Educating caregivers of geriatric rehabilitation consumers

As patients are being discharged "sicker and quicker," family caregivers have become increasingly responsible for the technical care and rehabilitation of older family members. Although they play a critical role in the rehabilitation of older patients, they are rarely included in the patient teaching process. This article offers suggestions for the development of educational materials for older family caregivers based on the andragogical theory of adult education. Recommendations include supplementing video with printed materials, a strategy for creating understandable printed materials, using the Web as a teaching tool, and verbal communication strategies.