Table 1.

Overview of semi‐structured interview questions

Status of dyadic relationship

Are you still caring for [CR]? ○Has [CR] gone into permanent care/passed away? What is/was your relationship with [CR]? How long have you been/were you the primary carer for [CR]?

Exploratory topics: respite experience

Cottages Other forms of respite RACFs

Role of cottage respite in delaying permanent care placement (if CR was placed in permanent care)

What role did respite for [CR] in [COTTAGE NAME] have in delaying the need for permanent nursing home care? ○Likert scale of 1 to 10, with “1” being “Didn't have any role in delaying the need for permanent care”, and “10” being “Had a very definite role in delaying the need for permanent care” ○If you feel that access to respite in [COTTAGE NAME] was helpful in delaying the need for [CR] to be placed in permanent nursing home care, for what extra time do you think you were able to provide care for [CR] at home because of [COTTAGE NAME]?

Role of cottage respite in preventing permanent care placement (if CR not placed in permanent care)

If you feel that access to respite in [COTTAGE NAME] has been helpful in preventing the need for [CR] to be placed in permanent nursing home care? ○For what extra time do you think you have been able to care for [CR] at home because of the availability [COTTAGE NAME]?

Reflections on cottage respite

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about respite in [COTTAGE NAME]?

Abbreviations: CR, care recipient; RACF, residential aged care facility.