Abstract
Data from 559 family caregivers revealed that the majority (53%) of the elderly care recipients were incontinent. Although incontinence was not related to reports of social activity restrictions or health deterioration by the caregivers, it was related to perceived negative affect in family relations and to considering an alternative care arrangement. These results suggest that interventions directed to the management of incontinence in the home setting and its impact on family relationships may help to sustain family care and alleviate some of the stress on caregivers.