The holidays are hectic, but sometimes it's the best time to have a family meeting because everyone is already together. You may want to talk to your senior loved one(s) about caretaking needs or other family concerns, but you don't want it to feel like an ambush. So, how can you achieve this? What's the best way to have a family meeting without making it feel like an ambush?
Plan It Beforehand
Nobody wants to go into a family meeting unprepared. Trying to talk about a serious issue without a plan can result in a lot of arguing. If you want someone to lead the meeting, determine that before anything else. Let the best speaker do the talking so it doesn't result in everyone talking over each other. Plan out the entire thing before setting a date for the meeting. Make sure everyone knows who is going to talk about what and which issues are going to be addressed. If possible, make notes on the topics you're going to address and which person will talk about them.
Don't Talk Over Each Other
Everyone will have something to say, but nothing should be said at the same time. This is why it's so important to plan everything ahead of time. If it turns into arguing, your senior loved one(s) will feel as though the meeting was an ambush.
Have Fun Before the Meeting
The holidays are supposed to be a fun time where you can enjoy being with family, so it shouldn't start off on a sour note. Let the holiday activities and dinners come first, and then call the meeting. Make sure everyone has had the chance to enjoy themselves, including your senior loved one.
Tell Your Loved One There Will Be a Meeting
Telling someone there will be a family meeting doesn't necessarily make them feel as though it will be a bad thing. Anxiety can heighten more negative emotions and that can lead to an argument. Instead of making this a surprise meeting, tell your senior loved one beforehand, even if you don't tell them what it will be about. Don't ruin the holidays with the anticipation of a negative event!
Don't Start Off on a Negative Note
While you may want to get right to the point of the meeting, it's best not to start off with it right away. Make sure your senior loved one knows you have nothing against them, that you love having them around, but you think they may need a little more help than you can provide. Have a few places or senior care providers in mind and let them think about what will be right for them. Everyone has different needs, and your loved one will know what kind of help they want.
Senior Helpers of Spring Hill
The holidays may be tough, but allow Senior Helpers of Spring Hill to lift some of the weight off your shoulders. If you need at-home senior care for yourself or a loved one, consider contacting us and we'll be glad to let you know what we can do for you. We serve Spring Hills, Hernando/Citrus, Brooksville, Zephyrhills, and several other towns in the Spring Hill area.