Senior care family meetings can be successful by first establishing some ground rules.

“It takes a village” was never a more accurate statement than when caring for a senior loved one. It’s necessary for that “village” to keep up effective, ongoing communication in order to offer the best care and be certain that everyone involved with care is on the same page. It is also critical for family caregivers to have the possibility to express concerns and to come together to get to resolutions, to express various perspectives, and also to continue to be proactive in preparing for the future.

Holding senior care family meetings that produce positive outcomes includes thinking through the following:

• Who should be included – and who should not? Certainly, those providing direct or indirect care for the senior loved one should attend, in addition to any others with a vested concern in the senior’s health and wellbeing. Nonetheless, also keep in mind that while every meeting ought to include the integral members of the older adult’s care team, there could possibly be opportunities to include others as well, depending on the meeting’s agenda. And in case you fear that emotions may run high, it could be extremely beneficial to enlist assistance from an objective, trustworthy mediator.
• Should the older loved one attend? There is no blanket answer, but be cautious about whether the conversation may cause the senior loved one to feel guilty or uncomfortable, or whether she or he may have important insight to share. Many times, family members have the ability to open up and share more honestly when meetings take place without the senior loved one present.
• What’s your agenda? Determine the exact challenges to be discussed, getting input from attendees, and then provide the agenda to all. Pledge to stick to the items listed, and to postpone any other matters (apart from emergencies) until the next meeting.
• Where will you meet? Technology provides an excellent venue for hosting meetings for family spread out by geographic location; however, for in-person meetings, it’s crucial that you select a place 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, is ideal.
• Have you specified boundaries? Think about rules that everyone can agree on ahead of the meeting, such as abstaining from judging others, listening with an open mind, and ensuring a tone of respect throughout the meeting. As the meeting progresses, take notes, and go over the notes together at the end of the conversation to make certain that everyone is in agreement on choices and commitments made.

The professional care team in senior home care in Birmingham, MI and the surrounding areas at Relevar Home Care is available to attend and facilitate family meetings for our clients, and also to present solutions to concerns raised. Give us a call at 888-493-3513 any time for assistance and to learn more about our top-rated senior home care in Birmingham, MI and the surrounding communities!