Family support
The family meeting guide
One structured hour prevents weeks of misfiring group messages. Here is a format that works.
FamilyCaregiver
Before
- Agree the purpose in one sentence and send it out in advance.
- Ask the patient what they want said, and whether they want to be there.
- Pick a time that suits the fewest excuses, and cap it at one hour.
- Include people who are far away by phone or video — exclusion breeds conflict.
- Ask everyone to bring one concern and one offer of help.
The agenda
- 1Five minutes: where things stand medically, from the agreed point of contact.
- 2Ten minutes: the patient's own wishes, in their words if possible.
- 3Fifteen minutes: what needs doing — the task list, read out loud.
- 4Fifteen minutes: who does what, by when. Write names against tasks.
- 5Ten minutes: money, paperwork and legal items.
- 6Five minutes: what we will each do to look after ourselves, and when we meet next.
Rules for the room
- One person speaks at a time; everyone gets a turn before anyone gets a second.
- No re-litigating the past.
- Disagreement is allowed; contempt is not.
- Decisions get written down and circulated the same day.
- If it becomes heated, break for ten minutes rather than pushing through.
Where to go next
Afya Companion offers education and self-help support. It does not diagnose, treat or replace care from your doctor, nurse, psychologist or dietitian. If something in your health changes, speak to your care team.