The consequences of elderly wives caring for disabled husbands: implications for practice.

This study examines the mental well-being and special problems of 188 elderly wives identified as the primary caregivers who care for their disabled husbands. The findings indicate that the women have low morale scores associated with the arduous tasks of caregiving. Despite low morale scores, the health status of an elderly wife appeared to contribute significantly to her ability to cope with the caregiving responsibilities of a disabled spouse. Constant care and supervision, emotional and physical strain, and reduced social contact and finances were the major problems encountered in the caregiving commitment.