Financial conflicts facing late-life remarried Alzheimer's disease caregivers

This qualitative study explores financial conflicts faced by late-life remarried wives providing care for their husbands with Alzheimer's disease. Interviews with 9 women identified intergenerational secrets and tensions regarding financial and inheritance decisions. Participants' remarried spouse status, underlying family boundary ambiguities, and changing realities brought on by the onset of Alzheimer's disease all appear to contribute to intergenerational tension over financial decisions. Findings suggest that remarried older couples with chronic health issues may be at additional financial and psychological risk, especially in the caregiving role. Future research, intervention, and policy should anticipate and address the special needs of remarried and stepfamily members to support their efforts to successfully manage the health and caregiving concerns associated with Alzheimer's disease.