The family educator: a professional resource for families.

The family educator works with the client's family members to help in their understanding of their ill relative and to assist with managing the stress of the caregiver role. Families come to understand that they can join forces with the clinical team in helping their relative engage in a trial of treatment. Each treatment recommendation is explained to the family and decisions are arrived at by consensus through partnership meetings. Role modeling effective interaction approaches and providing assistance in generating alternative solutions to problematic situations are important functions of the family educator.