Caregivers are very special people who have been called upon to set aside their lives for the care of someone else. Caregivers have very special needs.

1. Assist Caregivers in balancing their roles as coach, delegate and provider; in managing both their own emotional conflicts as well as intra-family conflicts; and in developing or maintaining a positive partnership relationship with the care recipient.
   
2. Assist Caregivers in developing coping mechanisms and locating support resources.
   
3. Assist Caregivers in recognizing the stages (both current and future) of the care recipient's illness or condition, and encourage planning that includes recognizable decision making benchmarks and financial realities.
   
4. Coordinate services and equipment that will be needed at home before the care recipient leaves the hospital; including homemakers, companions, live-ins, shoppers, drivers, etc.
   
5. Identify "handicap living" requirements within the residence (e.g., wider doorways, showers, etc.) Coordinate with contractors and oversee projects.
   
6. Support Caregivers in making nursing home decisions; locating an appropriate facility, applying for appropriate medical and financial assistance, and coordinating the move.
   
7. Consult with Caregivers and family as to phases of disease, particularly Alzheimer's and Parkinsons, and the affects of these diseases on the Caregivers and the family.
   
8. Serve as a surrogate decision maker when needed.