Chronological Patterns and Issues Precipitating Grieving Over the Course of Caregiving Among Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

This study examines the patterns of grieving among caregivers of patients with dementia over the course of the caregiving period. We interviewed (by telephone) spouses and adult children of dementia patients (n = 87) who had received care at two geriatrics clinics 2 to 9 months after the patient's death. There appeared to be significant heterogeneity among caregivers in the chronological patterns of grieving and in issues that precipitated grief over the caregiving period. The chronological patterns of grieving prior to death could be characterized as: grieving at one point in time, grieving at multiple points in time, or grieving continuously. Issues precipitating grieving were: initial diagnosis; declines in function, cognition, and health; behavioral symptoms; interpersonal issues; nursing home placement; and nearing death. Implications for discussion of grief-related issues practice and in palliative care and caregiver support programs are discussed.