Help-Seeking Patterns of Older Spousal Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia

This qualitative, descriptive, secondary analysis of spousal caregivers (n = 20) examined similarities and differences in help-seeking patterns to understand the processes underlying decisions regarding resource use. Husbands were comfortable with letting others assume care or getting others to provide care while wives felt responsible for providing care. Both groups underutilized available services. Gender, role expectations, past coping, and family relationships contributed to differences between groups. An important implication is that services should be gender-specific. Understanding spousal help-seeking patterns may enable health professionals to better provide assistance for elder spousal caregivers so that they continue to provide care and reduce burden.