A “family meeting” is a chance for spouses, children, and others to discuss the care of a person with dementia. It helps families identify needs, share responsibilities, and devise a plan that will best serve the person and the family as a whole.

A family meeting respects the persons’ wishes and prior decisions.  It also acknowledges and supports the primary care partner.

Download and print a copy of the activity sheet below. Then, take a few moments to review the tips for holding a family meeting.

Tips for Holding a Family Meeting

Download File 

How a Family Meeting Can Help

A well-planned family meeting can help to:

• build understanding about changes in the person’s health or ability to function.
• increases communication and sharing of caregiving responsibilities.
• find solutions and make tough caregiving decisions.

It can be challenging for family members to agree on what to do, but through talking and understanding, conflict can be reduced, and crisis decision-making avoided. The Alzheimer Society can connect you with professional support from counsellors, social workers, and family mediators.

,

More Learning Resources

Progression Series: Late Stage

A Handbook for Care

,