Aim The aim of this study was to explore experiences with overnight respite care (ORC) of Norwegian carers who provided care to frail elderly awaiting nursing home placement.

Background In many Western countries respite care has become part of health care service provision, and various types of respite care are available. The intent with respite care can be twofold; caring for the care receiver and supporting the carer.

Methods This was a descriptive qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with 15 carers, transcribed and analysed by qualitative content analysis.

Findings The carers described various experiences with ORC. If ORC supported the family unit, it was welcomed by carers and experienced as supportive. If ORC did not support the family unit, many carers rejected ORC, and it was experienced as non-supportive. Two categories were constructed: 'experiencing ORC as supportive for the family as a unit' and 'not experiencing ORC as supportive for the family as a unit'.

Conclusion To support more carers, nurses have to listen to carers’ experiences about ORC. Nurses need to take responsibility for the family as a unit and provide more flexible ORC services based on both carers’ and elderly’s needs.