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Transitions in spousal caregiving.
Tuesday,2012-11-06 12:06 America/Los_Angeles — eenright
| Title | Transitions in spousal caregiving. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2003 |
| Authors | Burton, LC, Zdaniuk, B, Schulz, R, Jackson, S, Hirsch, C |
| Journal | Gerontologist |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pagination | 230-41 |
| Date Published | 2003 Apr |
| ISSN | 0016-9013 |
| Keywords | Adaptation, Psychological, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Caregivers, Female, Health Behavior, Health Status, Humans, Long-Term Care, Male, Residence Characteristics, Spouses, Stress, Psychological, Time Factors |
| Abstract | <p><b>PURPOSE: </b>This study describes transitions over 5 years among community-dwelling elderly spouses into and within caregiving roles and associated health outcomes.</p><p><b>DESIGN AND METHODS: </b>Participants in the Caregiver Health Effects Study (n = 818) were interviewed four times over 5 years with changes in their caregiving status described. Analyses of the effect on health outcomes of transitions were performed on those for whom four observations were available (n = 428).</p><p><b>RESULTS: </b>Only half (49.5%) of noncaregivers at baseline remained noncaregivers at 5-year follow-up. The remainder experienced one or more transitions, including moving into the caregiving role, their own or their spouse's death, or placement of their spouse in a long-term care facility. The trajectory of health outcomes associated with caregiving was generally downward. Those who transitioned to heavy caregiving had more symptoms of depression, and poorer self-reported health and health behaviors.</p><p><b>IMPLICATIONS: </b>Transitions into and within the caregiving role should be monitored for adverse health effects on the caregiver, with interventions tailored to the individual's location in the caregiving trajectory.</p> |
| DOI | 10.1093/geront/43.2.230 |
| Alternate Journal | Gerontologist |
| PubMed ID | 12677080 |
| Grant List | HC-85086 / HC / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States MH 46015 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States N01-HC-85079 / HC / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States |