Authors

  1. Messecar, Deborah PhD, MPH, RN, CNS
  2. Powers, Bethel Ann PhD, RN
  3. Nagel, Corey L. MS, MPH, RN

Overview

Family members are an important but often underappreciated resource in caring for hospitalized older adults. The Family Preferences Index is a 14-item approach to exploring caregivers' personal choices for participating in the care of hospitalized older adult family members. It can be administered as a structured interview or as a questionnaire. Higher scores indicate a greater preference to participate in care. The nurse can use the responses to the index to plan care that builds a partnership with the family. To watch a free video demonstrating the use of the index, go to http://links.lww.com/A296.