Regular meetings can help families work together to support an older adult.
Meetings that improve family dynamics often:
Help family members share information or make decisions or plans together
Focus on the older adult's needs, wishes and priorities
Include all family members who help make or carry out decisions
Are held at times and places convenient for as many people as possible
Use phone or video conferencing to allow more family members to join
Have an agenda, or list of specific things to discuss
Review what was discussed in the last meeting
Create a shared record of decisions and plans made
Recognize the contributions of each family member
Set and follow ground rules
Ground rules for good communication during family meetings may include:
We will take turns speaking.
We will listen to and not interrupt each other.
We will ask questions and try to understand others.
We will share concerns without blaming or attacking others.
We can ask to take a break.
Scheduling family meetings, coming up with agendas and taking notes are important tasks that can be rotated between family members or that certain people take on.