Try these tips for successful family meetings.“It takes a village” was never a more accurate statement than when caring for an adult family member. As family caregivers, communication is necessary for that “village” to provide the very best senior care in Burbank and surrounding areas. This allows for everyone involved in care to be on the same page. It’s also critical for family caregivers to have the chance to express concerns and different perspectives, and also to continue to be proactive in planning for the future.
Holding family meetings that yield positive results includes thinking through the following:
- Who should always be included– and who should not? Certainly, those providing direct or indirect care for the senior should attend, including any others with a vested interest in theolder adult’s health and wellness. Also take into account that while each and every meeting should include the essential members of the older adult’s care team, there could possibly be opportunities to include others as well, based upon the meeting’s agenda. And if you worry that emotions may run high, it could be exceedingly beneficial to enlist the help of an objective, dependable mediator.
- Should the senior loved one take part in the meeting? There is no blanket answer to cover all circumstances, but think carefully about whether the discussion may cause your loved one to feel guilty or uncomfortable, or whether he or she could have invaluable insight to share with you. Very often, members of the family are able to open up and share more honestly when meetings take place without the senior loved one present.
- What is your agenda? Establish the precise challenges to be discussed, get feedback from attendees, and then provide the agenda to all. Pledge to follow those items listed, and to postpone any other topics (aside from emergencies) until the next meeting.
- Where should you meet? Technology provides an excellent venue for hosting meetings for family scattered by geographic location, nevertheless for in-person meetings, it’s critical to pick a location that will be free from distractions, and that will be most comfortable for everybody. Often a neutral location, such as a library meeting room or local restaurant, is most effective.
- Have you established boundaries? Consider rules that most everyone can agree on before meeting, for instance refraining from judging each other, listening with an open mind, and promising a tone of respect throughout the meeting. As the meeting progresses, make notes, and go over the notes together at the conclusion of the conversation making sure that all family caregivers are communicating clearly and in agreement on decisions and commitments made.
The professional care team at JFS Care is available to join and facilitate family meetings for our clients, and to present answers to concerns raised. Give us a call at (213) 383-2273 or contact us any time to learn more about our senior care in Burbank and surrounding areas!