| Ambiguous loss is an unclear loss because the person living with dementia is alive, but they are not the same person to the family member. This construct is measured by the level of boundary ambiguity, which can manifest in caregiver immobilization, and alienation of the person living with dementia (Boss, 1977). The impact of ambiguous loss coping education in dementia caregiver support groups was examined. Additionally, factors such as caregiver relationship, duration of caregiving, and caregiver level of education with both boundary ambiguity and caregiver burden were examined. Finally, the association between boundary ambiguity and caregiver burden was studied. A correlation between boundary ambiguity and caregiver burden, particularly in lack of time or control was discovered. Gerontological researchers interested in ambiguous loss should examine the family members who do not attend support groups, the impact of the therapeutic writing on boundary ambiguity, and the role of ethnicity. |
