Caregivers for Dementia Patients: A Comparison of Husbands and Wives

Melinda D. Fitting, Peter V. Rabins, Mary Jane Lucas, James N. Eastham

The Gerontologist · 1986 · 311 citations · 0 references

Concepts

Abstract

Using a structured interview, spouse caregivers of dementia patients were compared on measures of burden, family environment, social networks, psychological adjustment, demographic data, and feelings about the dementing illness. Female caregivers were more distressed than men, and younger caregivers were lonelier and more resentful of their role than older caregivers.