Spousal Caregivers of Early Stage Alzheimer's Patients:

Abstract

The needs and experiences of caregivers of persons with early Alzheimer's Disease are often complex and intense. Early caregivers must adjust and respond to their loved one's increasing deterioration and to significant alterations in their relationship with the care recipient. These challenges are heightened for spousal caregivers who must contend with the dissolution of their primary relationship and with expectations of the future based upon that relationship. Currently, there is a dearth of available services for early caregivers. This article describes a psychoeducational support model for caregiving spouses of early Alzheimer's patients. This model has been used with 10 spousal caregiver and patient groups over the past five years. The format of the groups are outlined. The major themes that have consistently emerged for the caregiving spouses are discussed and case examples are given. Recommendation for those working with early caregiving spouses are discussed.