reduction in stress scores. Post intervention interviews further highlighted themes of safety, trust, and time to spend on non-caregiving activities. KCSS scores showed statistical significance, with a p -value 0.001 and t-score 4.51, illustrating a mean reduction in overall parental stress by 9.53 points from pre to post intervention. Sub-categories within the highlighted themes included self-care, accomplishing needed or wanted tasks, and focusing on others. The overwhelming finding was the high level of stress among parents, a positive response to a respite program as a stress reducer, and their expressed need for more respite services. Nurses are uniquely positioned to support the family caregiver role and ensure their sustainability into future family life through clinical work, education, advocacy and research. • 94% of participants showed a reduction in their total stress score from pre to post group respite intervention. • Participants noted the benefits of the respite program to be feelings of safety, and time for self and others. • This study illuminated the heart-felt struggles of parents searching for qualified care and services for their children.
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