Mental health, marital intimacy and support in elderly caregivers of physically frail partners

• Main Author: Dumughn, Ishbel
• Published: University of Edinburgh 1998
• Subjects: 616.89
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.649766

The impact of caregiving and the role of psychosocial resources are examined in elderly spouses of the physically frail. Despite evidence from the literature, the strain of caring for older people with physical illnesses is less well recognised that that of caring for dementia sufferers. Similarly, although marriage is the prime location of care, the impact on the marital relationship is little studied. In this study elderly spouse caregivers were interviewed before and after their partner's attendance at a day hospital. Questionnaires were used to assess stressors, mood, general mental health and perceptions of strain, marital intimacy and social support. The relationship between these variables was therefore explored using a longitudinal design. It was predicted that mental health would be significantly improved at the second meeting, principally predicted by the caregiver's satisfaction with the formal service and their perceptions of informal support and intimacy. Gender differences were explored and qualitative data presented. The results are discussed with reference to the implications for formal service provision and methodological issues are highlighted.