The frustrations, gratifications, and well-being of dementia caregivers.

Face-to-face interviews with 50 older women caring at home for a husband with dementia revealed that gratification was associated with greater well-being and frustration with more distress. Wives who perceived continuity in marital closeness since the illness had greater gratification than those who perceived change. Frustrations, in disrupting life plans, are apparently greatest at the onset of symptoms and as routines are developed, diminish despite the need to provide more care. Still, the meanings of caregiving are more important to caregiver well-being than the amount of care provided.