What are some of the typical issues dealt with in a Family Meeting?
Working together to deal with important decisions around present and future care
and well being. For families concerned about their parents, grandparents or
themselves. These issues might include:
Care giving
Medical and health care concerns
Housing needs and options
Transportation
Social interaction - quality of life - isolation
Family relationships and conflicts
Communications
Grandparents raising grandchildren
Financial
Retirement
Elder abuse
What is a Family Matters™ Family Meeting?
This a family centered, culturally relevant, strength-based decision making process. People trained in the Family Group Decision Making model of family conferences organize it. They are skilled, neutral facilitators. Their job is to support the process, not to take sides. It is a voluntary program, and no one is forced to attend the meetings. Each family decides who will be there, and it could include a wide variety of people who support and are concerned about your family. The goal is to create a plan of action specifically tailored to the needs of each family. This process gives you the tools and opportunity to create a unique plan yourself, with as much, or as little, assistance from the facilitators.
Why is it useful, and what do we hope to accomplish?
Often family members have a difficult time dealing with "aging" issues such as the ones listed above. People may be uncomfortable talking about certain topics; not understand what's happening to them; or have communication and conflict issues that must be addressed first.
During the pre-meeting phase, coordinators have a chance to talk with, and listen to, close family members, other relatives, friends, service providers and anyone else who might have an interest in the older adults well being. Part of their role is to explain the Family Matters™ Family Meeting process; identify and meet with people who will be invited to attend the meeting; help people clarify reasons for requesting the meeting; recognize people who can offer various forms of support; and identify family strengths and resources.
Who are considered "family"? Anyone who cares about the older adults; everyone who is important to the Elder's life. This may include children, close relatives, extended family members and other friends who are considered "part of the family".
The goals are for people to be able to share thought, feelings, concerns and hope in a safe, supportive environment. The meeting is designed to promote the creation of a unique family plan that addresses specific issues identified by the family. Other goals include sharing responsibility for improving family relationships; increasing safety for older adults, and empowering family voices. It is hoped this collaboration among family members and service providers (if necessary), will result in closer and more productive future communication by the group.
Steps in the Process:
1. The coordinator meets with the person who requests the Family Matters™ Family Meeting to describe the process, create the invitation list, and discuss a time and location for the meeting. 2. The coordinator meets with invited "family" members and service providers and explains the process and listens to their input. 3. The coordinator arranges a place, date and time for the meeting. 4. People gather for the meeting and the facilitators help with introductions, make sure everyone understands the purpose of the meeting - why we're here, and organizes the information sharing time. Next comes the identification of strengths and concerns. 5. The family then discusses how to create a plan that addresses their concerns. This can be as Family Alone Time, where facilitators and service providers leave the room, or the family can choose to request the facilitators stay. The choice is up to the family. 6. Once a plan is created the family presents the plan; and they may request feedback. The goal is to have a supported plan. 7. Sometimes a second meeting may be necessary because participants may have "homework". They might have to get additional information, check on supports or services, or may need more time to discuss the issues. 8. Once a final plan is agreed to, the facilitator takes notes, makes sure everyone is in agreement and understands the plan, and gets a copy of the plan to everyone. Possible future meeting dates can be discussed and specific people are identified who can monitor the plan and be called if any assistance is needed.
Training:
Training is available for FGDM administrators, coordinators and facilitators.
A two-day training includes: information about aging and older adults - their social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual sides. Types of cases and potential referral sources. Issues that face older adults and their families.
The training is a combination of lecture and experiential exercises. We utilize writing, reflection, small and large group discussions, and role plays to help people practice using skills, tips and techniques we discuss and demonstrate during the workshop.
We are currently setting up training dates for the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota area.
We are also available to travel to your location for on-site training. Please contact us for further information.
Who can benefit from using this process?
These are just some of the people, agencies, businesses and organizations who could make use of this process.
Older adults, retirees, seniors
Adult children with aging parents or other relatives
Medical facilities and HMOs
Hospice organizations
Nursing Homes, assisted living buildings, retirement communities
