Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore from the case managers’ perspective how they work with family caregivers. Eighteen social workers from 5 community based case management agencies completed an online survey about their work family caregivers. Case managers indicated involvement with family caregivers in the areas of assessment, creating a care plan, education, making referrals, advocacy and assistance with problem solving. Case managers indicated that they typically complete the assessment with a caregiver present and invite the caregiver to participate in creating the care plan. Respondents indicated they provide updates less than once a month and use email to provide those updates. Case managers provide education materials to caregivers about community resources and assist them with problem solving related to home care services. When offered the opportunity to comment on their work with family caregivers, case managers emphasized the importance of family involvement and the role of the client in making decisions about the nature and level of family involvement as they are able. Implications for practice and research are also addressed.