Improving Outcomes of Hospitalized Elders and Caregivers

"Phase 1 in-hospital contact: Family caregivers complete baseline data, listen to a tape about helping the elderly relative cope with hospitalization, and work on a mutual agreement/identification of goals for participation in family member's hospital care (i.e., selection of two complications to focus on based on patient's illness condition)~Phase 2 pre-hospital discharge: Family caregivers listen to a second tape about coping with the hospital experience, participating in their family member's in-hospital care, and preparing for hospital discharge/transition to home"

"Phase 1 in-hospital contact: Family caregivers complete baseline data and listen to an informational tape about hospital policies.~Phase 2 pre-hospital discharge: Family caregivers listen to a second informational tape about the hospital and medical center."