Abstract
This article considers the neglected problem of assessment of family function relevant to the placement and level of care for persons with long-term disabilities. An examination of both practical clinical issues and policy shows the need for improved means of assessing families. A review of the literature on family assessment shows the mixed success of past attempts to quantify family structure, dynamics, and support. Data from a prospective study involving an experimental measure of Family Help Available (FHA) are then presented. FHA was found to be a strong predictor of nursing home placement and disability support costs. Nursing home versus home residence could be predicted with 94% accuracy, but only by using both FHA and disability. Greater FHA was essential to compensate for greater patient disability. One can neither place a disabled patient nor understand disability-related costs without assessment of family support.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 38-53 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Caregiver
- Costs
- Family function
- Functional assessment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation
- Geriatrics and Gerontology