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Abstract

We examined interview data from 158 widows who had provided care to the husband before his death. Two groups, Alzheimer's caregivers and other caregivers, were compared to determine the differential support received from informal and formal support systems. Alzheimer's caregivers reported having more needs for which they received no help than did other caregivers — t(24) = 2.70, p <.01. Alzheimer's caregivers also reported less caregiving participation by formal and nonkin sources than did other caregivers-t(39.99) = -2.39, p <.01; and t(157) = -2.02, p <.02, respectively. The results imply a need for greater community awareness of and involvement in the care of families affected by Alzheimer's disease. Also indicated is the need for further research into factors influencing the help-seeking and help-accepting behaviors of the affected families.

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Support System Participation in Spousal Caregiving: Alzheimer's Disease Versus Other Illness

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