A qualitative retrospective study of coping strategies of newly widowed elderly. Effects of anticipatory grieving on the caregiver.

Findings of a qualitative retrospective study of coping strategies of newly widowed elderly are presented. The focus is on effects of anticipatory grieving on the caregiver before the spouse's death as reported by the widowed partner following the death. Most frequent and troubling problems were reported as loneliness, social isolation, disruption in eating and sleeping patterns and independent decision making. Changes in health status following the death were not as detrimental as expected. Caregivers' health actually improved when those responsibilities were over. Recommendations for hospice care for the caregiver are suggested.