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Abstract
Physician Assistants (PAs) within the United States are increasingly responsible for the care of older adults and their caregivers. However, their knowledge of the support needed by caregivers is unknown. There is a dearth of information about how healthcare professionals (i.e., PA) interact with caregivers and identification of existing knowledge gaps. Analyses indicated that only 3.95% of the respondents specialized in geriatrics with approximately half with training about caregivers. Most referred caregivers to resources, yet unfamiliarity with available resources led to referrals not being provided. Topics discussed with caregivers included medication, health coordination, disease process, stress/burnout, living arrangements, and nutrition/meals. Respondents needed information about legal/financial planning, caregiver health, stress/burnout, and patient's management. Building a geriatric workforce to meet the needs of this growing national and international population requires healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable and trained to be able to provide support and care for the caregivers of older adults.