Altered Roles

Elderly individuals whose partners have been placed in long term care experience unique problems as they attempt to cope with the drastic changes in their lives. The "community spouses" in this study expressed loneliness, an inability to get on with their lives, and difficulties related to the placement itself as major problems areas in adjusting to a new role. The uniqueness of their situation makes it difficult for family and friends to fully understand issues related to being a community spouse. This paper discusses these issues as well as social work intervention strategies that may help community spouses cope with their difficult role.