“It takes a village” was never a truer statement than when caring for an older loved one, and it’s important for that “village” to maintain effective, ongoing communication between each family caregiver in order to provide the best care, and to ensure that everyone involved in care is on the same page. It’s also crucial for family caregivers to have the opportunity to express concerns and to work together to come to resolutions, to share different perspectives, and to remain proactive in planning for the future.
Holding family meetings that yield positive results includes thinking through the following:
- Who should be included – and who should not? Certainly, those providing direct or indirect care for the senior should attend, as well as any others with a vested interest in the senior’s health and wellbeing. Yet also keep in mind that while each meeting should include the key members of the senior’s care team, there may be opportunities to include others as well, based upon the meeting’s agenda. And if you fear emotions may run high, it can be extremely helpful to enlist the help of an objective, trusted mediator.
- Should the older loved one attend? There’s no blanket answer to cover all situations, but think carefully about whether the discussion might cause the senior to feel guilty or uncomfortable, or whether he or she may have valuable insight to share. Many times, family members are able to open up and share more honestly when meetings are held without the older adult present.
- What’s your agenda? Determine the exact issues to be discussed, getting input from attendees, and then distribute the agenda to all. Agree to stick to the items listed, and to shelve any other topics (aside from emergencies) until the next meeting.
- Where will you meet? Technology provides a wonderful venue for hosting meetings for family scattered by geographic location, but for in-person meetings, it’s important to select a location that will be free from distractions, and that will be most comfortable for all. Often a neutral location, such as a library meeting room or local restaurant, works best.
- Have you set boundaries? Think through rules that all can agree on prior to meeting, such as refraining from judging others, listening with an open mind, and ensuring a tone of respect throughout the meeting. As the meeting progresses, take notes, and review the notes together at the end of the conversation so that everyone is in agreement on decisions and commitments made.
The professional care team at Independence-4-Seniors Home Care is available to help attend and facilitate family caregiver meetings for our clients, and to offer solutions to concerns raised. Contact our DuPage County senior care team online or at (630) 323-4665 any time for help!