Abstract
Examines the differences in caregivers of Alzheimer's patients and an age-matched comparison group on the variables of religious behavior; support and contact with the religious community; number of friends; quality of life; and well-being, and the relationship among these variables for predictors of the caregivers' quality of life. Findings included lower caregiver well-being, mental health, public religious behavior, satisfaction with church/synagogue support and contact, number of friends, support from and contact with friends, and quality of life indicators compared to comparison group subjects. Concludes that religious well-being and support from friends in the church/synagogue helps to explain a significant amount of the variance in the caregivers' well-being, health perceptions, mental health, and distress within the caregiving role.
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