Researchers Examine Phenomenon of Women Caring for Ex-Husbands as In-Home Caregiver for Seniors in San Diego County and Elsewhere

 

Here’s a fascinating story that reflects a small but growing trend that we’ve been seeing here at A Servant’s Heart Care Solutions.  It’s a preliminary report on an ongoing study at the University of Missouri about women serving as caregivers for their ex-husbands.   We’ve provided a few excerpts and a link to the entire report below.

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Researchers Examine Phenomenon of Women Caring for Ex-Husbands

University of Missouri study reveals unique experiences of ex-wives as caregivers

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The aging population, 65 years and older, includes nearly 3.8 million divorced men and women, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Illnesses and end-of-life issues can be particularly difficult for singles without spouses or designated caregivers. An ongoing study from the University of Missouri explores what it is like for exes who care for their former spouses, offering support, assistance with daily tasks and management of health needs.

“The concept of women as caregivers for their ex-husbands is largely unexplored,” said Teresa Cooney, associate professor in the College of Human Environmental Sciences. “To date, our study is the first to examine this form of caregiving. Initial findings suggest that it is more common than expected and that the experience is highly variable for caregivers.”

“Compared to traditional caregiving, there are unique issues involved with providing care for former spouses,” Proulx said. “A surprising number of the women reported continued involvement with their ex-husbands post-divorce. A strong motivator for women to become caregivers is related to their desire to maintain relationships, not with ex-husbands, but typically with their children. It appears that having shared children with an ex might facilitate emotional attachment. Women also might try to shield their children from the demands of caregiving.”

For the complete story, see: Researchers Examine Phenomenon of Women Caring for Ex-Husbands

Originally posted 2011-04-19 11:30:14.

Tim Colling
Tim Colling

Tim Colling is the founder and President of A Servant's Heart In-Home Care, which provided in-home caregiving services in San Diego County, and also of A Servant's Heart Geriatric Care Management, which provided
professional geriatric care management services and long term care placement services in San Diego County. Tim has more than 30 years of experience in management in a variety of industries. He held a Certified Care Manager credential from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. Tim is also a Certified Public Accountant (retired), and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from California State University at San Diego. In addition to writing blog posts here for the Servant’s Heart blog, Tim also is a regular contributor to HealthLine.com and to FamilyAffaires.com as well as blogs of other eldercare services provider companies. Finally, Tim is also the president of A Servant's Heart Web Design and Marketing, which provides home care marketing as well as website design and online marketing for those who serve the elderly and their families.

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