Not gone and not forgotten: a spouse's experience of late-stage Alzheimer's disease.
1. Late-stage caregiving is different from earlier stages, is difficult, and requires an empathic response from staff. 2. Ethical decision-making, supportive care, and the inevitability of death are important late-stage caregiver topics. Staff should understand the concept of palliative care. 3. Current educational programs and family support groups should be assessed for attention to late-stage caregiver issues. Further research is needed on helping families prepare for and cope with late stage caregiving.
Bonnel
W B
WB
University of Kansas, Kansas City, USA.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003128:Coma / Q000523:psychology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*