This study examines the spousal caregiving system in search offactors which contribute to perceived caregiver competence in performing the daily tasks of caregiving. The maintenance of a competent caregiver is vital in preventing the breakdown of the caregiving system. Questionnaire data was collected from 23 husbands and 41 wives providing full time care for 25 confused and 39 non-confused spouses. Results indicate that having a masculine sex-role orientation is predictive ofthe caregiver having greater perceived competence. In addition, providing care for a confused spouse is predictive of less perceived competence. Implicationsfor practice and research are discussed
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