A “family meeting” is a chance for spouses, children and others to discuss the care of the person with dementia.  It helps families identify needs, share responsibilities and come up with 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.  Take a few moments to review the tips for holding a family meeting.

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 making 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.

Progression Series: Late Stage

A Handbook for Care

Visit the Discussion Forums, where you can post, in a common area, messages to all other community members.   It’s a place for you to interact with others and to share tips for working together as a family.

At any time, you may scroll to the Search bar at the top of the page and type a specific question or topic.