The family in physical therapy

Family Focus is a training program implemented by the Division of Physical Therapy at Stanford University in cooperation with the Mental Research Institute of Palo Alto, California. Through this program, inpatients at the Stanford University Hospital and their families have the opportunity to live in a modular home on the hospital grounds prior to discharge and receive training in the activities they will need to carry out at home. Psychologists consult with the physical therapists on ways to help the family cope with stressful situations. The advantages of including the entire family in health care planning and treatment are described and suggestions are made for applying the principles in any physical therapy setting.