Aftereffects of Alzheimer's Caregiving on Widows' Health and Financial Well-Being

Abstract

This stud examined interview data from 309 widows 18 months after the hus g and's death. The present health and financia1 well-being of former caregivers of Alzheimer's disease individuals were compared to a group of other caregivers and a group on non-caregivers. There were no significant differences among the groups in either self-rated health or functional health at 18 months after husband's death. Couples in the Alzheimer's groups were more likely to have seriously depleted financial resources by paying a higher proportion of the husband's healthcare costs.