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Elderly Patients and their Accompanying Caregivers on Medical Visits

University of Illinois at Rockford, michaelg{at}uic.edu

Thomas Prohaska

University of Illinois at Chicago

Judith Gravdal

Lutheran General Hospital

This study examines how elderly patients and caregivers view the roles and assistance of caregivers in the health care decisions and medical encounters of older patients. Patients and their accompanying caregivers (e.g., family, friends, neighbors) at four clinics were surveyed on patient-caregiver interactions about health-related issues; frequency and importance of caregiver accompaniment on medical visits; reasons for caregiver accompaniment; health characteristics of patients and caregivers, including depression symptoms; and demographic information. Compared with patients not accompanied, patients accompanied on medical visits were more likely to be women, have lower incomes, and experience worse physical and mental health status. Findings provide evidence of the "advocate" and supportive roles played by informal care-givers of elderly patients. The high level of depression symptoms is an issue for physicians.

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