Centre for Policy on Ageing
 

 

Spousal dementia caregiving in the context of late-life remarriage
Author(s)Carey Wexler Sherman, Pauilne Boss
Journal titleDementia: the international journal of social research and practice, vol 6, no 2, May 2007
Pagespp 245-270
Sourcehttp://www.dem.sagepub.com
KeywordsDementia ; Wives as carers ; Marriage ; Family relationships ; Step relationships ; Qualitative Studies ; United States of America.
AnnotationIncreasing numbers of older couples entering late-life remarriage will face dementia and spousal caregiving. This US qualitative study, informed by grounded theory methods, is a first to explore spousal caregiving in the late-life remarried context. Interviews with nine late-life remarried wife caregivers identified complex intergenerational step-family dynamics that appear to amplify isolation and stress for this group of caregivers. Most women reported experiencing rejection of remarriage by adult children, minimal family involvement in caregiving, and intergenerational conflict regarding decision making. Nonetheless, caregivers described proactive, strategic approaches toward caregiving. This study examines the construct of boundary ambiguity as it relates to late-life remarriage and dementia caregiving, thus merging the unique challenges of caregiver and step-family dynamics. Findings are discussed in light of the potential risks highlighted for remarried couples facing chronic health issues. Future dementia research that accounts for diverse marital and family histories is suggested. (KJ/RH).
Accession NumberCPA-071108209 A
ClassmarkEA: P6:SNW: SL: DS:SJ: SWM: 3DP: 7T

Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing

...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.
 

CPA home >> Ageinfo Database >> Queries to: webmaster@cpa.org.uk