Most deaths in the US are preceded by an extended period of time durin
g which one or more family members provide health and support services
to their disabled relative. The high prevalence and significance of d
isability and death have generated two large but separate empirical li
teratures: studies of family caregiving and research on the effects of
bereavement. The purpose of this review is to facilitate the converge
nce of these two content areas. First, we describe and evaluate separa
tely the theoretical perspectives used to explain caregiving and berea
vement outcomes and consider how these frameworks can be applied to th
e bereavement process for family caregivers. Second, existing findings
on caregiving and bereavement are summarized. Third, methodological s
trengths and weaknesses of the current research are identified and rec
ommendations for future research are made. Examination of the existing
literature shows few negative consequences and several positive outco
mes associated with the death of the care recipient. Predictive analys
es suggest that the availability of support during caregiving and the
quality of the caregiving experience facilitate adaptation td bereavem
ent among former caregivers.