Hospitalization of a spouse increases the risk of death of a caregiving partner

This was a large, observational study with a long period of follow-up designed to evaluate the effect of the hospitalization of an older spouse on the mortality of the caregiving partner. The results of the study suggest that serious spousal illness resulting in hospitalization, and spousal death, appear to be independently associated with an increased risk of death of the partner. Thus, interventions providing support to the caregiver should be considered in the event of an older patient being hospitalized.