Everyone in the family is affected when an aging adult needs care. That’s why it’s important to have a family meeting regarding a caregiver. When it’s time to call a family meeting to discuss care needs and a possible move to an assisted living community, it’s important that everyone involved shows up and actively participates. As your parents age, the situation will call for more money, energy, and time to give them the care they need.
Of course, as soon as you say the words “family meeting,” don’t be surprised to see some people run from the room. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A family meeting can be successful and easier than people automatically assume. With that in mind, we’re going to offer some tips as to how to generally conduct a successful family meeting.
Decide on Attendance
By this, we mean who should attend. This is more likely than not a family affair, so before you begin, define “family.” Anyone who will be part of the care team seeing to your loved one’s needs should be included. This can include paid caregivers, close friends, and extended family, as well as immediate family.
Whether or not the loved one in question will be at each meeting will need to be decided by you and other family members. Their attendance and/or absence have both pros and cons.
Beginning the Meeting
Thanks to Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, and other apps, everyone can join in the meeting, even if they are not in the same city. This way, no one can say they were left out. Prepare an agenda so the meeting runs smoothly and share it with others so they know what to expect.
The Meeting Itself
Here are some of the things that need to be settled where the meeting is concerned:
- Location/time for the meeting
- Make sure everyone has their say
- Set the groundwork before diving headfirst into problem-solving
- Make sure everyone remains respectful
- Make sure that any responsibilities and/or agreements are clear
- One meeting may not do it, so plan on meeting on a regular basis if you need to
Challenges You May Face
Though we are trying to make the entire process easier, challenges can arise. Sometimes, within families, there is history and emotional baggage that tends to get in the way. Every person deals differently with decline, illness, and death, so keep an open mind when and wherever possible. Consider bringing a mediator into the group if it becomes necessary.
Agreement – Or At Least Partial Agreement
You may need to work toward a general agreement rather than trying to find a solution that’s perfect. Not everyone will agree on everything. In some cases, you may need to agree to disagree on certain aspects. You may need another meeting as a follow-up. Make the decisions that need to be made immediately first, and consider attacking the rest at a later point in time if need be.
Introduce Your Elderly Parent to The Park Oak Grove
The Park Oak Grove assures residents an active, engaging lifestyle. Independence is encouraged but attentive care is there where and when it’s needed. The Park Oak Grove is located just southwest of Roanoke’s downtown area. Your loved one can enjoy the perfect blend of personalized service and care, signature lifestyle programs, and more. We provide a vast array of amenities to create a welcoming, warm community that your loved one can call home.
For sales and leasing inquiries, please contact us at 540-348-2669. Any other questions can be asked of a representative by calling 540-989-9501. You can also use our convenient online form to open the lines of communication.
Best of all, you can set up a tour and bring your loved one with you so that, together, you can see all we have to offer.
