The Bereaved Caregiver: A Prospective Study of Changes in Well-Being.

Analyzed bereavement adaptation among family caregivers to dementia patients. Bereavement group, as compared with active caregivers, dropped substantially in overload and increased in mastery and guilt. Depression showed curvilinear trend, declining from time of death, rising to preloss levels by end of year. Caregiver stressors, baseline adaptation, relationship difficulties, and psychological preparation were related to changes in well-being. (Author/NB)