A case manager's practical tips for family caregivers.

Care plans are developed to meet the needs of persons suffering from a dementia or a chronic, debilitating disease. Nurses, social workers, physicians, physical therapists, and other health care professionals create the care plans, primarily with the care recipient in mind. Yet, often, it is the family caregiver who must provide the majority of home care. Who considers this caregiver's needs? This article focuses on the informal, family caregiver, often untrained, who must follow the care plan, with or without help from the professionals. It offers practical suggestions to help these caregivers carry out their role with productive and satisfying results.