CAREGIVING TRANSITIONS - CHANGES IN DEPRESSION AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF RELATIVES WITH DEMENTIA

Depression among family caregivers of relatives with dementia was examined at three time intervals over a 4-year period. Comparisons were made between 46 residential caregivers, 49 caregivers of institutionalized elders, and 47 bereaved caregivers. No overall difference was found between the depression paths of the three groups. Female bereaved caregivers experienced a pattern of decreasing depression following their relative's death, while male bereaved caregivers experienced an increase in depression. Findings suggest the need for further investigation of the influences of gender on bereavement following the experience of providing family care for a relative with dementia.