Institutional Placement: Phases of the Transition.

Examined consequences of institutionalization for 555 caregivers of dementia patients. Consistent with stress process model, institutionalization was hypothesized to have large impact on primary effects of caregiving and lesser influence on secondary effects and well-being. Following placement, caregivers experienced relief from primary effects of caregiving and improved well-being, whereas other indicators of stress remained unchanged. (Author/NB)