Patients with chronic illnesses and multiple comorbid conditions have intricate treatment protocols that require caregiver involvement, further complicating this already-difficult care. Because better treatments have extended the life spans of most patients with chronic illnesses, caregiver involvement often is required for several years. Many family caregivers report they don't have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide sustained care for a person with a chronic illness, so they lack confidence and feel unprepared. Caregivers say they receive little guidance from providers, that they don't know how to assume the caregiver role, that they aren't familiar with the type and amount of care needed, and that they don't know how to access and utilize resources. Their feelings of uncertainty contribute to their distress. This article discusses the knowledge and skills that family caregivers need to provide care.