As people grow older, they want to continue living independently for as long as they can, despite health problems or age-related concerns. Adult children often worry about their parents’ situation – do they need, or want, our help? Parents, on the other hand, worry about needing day to day help, medical problems, and the fear of being burdensome for family members. So, either nothing gets said, or families get into arguments.

Most of us dread these conversations:

"We’re concerned about your health, mom. Why won’t you talk about it?"

"The children worry about us living on our own – they want us to move to assisted living. Why don’t they just stay out of our business?"

"I’m taking dad to doctor visits, organizing his meds, doing house work, and my brothers and sisters aren’t helping."

Why are these conversations difficult?
		We don’t know how to talk about these concerns. We don’t know where to begin. We don’t know what to ask. We worry if we bring it up it will just make things worse. We don’t want to get into old family arguments.
And, as a result, most of us never talk about these issues until a crisis occurs.

The "Family Conversations" facilitated meetings are a way for family members to come together for these important discussions. With the help of facilitators, families talk and listen to each other, and make plans in a respectful, caring, and supportive manner. Other caregivers and concerned people may also take part in these meetings – that’s a family decision.

In order for the meetings to be productive and focused, we work with each participant prior to coming together as a group. We meet ahead of time, often more than once to talk things over. This helps clarify issues, so everyone goes into the meeting prepared and ready to focus on the important concerns.

Some of the issues dealt with in a Family Meeting?

• Care giving
• Medical and health care concerns
• Housing
• Finances
• Transportation
• Family relationships and conflicts
• Communications
• Quality of life

Have some questions? Call us today and let us help your family.

Family Conversations – 952 884-1128
rich@familyconversations.com