Recognizing the family caregiver: integral and formal members of the rehabilitation process

Issue title: Spinal Cord Injury

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Elliott, Timothy R.^; | Shewchuk, Richard M.

Affiliations: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Spain Rehabilitation Center, 1717 Sixth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233-7330, USA | Department of Health Administration, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Spain Rehabilitation Center, 1717 Sixth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233-7330, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 205 9343454; Fax: + 1 205 9754691; E-mail: elliott@sun.rehabm.uab.edu.

Abstract: Radical and emerging changes in health care service delivery systems and steady increases in the number of chronic health conditions have shifted more responsibility to family caregivers of people with disabilities. These caregivers essentially operate as formal health care providers who receive little or no recognition, support, or preparation from health care systems. In this article, major societal and psychological issues in caregiving are discussed. We also explore interventions to prepare and assist caregivers that effectively integrate them into the rehabilitation process.

Keywords: Caregivers, Family, Rehabilitation, Physical disability, Health care providers

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1998-10206

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 123-132, 1998