The increasing number of aging adults in the United States population calls for an increased number of caregivers. Post-acute care settings are confronted with changes in reimbursement structures which have led to decreased lengths of stay within an institution with skilled caregivers and a discharge to home with informal caregivers; hence, there is a need for improved training of caregivers and family members in order to effectively manage the care of their loved ones at home. The quality of life of caregivers also needs to be considered in order for them to maintain their caregiving role. Therapists will be trained in a four-hour continuing education course regarding the family-centered care model and its implications to practice in a geriatric setting. The effects on the patients when caregivers are incorporating into treatment will be analyzed and effective communication strategies to use with adult caregivers and family members will also be discussed in order to improve carryover of therapy recommendations.
