What do Psychologists Need to Know to Help Family Caregivers?
Domains of Knowledge
The courses and treatments, as well as psychological sequelae, of common medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, developmental disabilities, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, chronic pain).
Family development and systems.
Typical caregiver experiences (“strains and gains”).
Health and psychosocial consequences of caregiving.
Social, cultural and spiritual contexts of caregiving.
Interprofessional health care service delivery models (e.g., patient-centered medical home) including strategies for involving the caregiver and care recipient. A useful resource related to this domain of knowledge is the online book-based exam, "Blueprint for Change: Integrated Health Care for an Aging Population" (APA, 2008).
