Penny Pashby, MSW, RSW, Social Worker, Geriatric Program, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON.

Marcia Zalev, MSW, RSW, Social Worker, University Health Network Memory Clinic, Toronto, ON.

The complex issues faced by the family caregivers of dementia patients present many challenges for their physicians. The C.A.R.E. strategy provides a guideline for an effective approach to these challenges while strengthening the relationship of physicians with the caregivers in their practice.

Key words: family caregivers, well-being, stress, dementia care, physician role.