Abstract
Trauma nurses play a significant role in helping families learn about spinal cord injury (SCI) and postinjury care and adapt to the demands of becoming care providers. Nearly 20% of new SCIs occur in adults older than 60 years, which can pose additional challenges due to the combined effects of aging and injury. With little known about caregiver and family functioning of older SCI individuals, a literature review was undertaken to examine past research strategies and interventions employed. Conceptual and methodological issues are discussed, along with opportunities for future research regarding family functioning of older adults with SCI.