Interventions for aged family members

Is Mrs. B's family unusual? Is this a hypothetical situation made too dramatic? The answer is no, to both questions. This situation is real, the family is real, and a typical, elderly spouse was driven to feel helpless and out of control, experiencing what no person should ever go through, and needing to reevaluate and rethink her whole future. Hospitalization for a critical injury can disrupt even the most highly organized and functional family. Family-focused care may mitigate family stress by providing support based on the unique needs of each family. As Mrs. B's family illustrates, the family members may have suffered as much pain as the patient. They, too, deserve special attention and consideration. Their reactions are typical and manageable, and professionals who are interested in the welfare and functioning of the family must ensure that the family of the patient receives adequate and appropriate care, no matter what their age.