Assessing and Supporting Caregivers of the Elderly

When treating the frail elderly population, clinicians must be cognizant of each of their patients' abilities and limitations. Critical to this awareness is exactly how these patients will function when discharged from their care. In determining exactly how patients will function once discharged, clinicians must determine the state of the caregiving dyad and be aware of its multidimensional nature. An insight into the caregiving dyad is offered, along with frequently used screening/assessment tools, such that astute clinicians may direct the dyad to essential services and education.