Dyadic Family Relations and Social Support

This paper examines the family supports of 167 post-hospitalized individuals aged 65 yearsand older as they varied by the relationship of the primary caregiver — spouse, offspring, or another relative. The findings indicate that the most comprehensive and unstressful support was provided by a spouse. Additionally, the principle of substitution usually operated,meaning that family members were available in serial order rather than acting as ashared-functioning unit. The impediments to family supports and the outcomes of care are also reported.