{"id":22856,"date":"2026-03-11T13:45:23","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T13:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/uncategorized\/tips-for-successful-family-meetings\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T06:15:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T06:15:07","slug":"tips-for-successful-family-meetings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/positive-living\/health-and-wellness\/caregiving\/family-caregiving\/advice-for-caregivers\/tips-for-successful-family-meetings\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Successful Family Meetings"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lauri Scharf, LSW, MSHS, is a Care Consultant & Master Trainer at <\/em>Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Life is more complex than any family drama from the golden age of television may have had us believe. When mom, dad and the kids faced a sticky problem, they generally had it neatly resolved within the running time of that week\u2019s episode\u2014and pass the mashed potatoes.<\/p>\n

Actual family dynamics tend to make problem-solving far dicier. When the real-life issue is an older parent who needs care, it can be especially difficult to reach a consensus of all involved. Maybe the bulk of the caregiving has fallen to the oldest daughter who has very specific ideas on the way forward but can\u2019t seem to bring her siblings on board. The middle child always seems to be too busy with kids and a job to pitch in or come up with solutions. The \u201cgolden child\u201d just talked to Dad, who said everything was fine and not to worry. Resentments are starting to boil over and any possible plan seems to have stalled at idle. Someone reluctantly proposes a family meeting. Now what?<\/p>\n

Unwelcome as they may be, family meetings can be an invaluable method of working through problems and reaching good solutions. The process allows every family member to air thoughts and concerns and in doing so, to hear one another out. Holding a focused conversation in the service of a parent who needs attention can do much to clear up misinformation, and to prepare the best possible way forward. Here are some tips to plan for and carry out successful family meetings:<\/p>\n

Preparing for the meeting <\/strong><\/p>\n

Planning ahead for a family meeting is as important as the actual meeting. First consider why it is you\u2019re meeting. The logistics of bringing everyone together means coordinating schedules, but if the reason for the discussion is especially pressing\u2014for example, your father is declining and your mother needs immediate assistance\u2014then coordinating schedules, while challenging, is necessary. <\/p>\n

If you do have to arrange a family meeting to discuss the care of a parent, it can be helpful to:<\/p>\n