Making medical decisions for a hospitalised older relative can be so stressful that about 30 per cent of carers had moderate to severe depression and 14 per cent had symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder even two months after the relative was discharged.

But family members may be less traumatised and make better decisions when they receive support from healthcare workers, a study suggests.

Making medical decisions for a hospitalised older relative can take a toll on mental health. Credit:Louie Douvis

Nearly half of hospitalised older adults need help communicating and making healthcare decisions, and caregivers often experience stress while helping their loved ones, researchers write in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

As the population ages, millions of older adults are admitted to the hospital each year in Australia and the United States.